Honors Courses
Fall Semester
HONR 123 Honors Hike and Read (1 credit)
This excursion affords incoming freshmen the opportunity to informally interact with Honors faculty and students in a beautiful outdoor setting. The weekend trip includes the discussion of a pre-selected text, a spectacular day hike, lodging, delicious meals, and a wonderful campground in Hyalite Canyon. All registration forms must be received to secure your spot in Hike and Read. Click here to access the Fall 2024 Hike and Read application
HONR 131 Freshman Research Symposium (1 credit)
This symposium provides a focused and interactive forum to introduce highly motivated students to the exciting fields and opportunities for undergraduate research at MSU. The course will provide a comprehensive overview of the research activity at MSU, with over 40 TED-style presentations spread over two Saturdays in October. Click here to access the Fall 2024 Freshman Research Symposium application.
HONR 201US Texts & Critics: Knowledge and Imagination I (4 Credits)
This course substitutes for a University Seminar (US) core course and emphasizes the critical reading and analysis of fundamental texts in the humanities, arts, communication, social studies, science, and history of ideas. The small seminar uses a socratic teaching methodology, and places particular emphasis on developing the student's academic writing and oral presentation skills. *NOTE: This course, along with other US Core courses, may not be repeated.
HONR 203 Finding Balance: A Climber's Journey (3 Credits)
This course sits at the confluence of the body’s somatic experience (as framed through the lens of climbing movement) and socio-political analysis, exploring how 21st century stressors like social media, hyper-partisan politics, global warming, Corona virus, and socio/economic inequity are experienced bodily and in turn how this effects our thinking. The central purpose of the course is to help students develop a conceptual and hands-on framework that supports both physical and mental wellness. Part philosophy, part physical practice, this course uses somatic modes of attention, putting into practice lessons in readings on Zen, Yoga, mindfulness, dance, environment, and meditation. In addition, we will use climbing as a metaphor to explore “the wilderness within”—examining topics such as the psychology of risk, fear and stress, failure and success, ethics, and the body’s lived experience of politics, trauma, and social challenges. This course is open to all students; no previous climbing experience is needed.
Physical Ability
This class is open to students of all abilities. As such, I believe it is possible to meet the course goals regardless of physical ability. At the root of the class is an exploration of the mind/body connection and the roll our world has in shaping that connection. While climbing movement is nominally the medium through which we ground our conversation, any movement (even stillness) can provide a basis for understanding our bodies and minds. I will work with you individually to tailor physical and mental goals that are comfortable yet challenging. The daily physical “practice” can be tailored to meet your individual needs. As long as you are present and intentional in applying the lessons in class, I believe there is much to be learned about our body and mind, regardless of physical ability.
HONR 210 Mentoring Gifted Students (2 Credits)
This course gives students the opportunity to mentor gifted students from Bozeman Public Schools. Students meet together in seminar to discuss, plan, implement, and evaluate their projects.
HONR 275 Extreme Microbiology in Yellowstone (3 Credits)
This course will introduce students to the unique Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya inhabiting Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal hot springs. You will learn how microorganisms influence hot springs, contribute to the cycling of nutrients, and how these unique organisms are used in a variety of biotechnology applications. You will also visit these unique ecosystems and develop strategies needed to grow unique extremophilic organisms through field sampling and collection, laboratory work, and analysis. Finally, you will analyze your microbial enrichments via molecular techniques and DNA sequencing to determine what thermophiles you successfully cultured.
Enrollment for this course is limited to 12 students, first preference will be given to honors microbiology and bioengineering students, with honors STEM field students second, then opened to other students until filled. Students will be encouraged to hike (with faculty accompaniment) seven miles one-way to the field sampling location, and camp for two nights at a backcountry campsite. Students that cannot do this for any reason can still participate in the lab/lecture portion of the course. Grades will not be penalized for not participating in the sampling events.
HONR 292 Independent Study (1-3 Credits)
Directed research and study on an individual basis. Consent of instructor and approval of Honors Dean required. Access the HONR 292 Honors College Contract form.
HONR 301US Texts and Critics II (4 Credits)
Designed for transfer and non-traditional students entering the Honors College later in their academic careers, this course substitutes for a University Seminar (US) core course and emphasizes the critical reading and analysis of fundamental texts in the humanities, arts, communication, social studies, sciences, and history of ideas. The small seminar uses a socratic teaching methodology, and places particular emphasis on developing the student's academic writing and oral presentation skills. *NOTE: This course, along with other US Core courses, may not be repeated.
