When preparing for the upcoming registration appointment, it is important to know that all Biology and Chemistry coursework have math pre-requisite course requirements. Math placement, whether established through placement testing, qualifying AP/IB/CLEP, or qualifying transfer coursework; is used to determine first semester major-related course recommendations for Life Sciences majors. The following chart can be used to give students a general idea of common course recommendations based on math placement and choice of major.
LRC 099 (0-29%)
LRC 099 and no other major requirement courses, recommend retesting
MATH 106 (30-60%)
Math 106 and no other major requirement courses, recommend retesting
MATH 150/155 (61-75%)
MATH 155 and CHEM 101 if BIOL BA
MATH 150 and CHEM 101 if CHEM BA/BS, BIOL BS, BIOC, BINF
MATH 151 (76-100%)
MATH 155 and CHEM 101 if BIOL BA
BIOL 141 and CHEM 101 if BIOL BS
MATH 151 and CHEM 101 if CHEM BA/BS, BIOC
BIOL 141, CHEM 101, and MATH 151 if BINF
SAMPLE SCHEDULES BY PLACEMENT
Below are sample schedules based upon math placement results. These generic schedules are to be used as an example of a typical first semester freshman schedule but it is important to note that ultimately a student’s schedule is unique and based upon the student’s individual needs and course availability.
MATH 106 PLACEMENT
- ALL MAJORS Math 106 (3 credits), GEP (3 credits), GEP (3 credits), GEP/ELECTIVE (3 credits), OPTIONAL GEP/ELECTIVE (3 credits) = 12-15 credits total
MATH 150/155 PLACEMENT
- BIOL BA: MATH 155 (4 credits), CHEM 101 (4 credits), GEP (3 credits), GEP (3 credits) = 14 credits total
- CHEM BA/BS, BIOL BS, BIOC, BINF: MATH 150 (4 credits) and CHEM 101 (4 credits), GEP (3 credits), GEP (3 credits) = 14 credits total
MATH 151 PLACEMENT
- BIOL BA: MATH 155 (4 credits), CHEM 101 (4 credits), GEP (3 credits), GEP (3 credits) = 14 credits total
- BIOL BS: MATH 151 (4 credits), CHEM 101 (4 credits), GEP (3 credits), GEP (3 credits) = 14 credits total
- CHEM BA/BS, BIOC: MATH 151 (4 credits), CHEM 101 (4 credits), GEP (3 credits), GEP (3 credits) = 14 credits total
- BINF: MATH 151 (4 credits), CHEM 101 (4 credits), BIOL 141 (4 credits), OPTIONAL GEP (3 credits) = 12-15 credits total
Students with pending Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, or Physics Advanced Placement (AP) scores at the time of their advising appointment should follow up with their respective advising representatives once scores are posted in order to determine if any schedule adjustments are necessary.
In particular those students who earned one of the following scores on the 2020 AP exams may need to adjust their schedule:
- Biology: score of 4 or 5
- Calculus AB or BC: score of 3, 4, or 5
- Chemistry: score of 4 or 5 (Note: In general, the CHEM AP (not matter the score) will not be accepted by most health professions programs. Those students with a qualifying AP score who elect to complete CHEM 101 at UMBC, advising follow up is not required.)
- Physics C (Mechanics or Electricity & Magnetics), Physics I, and Physics II: score of 4 or 5
- Physics B: score of 3, 4, or 5
For more information regarding transferable AP scores and course equivalencies, please refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.
As a matter of UMBC policy and procedure, students are responsible for the management of their academic careers. They are expected to familiarize themselves with resources such as the undergraduate catalog and the degree audit, and to remain informed of all published degree requirements and academic calendar dates. Failure to do so does not provide a basis for exceptions to academic requirements or policies. Although, students receive guidance from academic and faculty advisors, students must assume full responsibility for completing published degree requirements. – Statement of Student Responsibility for Meeting Requirements, UMBC 2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog