(Not open to students majoring in biotechnology or laboratory management.) An introduction to the structure and function of living organisms. The objective is to use knowledge about biological principles and scientific reasoning to make informed decisions about the natural world. Topics include the chemical foundations of life, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and the interdependence of living organisms. Discussion also covers the importance of the scientific method to biological inquiry and the impact of biological knowledge and technology on human societies. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 101 or BIOL 103.

A survey of the United States from colonial times to the end of the Civil War. The establishment and development of national institutions are traced. The aim is to locate, evaluate, and use primary and secondary sources and interpret current events and ideas in a historical context. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HIST 156 or HUMN 119.

"An overview of information systems and how they provide value by supporting organizational objectives. The goal is to analyze business strategies to recognize how technology solutions enable strategic outcomes and to identify information system requirements by analyzing business processes. Discussion covers concepts of business processes and alignment of information systems solutions to strategic goals."

For online sections, microphone, speakers and occasional synchronous work required. (Not open to native speakers of Japanese.) Prerequisite: JAPN 221 or appropriate score on a placement test. Further development of skills in intermediate spoken and written Japanese. The aim is to communicate effectively with native speakers of Japanese in a broad range of personal and professional situations and to recognize and read approximately 320 Japanese characters in context. Practice is provided in interacting with others in a variety of interpersonal contexts.

An introduction to the research process and methods for retrieving information in a library or through online sources. The aim is to identify an information need and locate, evaluate, and use appropriate resources in keeping with academic integrity and ethical standards. Focus is on implementing effective strategies for finding relevant information--including selecting appropriate print and electronic sources and effectively using web search engines and the UMGC Library's electronic resources to find information--and evaluating and correctly citing the information found. Students may not earn credit for LIBS 150 through challenge exam or portfolio credit and may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMP 111, LIBS 100, or LIBS 150.

(Fulfills the general education requirement in research and computing literacy.) An orientation to UMGC and exploration of how UMGC academic programs align to professional goals and career options. Focus is on developing and practicing communication, teamwork, professionalism, and integrity skills while exploring ways to develop and enhance career opportunities. The aim is to become familiar with the university's academic culture and expectations; learn about UMGC resources for success; reflect on academic and professional goals; and explore opportunities to shorten programs through transfer credit and other prior learning. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: PACE 111B, PACE 111C, PACE 111M, PACE 111P, PACE 111S, or PACE 111T.

(The second course in the two-course series WRTG 111-WRTG 112. Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Continued practice in reading, writing, and critical thinking with an emphasis on research and argumentation. The goal is to implement strategies for analyzing ideas and rhetorical techniques in academic texts and for conducting academic research. Focus is on writing an argumentative research paper that synthesizes information and ideas from multiple sources and demonstrates critical thinking, varied rhetorical strategies, proper source documentation, and effective language use. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ENGL 101, ENGL 101X, WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, WRTG 101X, WRTG 112, or WRTG 112X.