Category: 2017

Time: 9:30 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 11/21/2017

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 [9:35 AM]

II. Approval of the November 2017 Meeting Minutes  [Approved. Jennifer mentioned that CONS 540 was approved by both BIOL and ESP. CONS 597 was approved by BIOL, but is still under review by ESP. The COSCC’s only suggestion regarding the updated syllabus was to use the graduate grading scale as opposed to the undergraduate grading scale.]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Spring 2018 Meeting Schedule [The meeting dates were changed to Mondays at 10AM. The linked schedule has been updated to reflect the changes.]
• Termination from the Major Implementation: Chemistry BA and BS
• [Jennifer requested that all departments notify her of any courses that will be hosted off-site of any of Mason’s campuses.]
• [Guidance on calculating contact hours in the classroom per credit hour can be found here.]

IV. Old Business

[CHEM 313, 314, 315, 318 were approved via email vote on 11/17]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• BIOL 177: Ecological Applications* [Approved]
• GGS 210: Introduction to Spatial Computing [Approved]
• GGS 400: Colloquium in Geoinformation Science [Approved]
• GGS 485: Capstone Course in Geoinformation Science [Approved]

Modified Courses

• BIOL 106: Introductory Biology II Laboratory [Approved]
• GGS 357:  Structures in Urban Governance and Planning [Approved]
• PHYS 265: Advanced University Physics Laboratory II [Approved]
• PHYS 311: Instrumentation [Approved]
• PHYS 312: Waves and Optics [Approved]
• PHYS 465: Planetary Atmospheres and Ionospheres [Approved]

New Programs

• Minor in Leadership and Professional Development in STEM  [Approved. A friendly amendment was suggested by the committee to add in “at least one of the following” under the “Writing and Communication” section. Jennifer noted that approval for the use of COS internship courses were still being collected from department chairs; any departments that do not wish to have their internship courses participate in this minor will be removed.]

Modified Programs

• Geography, B.A.* [Approved]
• Geography, B.S.: GGS core course change * and modified outside requirements* [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

VII. Adjournment [10:25 AM]

*= agenda item was added after the announcement

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

Time: 9:30 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 10/31/2017

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 [9:34 AM]

II. Approval of the October 2017 Meeting Minutes  [Approved. Dr. Parsons thanked Dr. Klinger for filling in as chair last month.]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Spring 2018 Meeting Schedule Coordination [The committee discussed what day and time would be best to host next semester’s COSCC meetings. It was agreed upon that Wednesdays at 10AM would be best.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• CONS 440 Ecology Field Skills [Approved]
• EVPP 112 Ecosphere: Introduction to Environmental Science II- Lecture [Approved]
• EVPP 113 Ecosphere: Introduction to Environmental Science II- Lab [Approved]
• GEOL 325 Planetary Geology [Approved]

Modified Courses

• CONS 497 Special Topics in Conservation [Approved. In an effort to reduce confusion going forward, it was suggested that the syllabus be deleted from the proposal as it isn’t necessary for this modification.]

Deleted Concentrations

• B.S. in Chemistry: Concentration in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry [Approved]

Modified Degrees

• B.S. in Chemistry: Concentration in Analytical Chemistry [Approved]
• B.S. in Chemistry: Concentration in Chemistry Education [Approved]
• B.S. in Chemistry: Concentration in Environmental Chemistry [Approved]
• Minor in Geographic Information Systems [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• CONS 540 Ecology Field Skills [Approved pending review by the Chairs for the Biology and Environmental Science departments.]
• CONS 597 Special Topics in Conservation [Approved pending review by the Chairs for the Biology and Environmental Science departments and the receipt of a more concrete syllabus]

New Programs

• Accelerated Master’s: Geography, B.A. to Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS  [Approved]
• Accelerated Master’s: Geography, B.S. to Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS [Approved]
• Accelerated Master’s: Geography, B.S. to Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, MS [Approved]

Modified Degrees

•  M.S. in Applied and Engineering Physics  [Approved. It was requested that the PHYS prefix be added in front of the courses listed in the proposal.]

VII. Adjournment [10:24 AM]

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

Time: 9:30 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 10/10/2017

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 [9:32 AM]

II. Approval of the September 2017 Meeting Minutes  [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

[Dr. Klinger acted as chair of the committee for this meeting in Dr. Parson’s absence.

