News Category: ‘2022’

Time:  9:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 11/18/2022.

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

[Attendees: Nathan Burtch, Fernando Camelli, Elisabeth Epstein, Geoff Gilleaudeau, Ramin Hakami, Dale Scott Rothman, Wendy Lewis, Carlos Rautenberg, Dale Scott Rothman, Pritha Roy, Kimberly Rule, Jennifer Bazaz Gettys]

I. Call to Order [9:32am]

II. Approval of the November 18, 2022 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• A COSCC Microsoft Team has been created for the COSCC’s members. Please find the “Zombie Courses” spreadsheet under “Files” and provide rationale for your department’s listed undergraduate courses by the end of the fall 2022 semester.
• Spring 2023 meeting days and times. [Fridays at 9:30am. Jen will post the dates in the COSCC Team.]
• Various rationales behind crosslisting in your departments.* [The committee provided Jen with their insights and perspectives on crosslisting. This insight will educate the college’s next steps in finding an amenable approach toward the practice.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• RENE 131: Introduction to Renewable Energy* [Approved]
• RENE 411: Renewable Energy Internship* [Approved]

Modified Course

• MATH 111: Linear Mathematical Modeling [Approved]
  • This change will impact many COS programs, Jen will work on updating them in time for January’s meeting.

Inactivated Course

• FRSC 420: Forensic Toxicology* [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Astronomy Minor [Approved]
• Renewable Energy Interdisciplinary Minor* [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Programs

• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Certificate [Approved]
• Biology, MS [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [10:16am]

*Item added after the agenda was announced.

Time:  9:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 11/4/2022.

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

[Attendees: Nathan Burtch, Fernando Camelli, Elisabeth Epstein, Geoff Gilleaudeau, Ramin Hakami, Dale Scott Rothman, Wendy Lewis, Carlos Rautenberg, Dale Scott Rothman, Pritha Roy, Kimberly Rule, Gregory Craft, Jennifer Bazaz Gettys]

I. Call to Order [9:35am]

II. Approval of the October 28, 2022 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• INTO Mason Science Graduate Pathways [Approved]
• Last Offered Graduate Courses* [This list of “Zombie Courses” will be added to a new Teams group. COSCC Members will be asked to provide rationale for any courses that are not going to be inactivated.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• GEOL 120: The Changing Ocean* [Approved with one abstention (ESP) and a correction of the max repeatable calculation.]
• GEOL 121: The Changing Ocean Laboratory* [Approved with one abstention (ESP) and a correction of the max repeatable calculation.]

Modified Courses

• PHYS 251: Introduction to Computer Techniques in Physics* [Approved]
• PHYS 325: Intermediate Methods of Experimental Physics* [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Environmental Science, BS [Approved pending updates: “Wildlife Conservation and Management” and a correction to BIOL 437’s title.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• BIMR 510: Creativity and Innovation [Tabled per department.]
• BIOL 671: Fundamental Concepts in Evolution [Approved]
• GEOL 508: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology* [Approved, pending updated syllabus.]

Modified Courses

• BIOL 527: Disease Ecology and Conservation [Approved]

Course Deactivation

• BIOL 509: DNA Analysis of Biological Evidence [Approved]
• BIOL 510: Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory [Approved]
• BIOL 555: Lab in Waterscape Ecology [Tabled per ESP department request.]
• BIOL 556:Advanced Topics in Microbial Physiology and Metabolism [Approved]
• BIOL 572: Human Genetics [Tabled per BIOL department request.]
• BIOL 573: Developmental Genetics [Tabled per BIOL department request.]
• BIOL 577: Biogeochemistry: A Global Perspective [Approved]
• BIOL 578: Mutation, DNA Repair, and Environmental Contamination [Approved]
• BIOL 610: Bioremediation Theory and Applications [Approved]
• BIOL 611: Techniques in Environmental Microbiology [Approved]
• BIOL 719: Extremophiles [Approved]
• BIOS 760: Seminar in Molecular Systematics [Approved]
• BIOS 762: Phylogentic Analysis [Approved]
• BIOS 765: Molecular Systematics [Approved]
• BIOS 782: Interdisciplinary Issues in Bioethics Law and Policy [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Climate Dynamics, PhD [Approved]
• Computational Science, MS [Approved pending the “why” explanation for the applicant background change, and adding the correct link to the English proficiency requirements.]

VII. Adjournment [10:52am]

* Item was placed after the agenda announcement.

