BIS Course Schedule

300 Level Courses

BIS 300: Understanding Interdisciplinary Research. 3 credits.
Focuses on developing an understanding of interdisciplinary research and academic writing. Students explore their self-selected research topics, develop and create individualized plans of study integrating multiple disciplines, and review BIS program requirements. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 301: Adult Learner Transition. 3 credits.
A comprehensive, research-based, problem-solving educational experience in which adult students learn the multiple factors that affect adult degree completion, assess their situation regarding these factors, and develop skills and plans to overcome the challenges of completing a bachelor’s degree as an adult. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 390: The Research Process. 3 credits.
Focuses on skills to develop a research project, find and organize relevant information, examine and critique evidence, establish criteria, and create plan to complete senior project. Notes: Open only to BIS majors. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (ENGH 302C or 302XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Individualized Study.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 399: Special Topics. 1-4 credits.
Selected topics reflecting interest in specialized areas. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Individualized Study.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

400 Level Courses

BIS 489: Directed Readings and Research. 1-3 credits.
Readings and research on a topic directly relevant to student's core concentration. Notes: Open only to pre-BIS students and BIS majors. Individualized sections by arrangement. Guided by instructor with expertise. Topics must be approved by instructor and BIS director prior to enrollment. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: Open only to degree students in the Bachelor of Individualized Study Program.
Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 490: RS: Senior Project. 3 credits.
Capstone project or thesis on an interdisciplinary topic directly relevant to student's concentration. Students learn to think critically and objectively while researching a topic of their choice and synthesizing knowledge gained from their studies. Course readings and assignments are designed to illustrate and provide experience in various components of the research and writing process. Notes: Open only to BIS majors. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex, Synthesis
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (BIS 390C or 390XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment limited to students in the LA-BIS-INDV program.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.