Who is eligible to apply? Do I have to be a certain major?

 

STEMCats is open to all incoming freshmen who are a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) major or are intrested in a STEM major. Anyone with an interest in a STEM field is encouraged to apply.

 

 

COURSES

What courses am I required to take?

All incoming STEMCats will participate in a “Careers & Research in Math & Science" course, 1 credit hour during the fall term.  In the spring term, students will participate in “Freshmen Research.”  Specialized sections of BIO 155 and CHE 111, Lab courses, will be designated for STEMCats students.  

What is the difference between STEMCats LLP and STEMCats program?

The STEMCats LLP is a living and learning program.  Freshmen in the STEMCats LLP will live together in Woodland Glen IV and participate in the STEMCats program.

The STEMCats program does not have a living component.  Freshmen may live anywhere on or off campus.  The STEMCats program is open to all STEM majors regardless of where they are living. 

Both groups of freshmen will participate in Fasttrack, attend  the STEMCats fall class, participate in research labs in the spring, as well as, extra-curricular activities. 

 

Yes, you can and we hope you will consider joining STEMCats.  Freshmen accepted in the UK Honors program can also be part of the STEMCats program.  Biology and chemistry majors can participate in STEMCats and live in the Honors LLP.

 

 

What courses will I take as part of STEMCats?

The first one-credit hour course, Careers & Research in Math & Science will give early exposure to the fascinations and endless possibilities of STEM disciplines, modern trends and applications, the variety and diversifying STEM careers available, hands-on experiences, and interactions with successful in STEM disciplines hold potential to boost student persistence via evoking enthusiasm and facilitating the quest for a student’s ‘correct fit.’  Course meetings will be conducted by research faculty from across campus, invited external STEM experts, recent alumni, STEM-based entrepreneurs, civic leaders, policy makers and state STEM educators and administrators.  This course will be team-facilitated highlighting “team science” and interdisciplinary approaches.  This course will be taught in the classroom and on-site visits.

The second two-credit hour course will give you early exposure to research.  Students will learn from authentic research in this first year course.  Students will meet twice a week in a laboratory which is mentored by one or several faculty members.  All students will be required to do research projects. 

 

 

How will participating in the program affect my schedule? Will it take me longer to graduate?

The impact to your schedule will be minimal, approximately two additional credit hours.  Those two hours will give you direct insight into science and professional careers plus you will do research your first year.  As always, an academic advisor will work closely with you to make sure you are registered for the correct course. Participating in the program will not extend the amount of time you need to graduate. In fact, having a close community of students and faculty to support you, will keep you on track for graduating on time.

 

 

STEMCats offers a number of extracurricular activities that foster strong relationships between students in the program and between students and faculty members. Students are required to attend STEMCats-sponsored events each fall and spring term. STEMCats staff, faculty, and Residential Fellows organize a host of qualifying events. STEMCats offers a number of extracurricular activities that foster strong relationships between students in the program and between students and faculty members. Students are required to attend STEMCats-sponsored events each fall and spring term. STEMCats staff, faculty, and Residential Fellows organize a host of qualifying events. Be sure to check the Extracurricular activities tab for more info.