Time:  9:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 10/14/2022

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [9:33 AM]

II. Approval of the September 30, 2022 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• “Zombie Courses” [Please let Jennifer or your department schedulers know if you want to remove any courses on this list.]
• Blackboard Replacement Faculty Survey[The University’s contract with Blackboard is expiring and they want to hear feedback about a replacement LMS.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Courses

• MATH 108: Introductory Calculus with Business Applications [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Environmental Science, BS [Approved]
• Neuroscience Minor [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Programs

• Computational Science, MS* [Tabled, awaiting clarification on the English requirement.]

VII. Adjournment[10:03 AM]

Time:  10:00am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 9/16/2022

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:10 AM]

II. Approval of the August 26, 2022 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Blackboard Replacement [Blackboard is scheduled to be replaced in the near future; faculty input regarding its replacement will be extremely important.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

• College of Science: Requirements for the BA [Approved.]

New Courses

• MATH 103T: Precalculus  [Approved pending an update of the title to Precalculus Part I.]

Modified Courses

• BIOL 106: Introductory Biology II Laboratory [Approved.]
• BIOL 308: Foundations of Ecology and Evolution [Approved.]
• BIOL 311: General Genetics [Approved.]
• BIOL 405: Microbial Genetics [Approved.]
• BIOL 407: Microbial Diversity [Approved.]
• BIOL 430: Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I [Approved.]
• BIOL 433: Selected Topics in Plant Biology [Approved.]
• BIOL 452: Immunology [Approved.]
• BIOL 484: Cell Signaling and Disease [Approved.]
• MATH 104: Trigonometry and Transcendental Functions [Approved.]
• MATH 105: Precalculus Mathematics [Approved.]
• MATH 108: Introductory Calculus with Business Applications [Tabled for further discussion.]
• MATH 125: Discrete Mathematics I [Approved.]

Deactivated Courses

•  BIOL 455: Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation Field Course[Approved.]
  • affected programs: Environmental Science, BS; Biology, BS; Ocean and Estuarine Sciences Minor (electives)
•  BIOL 470: Dinosaur Biology [Approved.]
  • affected programs: Geology, BS; Paleontology Minor (electives)

Modified Programs

• Biology, BA [Approved.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Courses

• NEUR 612: Neuroethics [Approved.]

Modified Programs

• Computational Science, MS [Tabled for further discussion.]
• Computational Social Science, PhD [Approved.]
• Neuroscience, PhD [Approved.]

VII. Adjournment [11:05 AM]

Time:  10:00am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 8/12/2022

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:05am]

II. Approval of the April 29, 2022 Meeting Minutes and the May 6, 2022 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• [The committee welcomed its newest member, Dr. Younsung Kim from Environmental Science and Policy.]
• COSCC Chair for the 2022-2023 Academic Year [Dr. Hakami was voted to continue as chair for the 2022-2023 academic year. His past contributions to the committee were lauded, and we greatly appreciate his service.]
• Confirmation of the July 2022 e-mail vote of approval for the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Certificate modification

IV. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Courses

• BIOL 106: Introductory Biology II Laboratory [Tabled per department request.]

V. New Business – Graduate

Modified Program

• Biology, MS [Approved]

VI. Adjournment [10:27am]

Time:  9:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 4/22/2022

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order

II. Approval of the April 29, 2022 Meeting Minutes [Still needs COSCC Approval- August 19, 2022]

III. Announcements/Discussion

IV. Modified Programs

• IN-BA-P002,IN-BPRE-P002,IN-BS-P002 : INTO-Mason: Science [Approved]

V. Adjournment

Time:  9:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 4/15/2022

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [9:33 AM]

II. Approval of the April 1, 2022 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Accelerated Master’s for any major Do we have any master’s programs that could be open to any major? Please let Jennifer know if there are any master’s programs that could become a “bachelor’s any” Accelerated Master’s Program. Additionally, let her know if your department has minors or certificates that would pair well with any other university offerings.]