HONR 319IA The Transformative Power of Music (3 credits)
This course will investigate the transformative power of music, through an exploration of the musical legacy of the Ancient Greeks, the role of music in cognitive development and its application in healthcare, the value of music education, and a discussion of significant works of music as manifested in social movements, and in cultural and religious contexts.
"Within the structure of a Socratic seminar, students will actively participate in the discourse. Students will also engage in the creation of a musical composition in small groups.
The course will culminate in multi- and inter-disciplinary research projects, which will be presented in a public forum at the end of the term in Inspiration Hall.
Note: No prior coursework or musical experience are required for this course.
HONR 494 Level Honor Seminars (3-4 Credits)
400 level Honors seminars are interdisciplinary courses that emphasize class discussion, analytic thinking and writing skills, and independent creativity or research. Many of these seminars will satisfy a Core 2.0 requirement.
HONR 450 Advanced Honors Tutorial (4-6 Credits)
This weekly seminar and tutorial supervision includes extensive interdisciplinary reading, analytic writing, and oral argument, leading to comprehensive examinations.
HONR 490R Undergraduate Research/Thesis (1-6 Credits)
This course involves directed undergraduate research or creative projects that may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. The course will address responsible conduct of research. Consent of instructor and approval of Honors Dean required. Click here to access the HONR 490 Senior Thesis Contract form.
To receive thesis credit in your Major, students are required to fill out the Departmental Thesis Notification form and return it to the Honors College for approval.
HONR 492 Independent Study (1-3 Credits)
This independent study in directed research is available on an individual basis. Students must be a Junior by credit hours and are required to obtain approval from their instructor and the Honors Dean. Click here to access the HONR 492 Honors College Contract form.
Core Classes - Fall Semester
Architecture 151 (ARCH 151RA) Design Fundamentals I (4 Credits)
This course is a study of the creative design process with emphasis on two-dimensional design, basic three dimensional design, and essential tools for graphic communication. Students will develop self-critical skills.
Prerequisites: Honors student with a landscape design major, enrolled in a pre-environmental design program, or with Consent of Director.
Biology (BIOH 409) Advanced Human Torso Anatomy (4 Credits)
This course covers the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineal anatomy, emphasizing topography and three dimensional relations. Instruction will be based on student dissections of human cadavers, with lectures covering structure and function, as well as types of pathology typically encountered in the dissection laboratory. This class is hosted in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology and is co-convened with BIOH 509
Prerequisites: Junior by credit hours and BIOH 185 or BIOH 211.
Chemistry 151/152 (lab) Honors Chemistry I (4 Credits)
This course parallels CHMY 141, with emphasis on critical and analytical thought and with a greater reliance on math skills.
Prerequisites: High school chemistry, physics, algebra, and a 500 level math placement.
Chemistry 331/332 (lab) Honors Organic Chemistry I (4 Credits)
This is the first of a two-semester Honors sequence in organic chemistry. The topics covered parallels CHMY 321 at an accelerated pace with in-depth coverage of physical organic chemistry, stereochemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, spectroscopy, and nomenclature.
Prerequisites: CHMY 151 and CHMY 153 or consent of instructor.
Computer Science (CSCI 127) Joy and Beauty of Data (1 Credit Honors Lab)
Introduction to programming: program design, analysis, and implementation in Java, including I/O, assignment, decision, iteration, scalar types, arrays, control structures, methods, classes, and common data types. No previous programming experience required. Corequisite M 151.
Earth Sciences (ERTH 201IN) Honors Earth Systems Science (4 Credit Honors)
Explores the complex interactions occurring at all scales between the Earth's geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and anthroposphere. The goal of the course is to understand the Earth as a "system" of interconnected sources of energy through deep geologic time and space.
Economics (ECNS 251IS) Honors Economics (4 Credits)
Covers economic principles are introduced and applied to a wide range of contemporary and historical problems including legal, environmental, resource, health, taxation, poverty, economic development, and macroeconomic policy issues.
Electrical Engineering (EELE 101) Introduction to Electrical Fundamentals (3 Credits)
Lecture/laboratory introduction to electrical fundamentals including Kirchhoff's and Ohm's Laws, using meters and oscilloscopes, time-varying signals in electric circuits, inductors and capacitors, series and parallel circuits, introduction to digital circuits, problem solving including computer applications, technical communications, team work. Prerequisite: M 151 or equivalent.