Dr. Nadine Kabbani, the new Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience representative and Dr. David Carchedi, the new Mathematics representative, were introduced to the committee.]

IV. Old Business

New Courses

• NEUR 101: Introduction to Neuroscience [Approved. The committee discussed that it might be a good idea to include group work and more assignments focused on engaging students with the material.]
• NEUR 406: Zebrafish Neurodevelopment Laboratory [Approved]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• BIOL 357: Ecology Field Skills [Approved pending ESP’s review]
• CHEM 271: General Chemistry for Engineers Lecture [Approved]
• CHEM 272: General Chemistry for Engineers Lab [Approved]
• CHEM 424: Principles of Chemical Separation [Approved]
• CHEM 425: Electroanalytical Chemistry [Approved]

Modified Courses

• ASTR 328: Stars  [Approved]
• ASTR 401: Computer Simulation in Astronomy  [Approved]
• ASTR 402: RS: Methods of Observational Astronomy  [Approved]
• ASTR 403: Planetary Science  [Approved]
• ASTR 404: Galaxies and Cosmology  [Approved]
• ASTR 405: Honors Thesis in Astronomy I*  [Approved]
• ASTR 406: Honors Thesis in Astronomy II*  [Approved]
• ASTR 408: Senior Research*  [Approved]
• ASTR 409: Astronomy Internship*  [Approved]
• ASTR 480: The Interstellar Medium  [Approved]
• BIOL 435: Selected Topics in Biology  [Approved]
• GEOL 304: Sedimentary Geology  [Approved]
• GEOL 308: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology  [Approved]
• PHYS 243: College Physics I  [Approved]
• PHYS 245: College Physics II  [Approved]
• PHYS 405:  Honors Thesis in Physics I*  [Approved]
• PHYS 406: Honors Thesis in Physics II  [Approved]
• PHYS 407: Senior Laboratory in Modern Physics  [Approved]
• PHYS 408: Senior Research*  [Approved]
• PHYS 409: Physics Internship*  [Approved]

Deleted Courses

• CHEM 341: Fundamental Inorganic Chemistry  [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• FRSC 514: Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis  [Approved]

Modified Courses

• CHEM 620: Modern Instrumentation  [Approved]
• CHEM 624: Principles of Chemical Separation  [Approved. There was some discussion about whether or not to include the sentence in the course description about the course being an “Analytical core course.” In the event that degree requirements change, this wording will become outdated if not specifically corrected. The proposal was voted on as currently worded, but may be updated later if the department deems it appropriate.]
• CHEM 625: Electroanalytical Chemistry [Approved]
• FRSC 500: Introduction to Forensic Science [Approved]
• FRSC 510: Basic Crime Analysis [Approved]
• FRSC 511: Advanced Crime Scene Analysis [Approved]
• FRSC 512: Physical Evidence Laboratory [Approved]
• FRSC 513: Forensic Photography [Approved]
• FRSC 515: Selected Topics in Forensic Science [Approved]
• FRSC 517: Questioned Document Examination [Approved]
• FRSC 520: Toxicology [Approved]
• FRSC 530: Law and Forensic Science [Approved]
• FRSC 540: Forensic Chemistry [Approved]
• FRSC 541: Forensic Chemistry Laboratory [Approved]
• FRSC 550: Issues in Forensic Anthropology [Approved]
• FRSC 560: Forensic DNA Sciences [Approved]
• FRSC 561: Forensic DNA Laboratory [Approved]
• FRSC 570: Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts [Approved]
• FRSC 580: Facial Reconstruction [Approved]
• FRSC 590: Medicolegal Death Investigation and Pathology [Approved]
• FRSC 600: Forensics Seminar [Approved]
• FRSC 610: Forensic Research Project [Approved]
• FRSC 690: Capstone- Moot Court Expert Testimony [Approved]
• FRSC 790: Internship in Forensic Science [Approved]
• GGS 840: Hyperspectral Imagine Applications [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Forensics Graduate Certificate [Approved]
• Forensic Science, MS [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [10.35 AM]

*Received by the deadline but posted after the agenda was announced

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

Time: 9:30 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 9/12/2017

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 [9:34 AM]

