Biology Intensive Orientation for Students (BIOS)

BIOS is a focused academic orientation program designed for incoming College of Science majors. This science boot camp helps students transition to college expectations before the fall semester.

Program participants will:

  • Develop essential study skills.
  • Gain an early understanding of course content.
  • Receive an electronic copy of the introductory biology textbook.
  • Meet other highly motivated students in the College of Science.
  • Connect with faculty, graduate students, and university staff.

Overview

For over 15 years, more than 4,000 BIOS participants have consistently surpassed their peers in introductory courses, retention within their major, and graduation rates. BIOS is an optional Choose Your Adventure event that takes place during Welcome Week before the beginning of each fall semester. It is a full-day program extending from Thursday to Sunday. Attendance at all events on these four days is mandatory for BIOS participation. Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited to College of Science students.

LSU College of Science Ambassadors

Registration

Bookmark the LSU Welcome Week page and revisit in late-spring for 2024 registration.

LSU welcome week page

Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Details

Frequently Asked Questions

No, BIOS is a full commitment occurring from Thursday to Sunday of Welcome Week. Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Note that this schedule conflicts with other Welcome Week events including Greek Rush and LSU Band.

No, enrollment in BIOL 1201 is a prerequisite for participation in BIOS. The week is designed to help incoming students with the beginning of Introductory Biology and will not be as helpful to non-Biology students. Exception: if you intend to enroll in BIOL 1201 in the spring because you must take prerequisites prior to enrolling in BIOL 1201, you may still participate in BIOS.

Yes, you may apply for BIOS as your Welcome Week Adventure once registration becomes available at this website.

No, BIOS is only offered to incoming first-year students, as the program is geared toward making the transition to college.

No, this is an optional orientation program. No official LSU credit will be given for BIOS.

Yes, we will have a celebration and awards on Sunday afternoon. This will include the closing ceremony and reception. Light refreshments will be served and the attire is casual.

Yes, we have need-based financial aid that will cover some of the program cost. The LSU Financial Aid Office determines financial need based on your FAFSA. Financial aid is awarded after the BIOS program ends and will appear on your fee bill. Processing may take a few weeks.

To qualify for aid, you must fully participate in BIOS, attending all lectures, small group meetings, CAS sessions, exams, and other activities. Incomplete participation disqualifies students from receiving financial aid.

Be aware that BIOS is a full commitment lasting Thursday through Sunday of Welcome Week, with sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and a shorter session from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Note that this conflicts with Welcome Week events like Rush and Band. Missing BIOS events for other activities renders students ineligible for BIOS financial aid.

As part of your program fee, you will receive the Biology 1201 electronic textbook and the access code for the online homework platform. The Introductory Biology Program exclusively uses the e-text and the LSU Bookstore no longer carries a hardcopy textbook. The hardcopy can be purchased separately from licensed vendors if you so choose.

You may cancel your BIOS Registration by emailing bios@lsu.edu before the published deadline date (10 business days before the start of BIOS) for a full refund. No refunds will be issued after the deadline, and it’s essential to officially cancel to remove the charges.

For students facing emergencies during the BIOS week impacting participation, promptly email bios@lsu.edu to explain the situation. Refunds for such emergencies will be assessed individually and may require documentation. Please be aware that processing refunds may take several weeks.

There will not be a CHEMIS program for 2024. It may return in the future.