The BIOS Program

The Biology Intensive Orientation Session (BIOS) is a rigorous academic program designed to enhance student success in life science majors.
BIOS immerses students in college-level biology coursework, and encourages interactions among academically like-minded students in the week just before the Fall semester.
The BIOS experience includes lectures, discussions, writing and test experiences and engagement in a group project for presentation.
Students are also embedded in campus life and become familiar with dorm living, dining halls, the layout of campus.
Most importantly students meet each other, work together on challenging projects, and have a chance to develop friendships and study groups that can last for their entire college career and beyond.
For more information about BIOS, please contact Susan Bronstein (sbronstein@acad.umass.edu, 413-545-5742).

BIOS Schedule

BIOS 2012
Here is an outline of the BIOS week.

BIOS Application form

Please complete the following form to apply to the BIOS 2012 program.

Costs

The 2012 fee for the BIOS program is $650. In addition, students live with other BIOS students on campus for the duration of the program and the room and board charges are $215.

Financial aid is offered at a rate that corresponds with your academic year award; please indicate your interest in receiving financial aid when you complete your application.

Final billing for BIOS will appear on your normal academic bill distributed by the Bursar’s office.

Room and Board

Housing:
BIOS students are expected to register at the residence hall between 3:00 – 5:00pm Saturday, August 25, 2012.
BIOS students will be housed together from arrival, Saturday, August 25, 2012 through Tuesday morning, August 28, 2012.

All BIOS students will be moved to their permanent residence hall Tuesday morning, August 28, 2012. Students will be assisted in this move and academic scheduling will accommodate this required change.

The Early Arrival Fee for moving into permanent dorm space on Tuesday is included in the cost of BIOS.

Food:

Timelines and Due Dates

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE JULY 16, 2012.
Acceptance letters with detailed BIOS information will be mailed by July 23, 2012.

The BIOS program will start on Saturday, August 25, 2012 and run through Wednesday, August 29, 2012.

Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.