Becoming a Scientist

Your first semester sets the tone for your entire college career — SCI 1001 (or SCI 1002 for Honors students) is designed to make sure it starts strong.

This 1-credit-hour course is built specifically for incoming first-year science and mathematics majors. Classes meet once a week and focus on the academic and professional skills that carry students through their entire degree: study strategies, science communication, research literacy, and research ethics.

Small, interactive sections (33–40 students) mean you're never just a number — you'll build real community within the College of Science from day one. Every section is supported by peer mentors who have already navigated the transition to LSU and are there to share the student perspective you won't get anywhere else.

Because communication is central to succeeding in science, every section is certified communication-intensive in the written mode, so credit counts toward LSU's CxC certificate and medalist programs. Honors students who take SCI 1002 also earn Ogden Honors College credit, with course themes tailored to Honors College opportunities.

What does the data say?

Becoming a Scientist isn't just popular — it works. Since the course was implemented, College of Science students have seen measurable gains:

• For students taking advantage of the course, Fall GPAs have climbed

• First-year retention in the College of Science has increased

• More students are entering LSU's Senior College earlier in their academic careers

Read more in this LSU blog post or dive into the full peer-reviewed research article.

What students are saying

"It was comforting to have a class full of peers on the same track as me in the College of Science. My peer mentors helped me navigate freshman year and truly cared about us."

"This class had a huge impact on my academic career. Without SCI 1001, I wouldn't have known about the resources LSU offers or found people in my major — it helped me lay the foundation for my whole academic career at LSU."

"The class did a great job helping me transition from high school to college. The professor and peer mentors were always available, shared resources I otherwise wouldn't have known about, and made me feel truly welcomed to LSU."

"Through the course, I connected with other science majors and gained strategies that helped me grow academically and personally."

"College can be difficult, especially as a science major, if you don't know what to expect. SCI 1001 makes it manageable — a community of peers in the same boat, plus a leadership team of upperclassmen and faculty there to support you."

"Taking SCI 1001 last semester helped me gain confidence and gave me the tools I needed to succeed."

Become a Peer Mentor!

Already thrived in SCI 1001 or SCI 1002? Consider serving as a SCI 1001 or SCI 1002 peer mentor.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SERVING AS A PEER MENTOR Here

Further Information

Dr. Johnna Roose
jroose@lsu.edu

Valerie Stampley
vderou1@lsu.edu

Dr. Zakiya Wilson-Kennedy - Director
zwilson@lsu.edu