Current Student Frequently Asked Questions
How do I declare my major as microbiology?
First, you must have met the prerequisites to the concentration. If you have met this requirement, contact Dr. Caponetti at 974-6219.
How do I add a closed microbiology course (except 401/402/493/495)?
You should access Circle Park Online and attempt to add the class. The best time to do this is at the beginning of a semester when many students are making changes to their schedules. This is the only method of adding a course prior to the first day of the class. If you are unsuccessful, pick up a Drop/Add Slip at the advising center or any departmental office and bring it with you to the first class meeting. Speak with the instructor who may add you if space permits; have the instructor sign it and return the slip to the proper office (as indicated on the back).
How do I enroll in Microbiology 401, 402, 493, or 495?
Upper-division microbiology courses such as these are research-oriented classes. To enroll in such a class requires the permission of a microbiology department faculty member. Speak with the professor you wish to study with for the semester and attain his or her permission to work in the lab. Have him or her sign the Drop/Add Slip or otherwise indicate permission in writing (email is acceptable) and bring the verification to the Microbiology Office at M409 Walters Life Sciences.
In the case of Microbiology 495, specific permission must be obtained from the instructor.
I need to file a petition. What do I do?
Pick up the petition from Arts & Sciences Advising or our office and complete it. Arrange for your advisor to review, approve, and sign the petition. Once it has been signed, bring it to the Microbiology Office (M409 WLS) for approval by the department head. Once approved, it will be sent to Arts & Sciences for review; contact that office in 7-10 days to check the status (974-4483).
How do I schedule an appointment with my departmental advisor?
Once you have been assigned an advisor in our department, you should contact him or or to schedule an appointment. Faculty listings are located in the Faculty Pages of our site and you can find contact information for your assigned advisor there, or you may call the office (974-3441) and ask to speak with the professor to which you are assigned.
I have questions about my special circumstances that my advisor couldn't answer. How can I resolve the situation?
Contact our office (974-3441) or email the department head, Dr. Becker, to arrange a meeting for discussing your microbiology academic issues.