Math (M 181Q) Honors Calculus I (4 Credits)
Parallels M 171 but with a greater emphasis on theory and more difficult problems. Prerequisites include: M 151 with an "A" grade, 700 on the SAT Math exam, 31 on the ACT Math exam, 4 on an AP Calculus exam, or consent of the instructor.
Math (M 283Q) Honors Multivariable Calculus (4 Credits)
Parallels M 273 but with a greater emphasis on theory and more difficult problem solving. Prerequisites include: M 182 with a 'B' grade, M 172 with an 'A' grade, AP Calculus BC exam with a 5, or consent of the instructor.
Physics (PHSX 240) Honors General and Modern Physics I (4 Credits)
Parallels PHSX 220. The concepts are discussed in more depth and the range of applications is greater. Corequisite: M 171 or M 181.
Psychology (PSYX 110IS) Honors Intro to Psychology (4 Credits)
Parallels PSYX 100. This course introduces students to the scientific method and its use to understand behavior, emotion, and cognition, and build theories and knowledge within key areas of psychological inquiry. A lab component offers hands-on experiences to demonstrate psychological ideas and principles.
Spring Semester
HONR 124 Honors Ski and Read
This excursion affords incoming freshmen the opportunity to informally interact with Honors faculty and students in a beautiful outdoor setting. Includes discussion of a pre-selected text, transportation, a spectacular day cross country skiing in Yellowstone National Park, lodging in Gardiner, Montana and delicious meals. Click here to access the Spring 2025 Ski and Read application
HONR 202IH Texts & Critics: Knowledge and Imagination II (4 Credits)
This course substitutes for an Inquiry Humanities (IH) core course and emphasizes critical reading/analysis of fundamental texts in the humanities, arts, communication, social studies, science, and history of ideas. Socratic teaching methodology. Particular emphasis will be on development of analysis and criticism through academic writing and oral argumentation presentations.*NOTE: This course may not be repeated.
HONR 203 Finding Balance: A Climber's Journey (3 Credits)
This course sits at the confluence of the body’s somatic experience (as framed through the lens of climbing movement) and socio-political analysis, exploring how 21st century stressors like social media, hyper-partisan politics, global warming, Corona virus, and socio/economic inequity are experienced bodily and in turn how this effects our thinking. The central purpose of the course is to help students develop a conceptual and hands-on framework that supports both physical and mental wellness. Part philosophy, part physical practice, this course uses somatic modes of attention, putting into practice lessons in readings on Zen, Yoga, mindfulness, dance, environment, and meditation. In addition, we will use climbing as a metaphor to explore “the wilderness within”—examining topics such as the psychology of risk, fear and stress, failure and success, ethics, and the body’s lived experience of politics, trauma, and social challenges. This course is open to all students; no previous climbing experience is needed.
Physical Ability
This class is open to students of all abilities. As such, I believe it is possible to meet the course goals regardless of physical ability. At the root of the class is an exploration of the mind/body connection and the roll our world has in shaping that connection. While climbing movement is nominally the medium through which we ground our conversation, any movement (even stillness) can provide a basis for understanding our bodies and minds. I will work with you individually to tailor physical and mental goals that you are comfortable with yet still challenge you. The daily physical “practice” can be tailored to meet your individual needs. As long as you are present and intentional in applying the lessons in class, I believe there is much to be learned about our body and mind, regardless of physical ability.
HONR 204D Great Expeditions (3 credits)
Preparation and execution of a journey paralleling a portion of a historically and/or culturally significant expedition. Students study the original expedition journals, history, social, scientific, artistic, and environmental context as well as plan their own expedition. The expedition usually occurs following the conclusion of spring semester and students are required to make a public presentation on the expedition and their specific research project during the subsequent semester.
HONR 210 Mentoring Gifted Students (2 Credits)
Honors College students mentor gifted students from the Bozeman Public Schools. Students meet together in seminar to discuss, plan, implement, and evaluate their projects.
HONR 292 Independent Study (1-3 Credits)
Directed research and study on an individual basis. Consent of instructor and approval of Honors Dean. Click to access the HONR 292 Honors College Contract form.
HONR 319IA The Transformative Power of Music (3 credits)
This course will investigate the transformative power of music, through an exploration of the musical legacy of the Ancient Greeks, the role of music in cognitive development and its application in healthcare, the value of music education, and a discussion of significant works of music as manifested in social movements, and in cultural and religious contexts.