IV. Old Business [Fridays at 9:30 AM, except for the first meeting, which will be held in person at 10:00 AM]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Courses

• GEOL 401: Structural Geology [Approved]
• NEUR 411: Seminar in Neuroscience* [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Geography, BA [Approved]
• Geography, BS [Approved]
• IN-BA-P002,IN-BPRE-P002,IN-BS-P002 : INTO-Mason: Science Undergraduate Pathways [Tabled, awaiting more explanation from INTO]
• Sustainability Studies Minor [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Programs

• Neuroscience, PhD [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [10:00am]

Time:  9:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 3/18/2022

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [9:33AM]

II. Approval of the February 25, 2022 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

Notification of the Fall 2022 Offering of COS 602 Special Topics in Science: Title: Developing High Impact Research Questions. Offered by CDS and PSYC via cross listing. This course is being offered in response to a multidisciplinary NSF grant. Instructors: Rupp (PSYC), Kennedy (CDS), Rothman (CDS), Lopez (CDS). [The syllabus was shared post-meeting and no concerns were raised by the committee.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• CHEM 460: Chemistry in the Kitchen*[Approved]
• GGS 106: Climate Change and a Sustainable Earth [Tabled per department]
• MATH 421: Abstract Algebra II [Approved]
• MATH 432: Differential Geometry [Approved]
• MATH 433: Algebraic Geometry [Approved]
• MATH 490: Internship [Approved]

Modified Courses

• BIOL 213: Cell Structure and Function [Approved]
• BIOL 334: Vertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
• BIOL 336: Invertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
• COS 300: Professional Preparation for STEM Disciplines [Approved]
• EVPP 109: Ecosphere- Introduction to Environmental Science I- Lab*[Approved]
• EVPP 113: Ecosphere- Introduction to Environmental Science II- Lab*[Approved]
• GEOL 303: Field Mapping Techniques [Approved]
• GGS 308: Field Mapping Techniques [Approved]
• GGS 416: Satellite Image Analysis [Approved]
• GGS 426: Physical Fundamentals of Remote Sensing [Approved]
• MATH 491: Reading and Problems [Approved]
• PHYS 161:University Physics I Laboratory [Approved]
• PHYS 261_University Physics II Laboratory [Approved]

Deactivated Courses

• GGS 319: Air Pollution [Approved]
• GGS 456: Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation [Approved]
• GGS 490: Practicum in Geographical Applications [Approved]
• GGS 495: GGS Senior Research Project [Approved]

New Programs

• Energy Transition Management Minor [Approved pending adding information to justification.]

Modified Programs

• Atmospheric Sciences, BS [Approved. Recommendation to remove GGS 319 and 456.]
• Biology, BS [Approved]
• Earth Science Minor [Approved]
• Environmental Science, BS [Approved]
• Geographic Information Systems Minor [Approved]
• Geography Minor [Approved]
• Geology, BS [Approved]
• Mathematics, BS* [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• NEUR 554 Neuroscience of Consciousness [Approved with modifications to the prerequisites.]
• MATH 690: Graduate Internship [Approved]

Modified Courses

• ASTR 764/CSI 764: Computational Astrophysics [Approved]
• ASTR 765: High-Energy and Accretion Astrophysics [Approved]
• ASTR 796: Directed Reading and Research [Approved, pending clarification of “and” vs “or” in pre-reqs.]
• GEOL 504: Sedimentary Geology [Approved]
• GEOL 521: Geology of Energy Resources [Approved]
• PHYS 502: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics [Approved with prereq course title addition and “or equivalent”.]
• PHYS 512: Solid State Physics and Applications [Approved with prereq course title addition and “or equivalent”.]
• PHYS 533: Modern Instrumentation [Approved]
• PHYS 540: Nuclear and Particle Physics  [Approved with prereq course title addition and “or equivalent”.
• PHYS 575: Atmospheric Physics I [Approved with prereq course title addition and “or equivalent”.
• PHYS 581: Topics in Renewable Energy [Approved with prereq course title addition and “or equivalent”.]
• PHYS 796 Directed Reading and Research [Approved pending clarification of “and” vs “or” in pre-reqs.]

Deactivated Courses

• GGS 581: World Food and Population [Approved]
• GGS 605: Systemic Applications of GIS [Approved]
• GGS 671: Algorithms and Modeling in GIS [Approved]
• GGS 721: Biogeography [Approved]
• GGS 756 Physical Principles of Remote Sensing [Approved]
• GGS 759: Topics in Earth Systems Science [Approved]
• GGS 772: Cloud Geographic Information [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Bachelor’s Degree (selected), Bioinformatics Management, Accelerated PSM [Approved]
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate Certificate [Approved]
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MS [Approved]
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, PhD [Approved]
• Bioinformatics Management, MS [Approved]
• Bioinformatics Management, Professional Science Master’s [Approved]
• Biology, MS [Approved]
• Biosciences, PhD [Approved]
• Chemistry and Biochemistry, PhD [Approved]
• Computational Sciences and Informatics, PhD [Approved]
• Computational Social Science, PhD [Approved]
• Neuroscience, BS/Biology, Accelerated MS [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [11:41AM]