II. Approval of the August 2017 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• GRE Requirement Across COS (attachment will be delivered via email)

[The Academic Affairs team provided the COSCC members with a chart that shows each COS master’s and PhD’s GRE requirement and the availability of a waiver as noted in two places: the catalog via the Student Affairs team. The chart highlighted areas where conflicting information was being communication (i.e. the catalog may say the GRE is required but can be waived, however, the Student Affairs team is under the impression that a waiver isn’t allowed.) Correcting misconceptions will make the process smoother for faculty, staff and students, and in some cases, may help with increasing applicant pools. Considering that it is the catalog revision season, this information will be useful to either clarify requirements or to revisit the necessity of the GRE for admission into some COS programs.]

• New Agenda Format

[Being that this is the first meeting using the new CIM software and the agenda was updated accordingly, the COSCC was asked for their opinion on the new format; no complaints or suggestions were received so that agenda will be posted in this manner going forward.

Until the CIM software is available for programs, modifications to programs can be handled in the usual fashion, via the Program Approval Form.

Additionally, CIM approval levels can be updated if necessary so please be in touch with Jennifer if any department would like a level added before the Chair or if any department would like multiple people assigned to an approval level instead of only one person.]

• New Committee Members [Introductions weren’t possible as the new committee members were not in attendance.]

IV. Old Business

• Courses/Programs Referencing BIOL 104  [ This list was provided to assist with any pre-requisite or program modifications that may be needed in light of the changes made to the old BIOL 104.]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• COS 300: Science Writing and Communication*  [Approved, please add a friendly amendment to proposal that “environmental and/or conservation students should consider EVPP 429/529 instead. There was also a recommendation to add a pre-requisite of ENGH 101 or its equivalent and restrict freshmen from taking the course. Post meeting, discussions between ESP and Academic Affairs continued. It was resolved that instead of the course note above, the syllabus would be updated to include the following statement: “All submitted assignments should be unique to this course.”]
• EVPP 423: Beekeeping and Sustainability [Approved]
• NEUR 101: Introduction to Neuroscience [Tabled to next meeting pending representation.]
• NEUR 406: Zebrafish Neurodevelopment Laboratory [Tabled to next meeting pending representation.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• COS 500: Science Writing and Communication* [Approved, please add a friendly amendment to proposal that “environmental and/or conservation students should consider EVPP 429/529 instead. Post meeting, discussions between ESP and Academic Affairs continued. It was resolved that instead of the course note above, the syllabus would be updated to include the following statement: “All submitted assignments should be unique to this course.”]

VII. Adjournment [It was proposed that the November meeting be moved to the 14th. Post-meeting all COSCC members were polled and ultimately the November meeting was moved to November 14,2017 at 9:30am in Exploratory Hall, Room 3301. COSCC members who are unable to attend this new date should send a representative in their place in order to ensure that a quorum is met. Items for this meeting are now due by October 31, 2017.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:36 AM]

*= agenda item was added after the announcement

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

Time: 10:00am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 8/15/2017

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 Agenda and Minutes/ Graduate Council Agenda and Minutes]

I. Call to Order [10:05 AM]

II. Approval of the May 2017 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

[It was suggested that fall 2017 meetings begin at 9:30am as opposed to 10:00am; the committee was in favor and therefore all subsequent fall 2017 meetings will be held at 9:30am in the same location.

The committee requested that links to the Undergraduate and Graduate Council Meeting Minutes be posted to the COSCC website for easy access (see “Relevant Links” above).]

