By selecting Honors under Special Offerings in the LSA Course Guide, students will find a fairly comprehensive list of Honors courses available for the term. Depending on course coding used by the department, you may find other courses throughout a search, but this is a great start in planning your schedule. For information about courses including questions about registration/waitlists/permissions, please contact the department offering the course. For courses with the Honors subject code (e.g., Honors 230, Honors 241), contact the Honors Program. Courses are subject to change by departments.
BIOLOGY 171 – Introductory Biology: Ecology and Evolution (NS)
Section: 002 (LEC), 200 (DIS)
BIOLOGY 171 is a one-term course in ecology and evolutionary biology that, together with BIOLOGY 172 and 173, collectively form the introductory biology course unit.
The primary aims of BIOLOGY 171 are:
-To provide factual and conceptual knowledge concerning the origin and complex interactions of the Earth's biodiversity
-To give an integrated overview of biological organization including genes, individuals, kin groups, populations, species, communities, and ecosystems
-To engage with biological hypotheses dealing with prominent current issues such as human evolutionary origins, emerging diseases, conservation biology, and global change
-To develop critical-thinking skills.
Topics in BIOLOGY 171 are divided into three primary areas:
Inheritance genetics and evolution
Biodiversity
Ecology
BIOLOGY 172 – Introductory Biology – Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental (NS)
Section: 002 (LEC), 200, 201 (DIS)
BIOLOGY 172 is a one-term course in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology that, together with BIOLOGY 171 and 173, collectively forms the introductory biology course sequence.
The aims of BIOLOGY 172 are:
-to provide factual and conceptual knowledge of how cells, organs, and organisms work; and
-to develop scientific hypothesis-testing and critical-thinking skills.
CHEM 215 – Structure and Reactivity II (NS) WITH CHEM 216
Section: 400 (LEC)
CHEM 215 is the second course in a two-term sequence in which the major concepts of chemistry are introduced in the context of organic chemistry. Emphasis is on the development of the capacity of students to think about the relationship between structure and reactivity and to solve problems in a qualitatively analytical way. Many of the topics are presented from a bioorganic perspective, and so the course is relevant to many bio-x perspectives.
The honors section of this course integrates the content of Chem 215H and 216H. Additionally, there is a required structured study group (SSG) component (evening slots with sign-up options to be provided in class) with an end-of-term assignment that is included in the course grade.
Note:-SECTION 400 IS AVAILABLE FOR HONORS CREDIT ONLY. DEPARTMENTAL CONSENT MUST BE GIVEN. STUDENTS IN CHEM 215H-400 MUST ALSO ELECT CHEM 216H-400. Contact chemundergrad@umich.edu with questions.
*Two ways to receive Honors credit in CHEM 215
1. Elect any CHEM 215 section (including non-Honors) and join an Honors Structured Study Group (SSG). (3 Honors engagement points)
2. Be accepted into Honors CHEM 215-400 AND Honors CHEM 216-400 with 4xx lab + join a structured study group (SSG). (5 Honors engagement points)
CHEM 216 – Synthesis and Characterization of Organic Compounds (NS)
Section: 400 (LEC), 411 - 450 (LAB)
CHEM 216 builds on the experimental approach started in CHEM 211. Students participate in planning exactly what they are going to do in the laboratory by being given general goals and directions that have to be adapted to fit the specific project they will be working on. They use microscale equipment, which requires them to develop manual dexterity and care in working in the laboratory. They also evaluate the results of their experiments by checking for identity and purity using various chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Students should elect both CHEM 215 Honors - section 400 (for 3 credits) and CHEM 216 Honors - section 400 (for 2 credits).
Note: CHEM 216, section 400 and 4xx labs available for Honors credit only. Departmental Consent must be given BEFORE registering. Students must also be enrolled in Chem 215-400. Double honors will be given upon successful completion. Contact chemundergrad@umich.edu with questions.
*Honors option for CHEM 230 and CHEM 260–Compute to Learn
GEOG 145 - Introduction to International Studies (SS)
Section: 001 (LEC), 003 (DIS) LSA HNRS
Crosslisted with INTLSTD 101
INTLSTD 101 – Introduction to International Studies (SS)
Crosslisted with GEOG 145
Section: 001 (LEC), 012 (DIS) LSA HNRS
This is the introductory core course for the International Studies major at the University of Michigan. The course explores human rights, human development, and human security in historical and comparative perspective using multiple disciplinary approaches. The curriculum is divided into six modules that cover:
globalization;
-international relations and organizations;
-human rights and humanitarianism;
-global environment and health;
-human development; and
-culture and identity.
Honors:
Students in the Honors section of GEOG 145/INTLSTD 101 will have discussions with the primary instructor for the course. These discussions will address special topics that build on material covered in lectures and enable the students to explore key topics of international significance in more depth. Students in the Honors section will also write a longer paper and make one short presentation to their group.
MATH 186 – Honors Calculus II (MSA, QR/1)
Section: 001
Most students take calculus in high school, and it may seem that there isn't much new to learn. The goal of this course is to develop the familiar concepts of calculus using a more rigorous and theoretical approach. In particular, with its emphasis on how to use appropriate mathematical language, this course lays a solid foundation for future math courses, and is suitable for students intending to pursue a major in mathematics, science, or engineering who desire a more complete understanding of the underpinnings of calculus. This sequence is not restricted to students enrolled in the LSA Honors Program. This course is a continuation of Math 185.
