Learn-to-Be Program

During their first semester in the College of Science, a student has the opportunity to take part in the Learn-to-Be program which is incorporated into the College's orientation courses. A key purpose of this program is to support a student's agency; that is, their capacity and freedom to influence their own path to learning. More specifically, activities in this program are chosen to help the student:

1. Articulate their own learning goals;
2. Map out how they will pursue their interests within and beyond the classroom; and
3. Support their ability to envision their future self as honoring multiple worldviews and collaborating across difference.

The courses that incorporate the Learn-to-Be program are: 

BIOL 11500 - Biology Resource Seminar: This course is designed to help integrate new biology students into the Department of Biological Sciences, to help them adjust to university life, and to assist them in developing academic and intellectual survival skills using the medium of introductory Biology courses. The course meets twice a week in groups of 20-25 students. Each section is led by an academic advisor and an undergraduate teaching intern. The class periods have an on-going emphasis on connecting students to one another as resources while learning information, critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies. Topics include bioethics, time management, available academic resources, biology majors and curricula and career development. Students are exposed to opportunities in undergraduate research, summer internships, the study abroad program, and teaching internships. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to plan their college education rather than merely choose their courses.

CHM 19400 - Freshman Chemistry Orientation: Designed to provide incoming chemistry majors with the academic, survival, and computational skills to make a successful transition from high school to college. Discussion of opportunities within the chemistry department including degree options, co-op program, undergraduate research, careers in chemistry, use of spreadsheet software, graphing packages, and drawing programs for chemical structures. Attendance and performance on assigned projects are the basis of the assigned grades.

CS 19100 - Freshman Resources Seminar: This course is intended to integrate freshman majors in computer sciences into the department, help them adjust to university life, and assist them in developing academic and intellectual survival skills. Weekly recitation sections enable the students to work in teams. Strongly recommended for freshmen. The credit may be used only toward free electives. 

EAPS 13700 - Freshman Seminar In Earth, Atmospheric, And Planetary Sciences: Seminar presented by guests in different fields of the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences to expose students to the range of topics included in the department and in possible career paths

MA 10800 - Mathematics As A Profession And A Discipline: A seminar course for undergraduate students interested in majoring in an area of mathematics at Purdue. The purpose is to build prospective mathematics majors’ awareness of opportunities to enhance their experiences at Purdue and of career paths available for graduates with a good mathematical background. The format of most classes is a  presentation and discussion with an invited speaker/guest, including experts on a different aspect of mathematics in our world today. This course is recommended for undergraduates in their first or second year at Purdue.

PHYS 10400 - First Year Physics Seminar: A one-credit course for first-year Physics majors designed to develop concepts and skills in team building, time management, and professional development that complement the students’ academic and research training. Talks from a broad range of speakers are included.

STAT 10100 - Freshman Orientation Seminar: A one-credit course for first year Statistics/Mathematics majors designed to develop concepts and skills in team building, time management, and professional development that complement the students’ academic and research training.  Talks from a broad range of speakers are included.