Advising Forms
BIMS students can earn Directed Elective (BDE) credit via field/work experience, directed studies, or research — up to a combined 9 credits during their undergraduate degree. Registration is handled by an Advising Office (not Schedule Builder). Forms must be submitted by the end of Add/Drop week each semester.
Waitlist for BIMS Classes
BIMS Course Waitlist Form
If you’re unable to register for a required BIMS course, you can submit a waitlist form to request enrollment. Priority is given to students graduating that semester, but submission does not guarantee placement.
- Submit a waitlist form, linked above via Google Forms.
- Priority for students graduating that semester, especially if the course is required.
- Approval not guaranteed; students informed up to the start of classes. Email bims@tamu.edu with questions.
Field experience (shadowing/internship) – BIMS 484
This course allows you to earn credit for professional experiences like internships or shadowing in a relevant field. You’ll need to arrange your own placement and meet a required number of hours to receive credit.
- Shadowing/internship in a related professional setting: 30 hours per credit hour, graded S/U.
- Apply via the BIMS 484 Google Form after securing a placement.
- Max 6 credits total count toward BDE; registration handled by Advising
Directed Studies – BIMS 285/485
Directed Studies offers the chance to explore a specific topic in-depth under faculty guidance. It may include reading, lab work, or projects beyond the standard curriculum.
Options:
- With VMBS faculty: Submit the BIMS 285/485 Google Form; eligible for 0–3 credits per semester, up to 9 total across all x84/x85/x91 courses.
- With Non-VMBS faculty: The outside department registers you; submit BIMS 285/485 Non-VMBS Google Form and we will review your course for BDE credit.
After filling out these forms, we will still need instructor approval in order to register you or adjust your Non-VMBS course to count as a BDE. For this, please email your professor from your official @tamu.edu email with the following template and have them include us with their approval:
I am requesting your approval to register for the following class:
Student Name: [Your Full Name]
Student UIN: [Your UIN]
Course Number: [Course Number]
Number of Credits: [0-4]If you approve, please reply to this email with “I approve” and cc bims@tamu.edu so that the advisors can complete my registration.
Research – BIMS 291/491
Research courses let you gain hands-on experience in a lab setting under faculty supervision. These opportunities can strengthen your academic and professional development, especially if you’re considering graduate or professional school.
- Lab-based research under faculty guidance (techniques, experiments, analysis).
- Credits: 0–4 per semester, max 9 total. No stipend allowed.
- All forms should be completed and emailed to bims@tamu.edu by the end of Add/Drop
Options:
- 291/491 with VMBS faculty Form – submit form before Add/Drop week.
- 291/491 with Non-VMBS faculty Form – outside department registers, plus BIMS review form emailed. Retroactive credit eligible if meets BDE criteria.
- MSCI 691 (College of Medicine) – Research with the Medical School has now been redesignated as a BIMS 491. Please fill out the form above for “Non-VMBS Faculty” and insert put BIMS 491 (MSCI 691) when it asks what course you are registered for.
After filling out these forms, we will still need instructor approval in order to register you or adjust your Non-VMBS course to count as a BDE. For this, please email your professor from your official @tamu.edu email with the following template and have them include us with their approval:
I am requesting your approval to register for the following class:
Student Name: [Your Full Name]
Student UIN: [Your UIN]
Course Number: [Course Number]
Number of Credits: [0-4]If you approve, please reply to this email with “I approve” and cc bims@tamu.edu so that the advisors can complete my registration.
Submission Deadlines
All forms must be submitted by end of Add/Drop week (see TAMU Academic Calendar). Ensure registration planning aligns.