MATH 276 – Explorations in Calculus (MSA, QR/1)
Section: 001
This course is an Inquiry-Based version of Honors Calculus I and II (such as Math 185/186) and provides the necessary preparation for Multivariable Calculus (Math 215 or the honors version, Math 285). A student who has had some exposure to calculus (e.g., AB or BC in high school, or Math 115) will be well-prepared for this course. The majority of class time will be spent working in groups and presenting ideas and solutions to problems.
MATH 285 – Honors Multivariable and Vector Calculus (MSA, QR/1)
Section: 001
The sequence Math 185-186-285-286 is an introduction to calculus at the honors level. It is taken by students intending to major in mathematics, science, or engineering as well as students heading for many other fields who want a somewhat more theoretical approach. Although much attention is paid to concepts and solving problems, the underlying theory and proofs of important results are also included. This sequence is not restricted to students enrolled in the LSA Honors Program.
MATH 286 – Honors Differential Equations (MSA, QR/1)
Section: 001
The sequence Math 185-186-285-286 is an introduction to calculus at the honors level. It is taken by students intending to major in mathematics, science, or engineering as well as students heading for many other fields who want a somewhat more theoretical approach. Although much attention is paid to concepts and solving problems, the underlying theory and proofs of important results are also included. This sequence is not restricted to students enrolled in the LSA Honors Program.
MATH 296 – Honors Mathematics II (QR/1)
Section: 001
Math 295-296-395-396 is the most theoretical and demanding honors calculus sequence. The emphasis is on concepts, problem solving, as well as the underlying theory and proofs of important results. It provides an excellent background for advanced courses in mathematics. The expected background is high school trigonometry and algebra (previous calculus is not required, but is helpful.) This sequence is not restricted to students enrolled in the LSA Honors program. Math 295 and 296 may be substituted for any Math 451 requirement. Math 296 and 395 may be substituted for any Math 217 requirement.
MATH 297 – An Introduction to Analysis (MSA, QR/1)
Section: 001
This is a course in analysis for students who know how to write rigorous mathematical arguments and possess a firm understanding of the standard concepts of linear algebra. It is specifically designed for students who excelled in Math 217, love mathematics, and wish to transition into the Honors Analysis Sequence.
For more information on Math courses, please visit the Department of Mathematics webpage.
For waitlist information for Math courses, contact the Math department at math-undergrad-office@umich.edu.
PHYSICS 160 – Honors Physics I (NS, QR/1)
Section: 001
PHYSICS 160 covers the fundamental principles of mechanics using a modern perspective. It emphasizes the applicability of these laws in systems ranging from binary stars to nuclear collisions. This class will be different, and more interesting, than any physics course you have taken yet.
The goals of the course are:
-Application of fundamental principles to a wide range of systems, i.e., from nuclei to stars (unify mechanics)
-Integrate contemporary physics (atomic models of matter, relativistic dynamics)
-Engage students in physical modeling (idealization, approximation, assumptions, estimation)
-Integrate computational physics (now a partner of theory and experiment) into problem solving
Students should elect PHYSICS 161 as the corresponding LAB section.
PHYSICS 161 – Honors Introductory Mechanics Lab (NS)
Section: 001
PHYSICS 161 is a three-hour weekly laboratory designed to accompany PHYSICS 160.
This lab introduces students to the core concepts of physics, namely careful observations, both quantitative and qualitative, followed by comparison with appropriate mathematical models that serve as the basis for descriptive interpretation. Course material is focused on developing a good understanding of the concepts and principles of Newtonian mechanics while providing sophisticated experiments for demonstrating the validity of these fundamental paradigms.
PHYSICS 260 – Honors Physics II (NS, QR/1)
Section: 001
PHYSICS 260 is a continuation of PHYSICS 160 and introduces the theory of electromagnetic phenomena. This course will introduce you to:
-The deeper physical meaning of the concepts
-A rigorous mathematical approach, using vector calculus when applicable
-Problem solving including computer use
-Contemporary applications
If you like physics and math, appreciate the deeper meaning and derivation of concepts and equations, and if you like to do problems, you are in the right course. Students should elect PHYSICS 261 as the corresponding Lab section for the course.
PHYSICS 261 – Honors Electricity and Magnetism Lab (NS)
Section: 001,002
PHYSICS 261 is a three-hour weekly laboratory designed to accompany PHYSICS 260. This lab introduces students to the core concepts of physics, namely careful observations, both quantitative and qualitative, followed by comparison with appropriate mathematical models that serve as the basis for descriptive interpretation. Course material is focused on developing a good understanding of the concepts and principles of Newtonian mechanics while providing sophisticated experiments for demonstrating the validity of these fundamental paradigms. The analytical techniques require high school level algebra and some familiarity with statistical measures of significance, procedures common to any scientific, technical, or medical area of inquiry. Although not an academic requirement, it is assumed that the students will have some basic skills in using a computer at the level of a word processing program or similar application task.
STATS 280 – Honors Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis (MSA, QR/1)
Section: 001 (LEC) 002,003 (LAB)
This course is an introduction to statistical methods and data analysis at the honors level, targeting advanced undergraduate students who are interested in a challenging introductory course.