1. New COSCC Members* [David Carchedi has been added as the Mathematical Sciences representative. Neuroscience will be appointing a member to the committee. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer is the new associate dean for academic affairs; he will be attending the COSCC meetings going forward.]
2.  COSCC Chair for Fall 2017 [Chris Parsons was elected to continue serving as COSCC Chair. The committee thanks him for his past and continued service!]
3. Changes in Biology General Education Courses [Dr. Rockwood made the committee aware that BIOL 104 (previously a 4 credit course), has been separated into BIOL 107 (lecture, 3 credits) and BIOL 106 (lab, 1 credit). As BIOL 104 had a Mason Core designation, the separated courses will also have Mason Core designations. Departments are encouraged to take this new structure into account when looking to revise programs or course prerequisites. To aid in this task, Gregory Craft compiled the following list of courses and programs that reference BIOL 104:
   • Courses/Programs referencing  BIOL 104]
4. CIM Software Update [J. Bazaz Gettys updated the committee on the new curriculum software’s launch set for September. For any Mason staff/faculty to gain access, information can be found here. As of the September 2017 COSCC meeting, course additions/modifications/deletions will need to be submitted through the CIM system. For the time being, only course submissions will be processed through this system, program submissions can be submitted to J. Bazaz Gettys via the old Program Approval Form and she will insert them into CIM.]
5. 2018-2019 Catalog Planning [J. Bazaz Gettys advised the committee about some key catalog revision dates.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• COS 400 Problem Solving and Leadership in STEAM* [Approved with the added indication that this course, could be a good candidate for crosslisting with EVPP or CONS courses, depending upon the topic. Additionally, the ESP chair should provide a signature on the form.]
• NEUR 101 Introduction to Neuroscience [Tabled]
• NEUR 406 Zebrafish Neurodevelopment Laboratory [Tabled]

Modified Courses

• BIOL 106 Introductory Biology II Laboratory [Approved]
• BIOL 107 Introductory Biology II [Approved]
• BIOL 484 Eukaryotic Cell Biology [Approved]
• BIOL 485 Eukaryotic Cell Biology Laboratory [Approved]

Deleted Courses

• BIOL 104 Introductory Biology II [Approved]

Modified Degrees

• Mathematics, B.A.: Concentration in Mathematics Education [Approved]
• Mathematics, B.S. : Concentration in Mathematics Education [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• COS 600 Problem Solving and Leadership in STEAM* [Approved with the added indication that this course could be a good candidate for crosslisting with EVPP or CONS courses, depending upon the topic.]

Modified Courses

• NEUR 701 Neuroscience Laboratory [Approved]

Deleted Courses

• EVPP 532 Animal Behavior [Item should be retracted per the ESP committee member]
• EVPP 613 Environmental Geochemistry and Mineralogy [Approved]
• EVPP 681 Introduction to Bioinformatics [Approved]

Modified Degrees

• Computational Science, MS [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [The topic of the GRE being required for admission into graduate programs arose. Next month, the Office of Academic Affairs will provide an update on which COS programs require the GRE for admission so the discussion can continue. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM.]

* Added after agenda announcement

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

Time: 10:30am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 4/17/2017

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

*= came after agenda announcement

I. Call to Order

II. Approval of the April 2017 meeting minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• COS CIM Process*, New Curriculum Inventory Management (CIM) Software [J. B. Gettys provided an update on the CIM software and fielded questions from the committee:
  • Question 1. If the committee decides that another department’s chair needs to sign off before it continues down the approval route, can that person be added? ANSWER: The short answer is “yes”.
  • Question 2. Is this software linked to DegreeWorks (which becomes slow during high-traffic periods)? ANSWER: No, although the degree auditors will reference CIM.
  • Question 3. Will we be able to see all courses and programs that have a relationship with any of one department’s courses or programs? ANSWER: Possibly, we’ll need to investigate this once the software is live.]
• Fall 2017 Meeting Schedule* [Potentially, Tuesdays at 10:00 am.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Courses

• BIOL 303 Animal Biology [Approved]
• BIOL 304 Plant Biology [Approved]
• BIOL 314 Introduction to Research Design and Analysis [Approved with suggestion to add CHEM 211/213; 212/214]
• BIOL 322 Developmental Biology [Approved]
• BIOL 326 Animal Physiology [Approved]
• BIOL 330 Biodiversity Lab and Recitation [Approved]
• BIOL 334 Vertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
• BIOL 335 Forensic Entomology [Approved]
• BIOL 336 Invertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
• BIOL 402 Applied and Industrial Microbiology Biology [Approved]
• BIOL 403 Techniques in Applied and Industrial Microbiology [Approved]
• BIOL 409 Medical Mycology [Approved]
• BIOL 418 Current Topics in Microbiology [Approved]
• BIOL 423 Biology of Obesity and Weight Loss [Approved]
• BIOL 425 Human Physiology [Approved]
• BIOL 426 Mechanisms of Aging [Approved]
• BIOL 482 Introduction to Molecular Genetics [Approved]
• BIOL 483 General Biochemistry [Approved]
• BIOL 489 Teaching Practicum [Approved]
• BIOL 498 Research Seminar [Approved]
• BIOL 499 Research in Biology [Approved]
• CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I [Approved]
• CHEM 314 Organic Chemistry II [Approved]
• CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry Lab I [Approved]
• CHEM 318 Organic Chemistry Lab II [Approved]
• CHEM 331 Physical Chemistry I [Approved]
• CHEM 455 Honors Research in Chemistry [Approved]
• CHEM 456 Honors Research in Chemistry [Approved]
• PHYS 308 Modern Physics with Applications [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Atmospheric Sciences, BS [Approved]
• Geography, BA* [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Courses

