Benchmarks and LEP requirements
Overview of Benchmark and LEP requirements
- Biological Sciences students must complete specific benchmark courses for two benchmark reviews.
- LEP gateway courses are the benchmark courses for the first benchmark review (45 credit review). Additional courses are needed for the second benchmark review (75 credit review).
- Benchmark courses must be passed with a "C-" or better.
- Students must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (LEP requirement).
- Students may repeat only one LEP gateway course (details on www.lep.umd.edu).
- Failure to meet benchmark and/or LEP requirements will lead to dismissal from the major.
Benchmark Courses and Review terms
First Benchmark
Direct admit freshmen- complete by 3rd semester in major
Transfer students- complete before entry into major
- MATH 135 or 140 or 130
- BSCI 160&161 (formerly BSCI 106)
- BSCI 170&171 (formerly BSCI 105)
- 2 semesters of Chemistry with lab (CHEM 131&132 and CHEM 231&232)
Second Benchmark
Direct admit freshmen- complete by 5th semester in major
Transfer students- complete by 2nd semester in major
- MATH 135&136 or MATH 140&141 or MATH 140&135 or MATH 130&131 or MATH 130&135
- BSCI 160&161 (formerly BSCI 106)
- BSCI 170&171 (formerly BSCI 105)
- BSCI 207
- BSCI 222
- 4 semesters of Chemistry with lab (CHEM 131&132, CHEM 231&232, CHEM 241&242, CHEM 271&272)
FAQs
Is it possible to get an extension to complete benchmark requirements?
Students who study abroad for a fall or spring semester, or who are away from the University for a semester are eligible for an extension to their benchmark reviews.