"Within the structure of a Socratic seminar, students will actively participate in the discourse. Students will also engage in the creation of a musical composition in small groups.
The course will culminate in multi- and inter-disciplinary research projects, which will be presented in a public forum at the end of the term in Inspiration Hall.
Note: No prior coursework or musical experience are required for this course.
HONR 494 Level Honor Seminars (3-4 Credits)
Advanced Honors seminars are interdisciplinary courses which emphasize class discussion, development of analytic thinking and writing skills, and encourage independent creativity/research. Many of these seminars will satisfy a Core 2.0 requirement.
HONR 450 Advanced Honors Tutorial (4-6 Credits)
Weekly seminar and tutorial supervision with extensive interdisciplinary reading, analytic writing, and oral argument, leading to comprehensive examinations.
HONR 490R Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity Thesis (1-6 Credits)
Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course will address responsible conduct of research. Consent of instructor and approval of Honors Dean. Click to access the HONR 490 Senior Thesis Contract form.
To receive thesis credit in your Major, you will need to fill out the Departmental Thesis Notification form and return it to the administrative offices of the Honors College for the required Dean's approval.
HONR 492 Independent Study (1-3 Credits)
Directed research and study on an individual basis. Junior standing, consent of instructor and approval of Honors Dean. Click to access the HONR 492 Honors College Contract form.
Core Classes - Spring Semester
Architecture 152 (ARCH 152) Design Fundamentals II (4 Credits)
A continuation of the study of the design process introduction to architectonic principles and architectural graphic skills and further understanding of the creative process. Continued development of student's ability to make critical and analytical judgments.
Biology (BIOH 411) Advanced Human Anatomy (4 Credits)
Covers dissection and prosection of the detailed anatomy of the human thorax, abdomen and pelvis, with special dissection emphasis on the extremities. Topographic, three-dimensional, and detailed relationships of organs, nerves, and vessels are emphasized. Can fulfill upper division "other" honors credits. Prerequisites include: Senior standing, completion of at least two upper division courses in the biological sciences and consent of instructor.
Biology (BIOH 425) Sensory Neurophysiology (3 BIOH Credits) + HONR 492 (1 HONR Credit)
Covers neurophysiology of sensory cells and systems. Topics range from the mechanisms underlying sensory reception to the processing of sensory information at higher stages. The major focus will be on human sensory systems. Pathologies that effect sensory perception will be considered. The course will also be offered for Honors credit to qualified students wishing to do an additional project requiring more in-depth group research. Honors enrollees will receive an extra course credit for this extra work. Prerequisite: BIOH 313.
Chemistry (CHMY 153/154) Honors College Chemistry II (4 Credits)
Parallels CHMY 143, with emphasis on critical and analytical thought and with a greater reliance on math skills. Prerequisites include: A grade better than a C in CHMY 141 or CHMY 151.
Chemistry (CHMY 333/334) Honors Organic Chemistry II (4 Credits)
This is the second semester of the two-semester honors sequence in organic chemistry. Topic coverage parallels CHMY 323, with more in-depth coverage of mechanisms and more emphasis on retrosynthetic analysis and on solving multistep synthesis problems. Prerequisites include: A grade of better than a C in CHMY 331.
Economics (ECNS 251IS) Honors Economics (4 Credits)
Covers economic principles are introduced and applied to a wide range of contemporary and historical problems including legal, environmental, resource, health, taxation, poverty, economic development, and macroeconomic policy issues.
Math (M 182Q) Honors Calculus II (4 Credits)
Parallels M 172 but with a greater emphasis on theory and more difficult problems. Prerequisites include: M 171 with an "A" grade or M 181 with a "B" grade.
Math (M 284Q) Honors Intro to Differential Equations (4 Credits)
Parallels M 274 but with a greater emphasis on theory and more difficult problem solving. Prerequisites include: M 283 with a "B" grade, M 273 with an "A" grade, or consent of the instructor.
Physics (PHSX 242) Honors General and Modern Physics II (4 Credits)
Parallels PHSX 222. The concepts are discussed in more depth and the range of applications is greater. Prerequisites include: PHSX 220 or PHSX 224; M 171 or M 181. Co-requisite: M 172 or M 182.
Sociology (SOCI 110IS) Honors Sociological Inquiry (3 Credits)
This class is an in-depth study of the sociological enterprise: the broad range of theories and research used by sociologists to think about and examine the social world. All major areas of sociology are covered with an emphasis on institutions and systems of stratification.
