The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced plans Wednesday to open a new residential learning community for freshmen intending to study biological sciences in Fall 2014.
The community, called BioHouse, will allow students who typically are unable to take biological science courses their first semester to cultivate their interest in the program before beginning classes, according to a university release.
“That first year can be especially hard,” said Janet Branchaw, interim director of the Institute for Biology Education. “[Students] may not get to take a biology course until their second semester or even their second year. Many students just give up on science, but we’re trying to change that.”
Residents in BioHouse will take part in a seminar course exploring new bioscience research and job opportunities, as well as biology-themed social activities, the release said.
BioHouse will be the 10th learning community at the university and organizers hope to enroll up to 130 students next fall.
