Using this Catalog

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Abbreviations

Miscellaneous abbreviations used only in the course descriptions include:

C-	credits	I-	Fall semester
Co-	corequisite	II-	Spring semester
H-	hours in classroom	III-	First summer session
L-	hours in laboratory	IV-	Second summer session
Pre-	prerequisite

The Roman numeral designations for the terms in which courses are offered are intended only as general guides and do not indicate binding agreement to offer in those terms.

Course Descriptions

Changes in Catalog Information

Caution: The course offerings and requirements of Virginia Tech are under examination and revision continually. This catalog presents the offerings and requirements in effect at time of publication, but in no way guarantees that they will not be changed or revoked. The regulations and policies may change to meet new needs or as legislation is approved. Such changes are published in the President's Policy Memoranda. Courses not taught for five years shall be removed from the Undergraduate Catalog.

The policies and regulations that appear in this catalog are not meant to form a contract or to constitute an offer of one. Current information may be obtained from the following:

• Undergraduate Admission Requirements: Director of Admissions.
• Course Offerings: Academic departments offering the course(s) in question.
• Degree Requirements: Office of the University Registrar, head of major department, or academic dean of the college.
• Fees and Tuition: Office of the University Bursar.

Course Numbering System

The first digit in course number designations denotes the year in which the course ordinarily is found in the curricular outlines or "checksheets," which are available from the major department or academic advisor. The second and third digits make the course number unique within a department. The fourth digit is 4 if the course is a one-term terminal course, 5 if the course is the first term in a sequence, and 6 if the second term in a sequence. As a general rule, courses with 0 as the first digit do not carry university credit. Agricultural Technology courses, however, are an exception.

Undergraduate (UG)	1000 - 4000
Graduate (GR)	4000 - 6000
Professional (PR)	9000
Medical (MD)	9000

Cross Listed Courses

Courses that are cross listed between departments may not be counted twice toward meeting graduation requirements. No credit will be allowed for a course taken that duplicates subject matter in a course for which credit already has been received. Cross listed courses are indicated in the title line of course descriptions; for instance, REL 3454 is listed as follows:

• 3454 (PHIL 3454): PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION

The first number is the Religion course number, while the number in parentheses indicates that the course is cross listed with Philosophy.

Graduate Course Listings

Information regarding graduate courses (5000 and above) may be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Prerequisite Notations and Requirements

Students are permitted to take courses without having the specified prerequisites only upon obtaining the consent of the instructor. Students who enroll in a course for which they have not clearly satisfied the prerequisites or equivalent, or obtained the appropriate permission, may be dropped from the course. Deliberately false statements testifying to the satisfaction of prerequisites constitute a violation of the honor code. Students have the right to appeal a decision about prerequisites to the head of the department offering a course. Students should recognize that 3000 and 4000 level courses assume a certain level of academic maturity and general background regardless of the stated prerequisites. The course instructor can be consulted regarding the implications of this expectation for a specific course. Students must consult with the instructor if they wish to use the Pass/Fail option in a course for which they do not have the prerequisites.

Students should note prerequisite and corequisite requirements as stated in the course descriptions. Courses in a series may be taken independently where the series of course numbers is separated by commas (e.g., 3135, 3136), in the catalog listing. Where the series of course numbers is connected by hyphens (e.g., 4135-4136), the first course is prerequisite for the next one.

Tables

The numbers on the right hand side of tables listed under certain departments denote the number of hours the class meets each week during the term and, in parentheses, the number of credits allowed for the course. A listing such as 3(3) means that the course meets three hours each week and three credits are earned.

University Course Series (UNIV)

University Course Series are courses sponsored to enhance the undergraduate academic experience. The courses may not count toward degree credit. Check with your advisor or academic dean to verify degree applicability.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (UNIV)

1004: COLLEGE SUCCESS STRATEGIES
Study and application of strategies, skills, attitudes and behaviors leading to effective academic learning in a college setting. Credit not applicable to meeting degree requirements; may not be repeated. (3H,3C)

1704: FIRST YEAR SEMINAR COURSE
Introductory exploration of academic and social competencies contexts and responsible decision-making within a residential learning community environment. Pre: Consent required. May not count towards degree requirements; consult advisor. (3H,3C)

1824: PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS: EXPLORING YOUR FUTURE
Introductory experience course for University Studies and Explore Technology majors. Create fundamental knowledge and develop skills that facilitate successful transition to the university and develop decision-making skills, problem solving, inquiry, research majors and careers, critical thinking and integration of knowledge. Examine personal decision towards their major utilizing psychosocial and identity in support of a successful transition. Evaluate sources of information to make an argument. (3H,3C)

1984: SPECIAL STUDY
May not count towards degree requirements; consult advisor. Variable credit course.

2004: EXPLORING CAREERS: MAKING DECISIONS AND PLANS
Integrates the role of careers in society, career development theories, decision making models and styles and self-assessment interpretation. Analyzes career and major research, introduces job search strategies and defines professional behavior required in the workplace. Facilitates effective decisions in the choice of academic majors and career options. Pass/Fail only. (3H,3C)

2394: INTRODUCTION TO RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES AND LEADERSHIP
This course provides theories, basic principles, and skill development that serve as a knowledge base and framework for the peer helping, para-professional Resident Advisor position. This course is open only to students who are serving in their first semester as a Resident Advisor. (3H,3C)

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
May not count towards degree requirements; consult advisor. Variable credit course.

3954: STUDY ABROAD
May not count towards degree requirements; consult advisor. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
May not count towards degree requirements; consult advisor. Variable credit course.