Virtual Learning Community
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Connect with other students of similar interests and goals.
The College of Science's Virtual Learning Community (VLC) integrates your major curriculum with complementary courses to enhance learning and engagement in and out of the classroom. You will take part in a number of initiatives to impact your academic and personal development while also making connections with your peers.
This is a unique opportunity to interact with other students and faculty in an interdisciplinary community focused on scientific inquiry, cutting-edge research, and global problem solving. This year's theme will center around scientific inquiry and global problem solving.
Why join a virtual learning community?

- Easily add the Scientific Leadership and Practice Minor to your degree, as required VLC courses fulfill core requirements.
- Join the social lounge and home, curated for students to be fun, engaging, and supportive
- Make connections with other students, both academically and socially
- Access academic resources and support from tutors, campus resources, and faculty
- Build a cohort of like-minded individuals engaged in their passion in and out of the classroom
- Find mentorship from upper-level students in many of the VLCs who have experience in the VLC topic
- Attend events and virtual programming tailored to the VLC by content experts connected to that VLC
The application is now open. Students admitted on a rolling basis.
Recommended College of Science VLC Courses
You must register for at least one course within the College of Science for the Fall 2020 semester.
Major | Course |
---|---|
Biology | BIOL 213: Cell Structure and Function |
Chemistry | CHEM 211/213: General Chemistry/Lab |
Computational and Data Sciences | CDS 130/230: Computing for Scientists/Modeling and Simulation I |
Environmental Science | EVPP 210: Environmental Biology: Molecules and Cells |
Geography and Geoinformation Science | GGS 101/102: Major World Regions/Physical Geography |
Geology/AOES | CLIM 101: Global Warming: Weather, Climate, and Society, GEOL 101: Introductory Geology |
Mathematical Sciences | MATH 113/213: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I/Analytic Geometry and Calculus III, MATH290: Introduction to Advanced Mathematics |
Neuroscience | NEUR 101: Introduction to Neuroscience |
Physics and Astronomy | PHYS 160/161: University Physics I/Lab, PHYS 260/261: University Physics II/Lab, ASTR 111/112: The Solar System/Lab |
All (not first-year students) | COS 300: Professional Preparation for STEM Disciplines (fall) |
Program | Course |
---|---|
STEM Boot Camp | UNIV 108: STEM Boot Camp 2020, CRN: 77373 |
Other | COS 120: Introduction to Research |

Discover more about Mason's Virtual Learning Communities.