2006–2007 - Florida Institute of Technology

Written and spoken communication is extremely important
in all fields of science. Problems with reading comprehension
or speed place a student at a disadvantage in successfully
completing reading assignments and taking tests. Inability to
clearly state complex ideas and technical results in correct
written English can result in problems in laboratory courses
and other courses where written reports are required. Every
effort should be made to correct any weaknesses in these
areas either before arrival at the university or during the
freshman year.
As a Transfer Student
Admission decisions for transfer students are made on the
basis of a combination of the criteria used for new freshmen,
postsecondary grade point averages and specific course grades
that are applicable to the major. Where courses equivalent
to at least the first year of the Florida Tech major have been
completed, the level of accomplishment in these courses is
normally the dominant factor.
Students choosing to attend a community college for two years
before transferring to the College of Science should be guided
by articulation agreements where they exist. The detailed
curriculum plan for the desired program should be consulted
for more specific guidance. If possible, prospective students
should review their community college curriculum periodically
with an appropriate university faculty member. Some of the
courses normally taken in the first two years of the program of
interest may be unavailable at some community colleges. As
a result, it may take one or more semesters in addition to the
normal two years following community college graduation to
complete the desired bachelor’s degree program.
Most mathematics, physics, applied mechanics and computer
programming courses at the first- and second-year levels are
offered every semester. Every effort is made to make space
for new transfer students in closed sections, if necessary.
Transfer students can usually be registered for a full schedule
of courses that are tailored to their immediate academic needs.
Exceptions, when they occur, are usually the result of the
student having completed all course work in some disciplines,
such as mathematics and the humanities, without having
started course work in other essential areas, such as physics or
chemistry.
Courses taken at other fully accredited colleges and universities
in the United States or at recognized universities abroad
are carefully and thoroughly reviewed for possible award of
transfer credit. Except for a student transferring from a Florida
community college or other college with which the university
has an articulation agreement, the student must provide
college catalogs containing descriptions of all courses taken.
Course outlines or syllabi are also helpful in assuring that all
earned transfer credit is received. In the case of courses taken
at a foreign university, detailed course outlines are required
for transfer credit. If there is doubt about the equivalency of
a course taken elsewhere, the student is required to pass an
equivalency examination to receive Florida Tech credit for the
course. In any case where transfer credit is not awarded for a
course passed at another college or university, the student can
request an equivalency examination, if one is available.
Selection of a Major
A student typically selects a major at the time the application
for admission is submitted. A faculty adviser affiliated with the
major program is assigned before the start of classes. A student
who prefers to postpone the selection of a major may initially
enroll in a first-year nondegree program, as described below.
Selection of a degree program must occur by the start of the
sophomore year.
As long as the requirements for continued enrollment (see the
Undergraduate Information and Regulations section) are met, a
student is permitted to remain in the selected major. A change
of major can be initiated by the student but is subject to the
approval of the new academic unit. It is generally possible to
change majors between two closely related degree programs in
the sophomore year or even during the early part of the junior
year without greatly increasing the time needed to complete all
degree requirements.
A student who wishes to postpone the selection of a major can
enroll for up to two semesters under either a “General Science”
(see below) or “General Studies” (see the Nondegree Programs
section) curriculum. These curricula are designed to be
somewhat less intense than the normal freshman curriculum
to allow students more time for acclimation to college life.
Course Loads
The normal course load taken by students in the College of
Science is 16 or 17 credit hours. Students can enroll for lighter
loads and are strongly encouraged to do so if difficulty is experienced
in keeping up with all course work when a full load is
attempted, even though the duration of the program would, of
necessity, be extended from eight to nine or more semesters.
A student registered for 12 or more credit hours is considered
full time. Students with cumulative grade point averages below
2.0 are not allowed to register for more than 15 credit hours in
a semester.
Cooperative Education
Students in some curricula in the College of Science are
encouraged to participate in the cooperative education program,
although the availability of co-op employment opportunities
varies considerably from field to field. By alternating
periods of work experience in their chosen fields with academic
semesters spent on campus as full-time students, participants
in this program are able to earn funds needed to further their
education while gaining valuable practical experience and a
knowledge base that is useful in better defining career goals.
The length of time needed to earn the degree is extended by
an amount comparable to the number of semesters spent away
from the campus. Students in this program should pay special
attention to scheduling their courses well in advance to avoid
conflicts between off-campus periods and the semesters when
required courses are offered.
College of Science 113
College of Science