• ASTR 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal [Approved]
• ASTR 999 Doctoral Dissertation [Approved]
• BIOL 506 Selected Topics in Microbiology [Approved]
• BIOL 515 Developmental Neurobiology [Approved]
• BIOL 556 Advanced Topics in Microbial Physiology and Metabolism [Approved]
• BIOL 583 General Biochemistry [Approved]
• BIOL 685 Emerging Infectious Diseases [Approved]
• PHYS 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal [Approved]
• PHYS 999 Doctoral Dissertation [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Physics, PhD [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [11:20 am]

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

Time: 10:30am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 3/20/2017

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

*items added after the agenda announcement

I. Call to Order [10:35 AM]

II. Approval of the March 2017 meeting minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• ASTR 480 The Interstellar Medium [Approved with the friendly amendment to add boiler plate information and delete ASTR 680 on the syllabus. Add a line which states that while this class meets with ASTR 680, a different grading rubric will be applied for graduate students.]
• CONS 480 Primate Behavior, Ecology and Conservation [Approved with the recommendation to add 2.25 GPA for undergraduates and 3.0 GPA for the graduate students as a recommended pre-requisite. The committee also suggested that they create a 500 level equivalent course for cross listing in order to accommodate graduate students. Once this new course form is ready, it will be emailed to the committee for quick review and will likely pass.]
  • During this discussion, the question of how many contact hours should be applied per credit hour came up, the following guidance was provided (see page 19-22): http://registrar.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/SchedCoordHandbook.pdf

Modified Courses

• ASTR 328 Stars and Interstellar Medium [Approved]
• ASTR 403 Planetary Sciences [Approved]
• EVPP 451 Fungi and Ecosystems [Approved]
• EVPP 490 Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy [Approved]
• GGS 310 Introduction to Digital Cartography [Approved]
• PHYS 303 Classical Mechanics [Approved, pending MATH’s approval]
• PHYS 305 Electromagnetic Theory [Approved, pending MATH’s approval]
• PHYS 416 Special Topics in Modern Physics [Approved]

Modified Degrees

• Astronomy, BS [Approved, pending MATH’s approval of the courses above]
• Astronomy Minor* [Approved, pending MATH’s approval of the courses above]
• Geography, BS  [Approved]
• Geographic Information Systems Minor  [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Courses

• ASTR 603 Planetary Sciences  [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [11:30 AM]

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

Time: 10:30am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 2/20/2017

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

*= item was added after the agenda announcement

I. Call to Order [10:35am]

II. Approval of the February 2017 meeting minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Reminders of key SCHEV and SACSCOC policies [J. Bazaz Gettys reviewed key points from this memo in an effort to inform the committee of important SCHEV and SACS policies.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• BIOL 378 Applied Ecology Laboratory [Approved pending ESP signature and change BIOL 377 to a co-requisite and add “or EVPP 377”]
• EVPP 402 Applied and Industrial Microbiology* [Approved, pending friendly amendment to add CHEM 211 and 213 and CHEM 212 to 214]
• MLAB 408 Clinical Histology [Approved]
• MLAB 409 Cinical Histology Practicum [Approved]

Modified Courses

• CHEM 212 General Chemistry II [Approved]
• CHEM 214 General Chemistry Lab II [Approved]
• EVPP 427 Disease Ecology and Conservation [Approved]
• EVPP 440 Field Environmental Science [Approved, pending change to “repeatable within term”]
• EVPP 442 Urban Ecosystems and Processes [Approved, pending addition of CHEM 212 and 214]
• EVPP 449 Marine Ecology [Approved]

