Biology Intensive Orientation for Students (BIOS)

BIOS is a focused academic orientation program designed for incoming students enrolling in BIOL 1201 for the fall semester. This science boot camp helps students transition to college expectations before the fall semester.

Program participants will:

  • Develop essential study skills.
  • Gain an early understanding of course content.
  • Receive an electronic copy of the introductory biology textbook.
  • Meet other highly motivated students in the College of Science.
  • Connect with faculty, graduate students, and university staff.

Overview

For 18 years, more than 4,000 BIOS participants have surpassed their peers in introductory courses, retention within their major, and graduation rates. BIOS is an optional Choose Your Adventure event that takes place during Welcome Week before the beginning of each fall semester. It is a full-day program extending from Thursday August 21 through Sunday August 24, 2025. Attendance at all events on these four days is mandatory for BIOS participation. Unfortunately, BIOS participation directly conflicts with other Choose Your Adventure Events including Greek Rush and LSU Band. Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to incoming freshmen taking BIOL 1201 in the fall semester. Pre-registration will close in July. There is a fee of $275 for the program. See the payment portion below for more details.

students with Mascot Mike

Registration

Registration for BIOS has closed! The deadline for pre-registration will be in July 2025. Please check again in early June for the official deadline date.

LSU welcome week page

Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Details

Eligibility

BIOS welcomes incoming first-year students enrolled in Biology 1201 for the fall semester. The program exclusively targets first-time students to aid in their transition to college and does not include transfer students.

Enrollment in BIOL 1201 is a requirement for BIOS. To enroll in BIOL 1201, students must have a minimum ACT composite of 23 or credit or registration in MATH 1022, MATH 1023, MATH 1431, MATH 1530, MATH 1550, or MATH 1551. 

Payment

The BIOS fee of $275 will be posted to your LSU billing statement after you have chosen BIOS as your Welcome Week Choose Your Adventure. You should see a fee for BIOS in your billing statement by the end of July.

Access your billing statement on your MyLSU page by logging in and navigating to Financial Services in the left column. Locate the billing statement on this list. You will receive a paper bill by mail, or you can pay the fees online once they appear on your statement.

For inquiries about online payment procedures, contact the bursar’s office at bursar@lsu.edu. For all other questions regarding BIOS fees, please reach out to bios@lsu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, BIOS is a full commitment occurring from Thursday to Sunday of Welcome Week. Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Note that this schedule conflicts with other Welcome Week events including Greek Rush and LSU Band.

No, enrollment in BIOL 1201 is a prerequisite for participation in BIOS. The week is designed to help incoming students with the beginning of Introductory Biology and will not be as helpful to non-Biology students. 

Yes, you may apply for BIOS as your Welcome Week Choose Your Adventure Program once registration becomes available on the Welcome Week website.

No, BIOS is only offered to incoming first-year students, as the program is geared toward making the transition to college.

No, this is an optional orientation program. No official LSU credit will be given for BIOS.

Yes, we will have a celebration and awards on Sunday afternoon from 1:30-3:00 PM. This will include the closing ceremony and reception. Light refreshments will be served and the attire is casual.

Some Colleges (including the College of Science) have agreed to need-based financial aid that will cover some of the program cost. The LSU Financial Aid Office determines financial need based on your FAFSA. Financial aid is awarded after the BIOS program ends and will appear on your fee bill. Processing may take a few weeks.

To qualify for aid, you must fully participate in BIOS, attending all lectures, small group meetings, CAS sessions, exams, and other activities. Incomplete participation disqualifies students from receiving financial aid.

Be aware that BIOS is a full commitment lasting Thursday through Sunday of Welcome Week, with sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and a shorter session from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Note that this conflicts with Welcome Week events like Greek Rush and LSU Band. Missing BIOS events for other activities renders students ineligible for BIOS financial aid.

As part of your program fee, you will receive two year's of access to the Biology 1201 electronic textbook and the access code for the online homework platform. The Introductory Biology Program exclusively uses the e-text and the LSU Bookstore no longer carries a hardcopy textbook. The hardcopy can be purchased separately from licensed vendors if you so choose.

You may cancel your BIOS Registration by emailing bios@lsu.edu before August 7, 2025 (10 business days before the start of BIOS) for a full refund. No refunds will be issued after the deadline, and it’s essential to officially cancel to remove the charges.

For students facing emergencies during the BIOS week impacting participation, promptly email bios@lsu.edu to explain the situation. Refunds for such emergencies will be assessed individually and may require documentation. Please be aware that processing refunds may take several weeks.