Biological Sciences TAP (BioTAP) Fall 2012

This unique Talent Advanced Program (TAP) is designed for 48 first-year students who are admitted to UMass Amherst as biological science majors - invitation and application required.  

Invitation to the TAP is based on criteria set by the Biology department. Invitations are sent to students in late winter/early spring.

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Application deadline has passed. All students will be notified of acceptance by April 25th. If you were not accepted, we encourage you to consider joining a different RAP.

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When you join this TAP you will...

  • Enroll in a special, small-enrollment first-year honors level biology course (Bio 190H) - available exclusively to BioTAP students. All BioTAP students will be in this class, regardless of acceptance to Commonwealth College.
  • Enroll in a one-credit seminar created specifically for this program.  The seminar is taught by experienced faculty members and will help students discover the invaluable resources and opportunities available at UMass Amherst.   
  • Share your living and learning experience with other high-achieving students in your major. 
  • Experience a variety of opportunities that will help you make a successful transition to the academic and social life at UMass.
  • Have the chance to work closely with faculty members through a variety of academic opportunities offered by the department. 
  • Explore academic and/or professional opportunities related to your interests and goals.
This program is a wonderful opportunity to get to know other motivated Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Pre-Med majors, make connections to faculty, and learn about the goals and opportunities available within biological sciences departments at the University!

In addition to the opportunities listed above, students in the BioTAP will have the advantage of upper class mentors who will live in the same corridor as TAP students to provide academic and personal support. These mentors work closely with the BioTAP faculty and provide programming exclusively for the BioTAP students.

If you were invited to this program, please be aware that there are still important steps you must take in order to become a member of the TAP.

1. Complete the application.

2. If accepted, you MUST CONFIRM your participtation by following the steps outlined on the How to Join page on this website.

 

Classes

BioTap is a two semester sequence in which students will enroll in the following classes:

Fall 2012

  • 1-Credit TAP Seminar (Bio 191L) taught by faculty

AND

  • "Quantitative Biology of the Cell" - Biology 190H - on the main campus

AND

  • College Writing - English Writing 112 or 112H -  (unless exempt), taught in the residential area.

Spring 2013

  •  1-Credit TAP Seminar (Bio 192L - continuation of Bio 191L) taught by faculty

AND

  • Quantitative Systems in Biology - Bio 197FH - taught on the main campus.

Location

BioTAP students will live together in Dickinson Hall in the Orchard Hill area of campus. 

Pamela R. Marsh-Williams, Ph.D.
Assistant Provost & Dean

This website is part of Undergraduate Advising & Learning Communities. We provide undergraduate students a variety of opportunities and services designed to facilitate the best academic experience possible. 609 Goodell Building, UMass Amherst.

UA&LC Units: Undergraduate Advising, Residential Academic Programs, Domestic Exchange Programs, Five College Interchange