IB FAQ’s for the IB Website

 

1)  How do I know who my academic advisor is and how can I make an appointment?
      There are two IB advisors, Bev Hertle and Gary Spezia.  You may schedule an appointment with either of them by calling 217-333-6774, or stop by the advising office in 127 Burrill Hall to schedule in person.

2)  What does Integrative Biology (IB) mean?
      Integrative Biology is the study of how the different components of life interact, from molecules through global cycles. An Integrative Biology major prepares students in genetics and evolution, anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, ecology and behavior, and molecular biology.

3)  Will I be an Integrative Biology major during my freshman year?
      No, your major will be “Biology Unassigned” during your freshman year while you take both MCB (Molecular and Cellular Biology) 150 and IB (Integrative Biology) 150. You will declare your major as either IB or MCB before you register for the core IB or MCB classes.

4)  What can I do with an IB major?
      You will be well prepared to pursue careers in the health professions, environmental sciences, ecology, research, conservation, animal science.

5)  Is this a good major if I want to pursue a health career?
      Yes, this major will provide you with the courses and knowledge that will prepare you for the health professions admissions tests (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, etc.)

6)  How can I get lab experience?
      You will want to familiarize yourself with instructors and areas of interest beginning as early as your freshman year.  Once you have formulated an area of interest, you will be able to work with instructors to set up research and lab experiences. You can earn credit for these experiences through IB 390 and IB 490 Independent Research Projects. 
http://www.life.uiuc.edu/sib/390_490.htm

7)  Should I pursue an internship?
      Absolutely!  There are many internship options for IB students, and participating in an internship enables you to fine-tune your interests, obtain valuable work and research experience, and network with experts in your area of interest.
http://www.life.uiuc.edu/sib/advising/resume.htm

8)  How can I find an internship?
      For information about IB internships, check the fliers on the advising office bulletin boards, meet with the IB advisors, read the IB advising electronic newsletter (IB SPOTLIGHT), and refer to this link on the IB website:
(nothing at this link right now).
http://www.life.uiuc.edu/sib/opportun.htm#Internships

9) How can I get involved in student clubs and volunteer activities?
      There are many student clubs and volunteer activities that relate directly to IB students.  The Office of Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s) in room 280 Illini Union has a list of all of the student organizations:
http://www.union.uiuc.edu/involvement/rso.htm
There is also a hard-copy list of IB-related student organizations in the hand-out rack in the IB advising office, 127 Burrill Hall.

10) How do I know what classes I still need to graduate?
      You have access to your graduation audit (DARS - Degree Audit Reporting System). The advisors will help you access and interpret your DARS, and then you can keep track of your progress in your major and your other requirements.
http://www.oar.uiuc.edu/current/dars/index.html

11) If I get a “D” in a class in my major, do I need to retake it? 
      No, you will receive credit for that class.  However, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the classes in your major (called your “major GPA”).  This includes the IB classes needed for your major and all of the supporting math and science courses needed for the IB major (not your gen-eds, NPL, etc.).

12) If I retake a class, will the grade in the first class be deleted?
      No, the new grade will be averaged into your over-all GPA.

13) What is the IB Honors option?
      The Honors Concentration in the Integrative Biology major is designed for superior students who wish to pursue an intensive biology program and also gain a strong background in the physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
http://www.life.uiuc.edu/sib/honors.htm

14) What does “credit/no credit (cr/ncr)” mean and how does that work?
      Follow this link to learn about the requirements, restrictions and process for declaring credit/no-credit for courses.  Keep in mind that this option can not be used for courses that you need for your major, for gen-eds, or for other University courses needed for graduation. 
http://www.las.uiuc.edu/students/policies/courseenrollment.html#cnc