Research for Credit

 Each Independent Study/Research/Honors course requires the submission of a written report to complete the course. The specific format of the report is discussed below, with additional details available on the course site.

Independent Study in Biology is designed to enhance the curriculum by allowing students to explore topics that are not explicitly covered in our formal course offerings. Under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor, students can investigate a subject of mutual interest. Please note that this Independent Study will focus on library research and does not involve laboratory work.

Eligibility:

• Open to Biological Sciences Majors and Minors
• Prerequisites: Minimum GPA of 2.8

A rough draft of the paper is due at the midpoint of the semester. At the end of the course, the final paper in an appropriate scientific format is required. The term paper, which must include a full literature cited section referencing peer-reviewed primary literature, must be at least 10 pages per registered credit. The term paper is assessed by the faculty mentor and submitted to the Division of Life Sciences by the specified due date for that semester

Registration Process:

To register for the course, students must:

• Secure a faculty mentor to supervise their Independent Study.
• Prepare a 1-page proposal/outline on the selected topic.
• Obtain approval from both the Faculty Mentor and Dr. Carr-Schmid (Course Coordinator).
• Once approved, students should initiate the Independent Study in Biology DocuSign Contract to receive their Student Protection Number (SPN) for course registration.

Three credits from this Independent Study can fulfill the SEBS Experiential Learning Requirement for SEBS Biological Sciences Majors. Independent Study in Biology is designed to enhance the curriculum by allowing students to explore topics that are not explicitly covered in the formal course offerings. Under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor, students can investigate a subject of mutual interest. Please note that this Independent Study will focus on library research and does not involve laboratory work.

Research in Biology is intended to provide students with an opportunity to experience the scientific discovery process. Students engage in laboratory and/or field experimentation under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. Each student is expected to carry out his/her own research project. "Hands-on" laboratory exposure is an essential component of this course. No research with human subjects permitted.

• Open to Biological Sciences Majors and Minors and Biomathematics Majors
• Pre- or Corequisites:  GPA of 2.8.
• A short research video for a general audience and a written research paper in journal article format are required each semester. The research paper should include an Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results (data should be presented in figure and/or tabular form), Discussion, and References. A minimum of ten pages is required. The research paper must be graded by the faculty mentor and submitted to the Division of Life Sciences by the due date for that semester.
• 3 credits can fulfill the SEBS Experiential Learning Requirement for SEBS Biological Sciences Majors. 

Finding a Life Sciences Faculty Mentor 

The first step in completing either library research (Independent Study in Bio) or conducting laboratory research (Research or Honors in Bio) involves securing a Rutgers- NB faculty mentor.  

Please review our  Biological Sciences "Get Involved in Research" resource page, the  MBB research page, or the  Aresty research page for valuable guidance or join Biological Sciences Advising for assistance.

Guidelines and Instructions for Applying for Research in Biology- Effective Fall 2024

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Research in Biology Application DocuSign Powerform - Effective Fall 2024   ( Fall or Spring) - Students completing Research in Biology for the first time SHOULD NOT initiate this form until they have reviewed the Guidelines and Instructions above AND have had their proposal approved by Dr. Carr-Schmid. 

* **Please be sure to include your first and last name in your attached research proposal file name (i.e. AnneCarrSchmidResearchProposal***

• Open only to  Biological Sciences Majors Seniors; students accepted in the BA/MD, BA/DMD ,  or BA/MS PA programs may complete Honors in their junior year.
• Pre- or Corequisites
  
  • Must have previous research experience: ideally in same lab pursuing Honors.
  • Overall GPA of 3.0; major GPA of 3.4.
  • Completion of 18 credits of Biological Sciences life sci courses applicable to the major.
• Honors in Biology is intended to provide highly motivated students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a scientific research project. Students engage in laboratory or field experimentation under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. Each student is expected to complete their own original research project.
• Direct laboratory exposure is an essential component of this course. Honors in Biology projects are expected to be more sophisticated than Research in Biology projects. No research with human subjects permitted.
• Students must complete a minimum of 6 credits to qualify for Departmental Honors. Students must submit a written thesis accompanied by an oral presentation and thesis-defense. The thesis committee must be composed of at least three faculty members, including the research advisor and at least one member of the Division of Life Sciences faculty.

Guidelines and Instructions for Applying for Honors in Biology

Honors in Biology Application DocuSign Powerform    (For Fall Semester Only)

    * **Please be sure to include your first and last name in your attached Honors research proposal file name (i.e. FirstNameLastNameHonorsResearchProposal***

Honors in Biology Application SPRING DocuSign Powerform(For Spring Semester)

GH Cook Students: Students who are enrolled in George H. Cook and wish to be considered for Departmental Honors must have the project approved by the Division of Life Sciences. The GH COOK Scholars Application for Biological Sciences Honors (download here) along with a three page proposal must be submitted to the Division of Life Sciences no later than the third Friday of the Fall semester of senior year.

The Internship in the Life Sciences provide students with the opportunity to develop experience and knowledge regarding the expectations, qualifications, competencies and responsibilities of professionals working within the life sciences through an internship experience with academic component. Students will integrate knowledge from their life science coursework to the internship experience, develop new skills, and reflect on their learning experience. 

• Finding an Internship Opportunity

  . The first step in securing an internship is to find a formal internship experience and apply.  A key resource is the Rutgers Career Exploration and Success (CES)  Internship Guide. Handshake.com and Indeed.com are two useful sites to search for internships.

• Clinical and laboratory research internships are appropriate, while shadowing and volunteering in hospitals are not accepted.

"The Rutgers University Externship Exchange Program, offered through the Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree, bridges academics and industry to give students a competitive career edge while providing companies with fresh insights and innovative solutions. Students work in teams on company or organization led projects. They gain real-world experience by collaborating with leading businesses and nonprofits, developing the skills to learn, lead, and excel as they tackle real challenges faced by participating organizations".  For additional information and  the application, please see the MBS Externship Exchange Website.

• Pre- or Co-requisites: GPA of 3.0
• Rising Sophomore, Juniors or Seniors
• Attendance at weekly LAB meeting on Tuesdays (5:05- 6:35 pm)
• Weekly team meetings with partners and Faculty Mentor
• 10-12 hour per week requirement.
• Students must apply and be accepted to participate. https://externship.rutgers.edu/student-application-process/