Modified Degrees

• Medical Laboratory Science, BS [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Courses

• ASTR 764 Computational Astrophysics [Approved]
• ASTR 765 High-Energy and Accretion Astrophysics [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [11:04am]

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

Time: 10:30am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 1/23/2017

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

I. Call to Order [10:34am]

II. Approval of the January 2017 meeting minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

IV. Old Business

New Courses

• BIOL 107 Intro Biology II Lecture [Approved pending the addition of equivalency to BIOL 104 (BIOL 106 + BIOL 107 = BIOL 104)]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• BIOL 351 Conservation Seminar* [Approved]
• BIOL 352 Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity* [Approved]
• BIOL 353 Small Population Management* [Approved]
• BIOL 354 Research in Conservation* [Approved]
• BIOL 356 Landscape and Macrosystems Ecology* [Approved]
• EVPP 437 Ornithology [Approved but add “or EVPP 301” to the list of  pre-requisites]
• EVPP 438 Mammalogy [Approved but add “or EVPP 301” to the list of  pre-requisites]
• EVPP 439 Herpetology [Approved but add “or EVPP 301” to the list of  pre-requisites]
• EVPP 460 Infectious Diseases of Wildlife [Approved]
• EVPP 472 Tools and Techniques for International Development [Approved]

*= items were added after agenda announcement was distributed

Modified Courses

• BIOL 246 Introductory Microbiology [Approved]
• BIOL 330 Biodiversity Lab and Recitation [Approved]
• BIOL 377 Applied Ecology [Approved]
• BIOL 404 Medical Microbiology [Approved]
• BIOL 418 Current Topics in Microbiology [Approved]
• BIOL 452 Immunology [Approved]
• BIOL 460 Infectious Diseases of Wildlife [Approved]

Modified Degrees

• Computational and Data Sciences Minor* [Approved]
• Conservation Studies Minor [Approved pending ESP Chair signature]
• Physics Minor* [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• EVPP 560 Infectious Diseases of Wildlife [Approved]

Modified Courses

• CSI 685 Fundamentals of Materials Science* [Approved]
• CSI 788 Simulation of Large Scale Physical Systems* [Approved]
• PHYS 684 Quantum Mechanics I* [Approved]
• PHYS 685 Classical Electrodynamics I* [Approved]

*= items were added after agenda announcement was distributed

VII. Adjournment [11:00am]

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

Time: 10:30am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 1/9/2017

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

I. Call to Order [10:33am]

II. Approval of the  December 2016 meeting minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• COSCC Chair for Spring 2017 [The committee unanimously voted that Chris Parsons continue to be COSCC chair; the committee thanks him for his service.]
• Fieldwork Schedule Type Now Available [An additional course designation is now available: Fieldwork (FLW).]

IV. Old Business

December 2016 Email Vote Results

• Accelerated MS in Biology– [Approved]
• MATH 401– [Approved]
• MATH 685– [Approved]
• Adding the new RSC designation to courses across COS- [Approved]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

• Neuroscience Transition [Approved. The committee welcomes the IPN to appoint representation to the COSCC.]

New Courses

• BIOL 107 Intro Biology II Lecture [Tabled]
• BIOL 412 Histotechniques [Approved, course number changed to BIOL 413 after the meeting]
• CLIM 456 Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation [Approved pending GGS approval]
• EVPP 412 Histotechniques [Approved pending the deletion of biology courses and the addition of EVPP 210 in the prerequisites. Course number changed to EVPP 413 after the meeting]
• NEUR 480 Biological Bases of Alzheimer’s Disease [Approved]

Deleted Courses

• NEUR 380 Biological Bases of Alzheimer’s Disease [Approved]

Modified Degrees

• B.S. in Chemistry [Approved]
• B.S. in Environmental Science *please note there are two program approval forms [Approved with a friendly amendment: add an * next to EVPP 475 that denotes “* if not taken as a core course”.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Degrees

• Accelerated Master’s in Physics new admissions standards [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [11:05am]

• *The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.