01:119:408/409 HONORS IN BIOLOGY
These courses are open to Biological Sciences majors and minors who want to extend their learning experience by participating in a scientific research project. Research experience is recommended for all students intending to pursue post-graduate studies.
Upon approval, up to 6 credits of Independent Study in Biology, Research in Biology, and Honors in Biology courses may be used towards fulfillment of the Biological Sciences elective requirement.
119:408 or higher may be used towards fulfilling only one of the Biological Sciences laboratory requirements (three labs total are required for the major).
Offered
Fall, Spring, and Summer
Credits
1- 6 by permission of the Director of Undergraduate Instruction (4-5 hours of work per week per credit).
Prerequisites
Open only to Biological Sciences majors.
Honors in Biology is open only to Seniors majoring in Biological Sciences with a major GPA of 3.4 or higher and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher with previous research experience. Registration for Honors in Biology qualifies a student for graduation with Departmental Honors. Please note that Departmental Honors is a separate distinction from SAS or SEBS School honors programs.
Course Description
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 and/or field experimentation under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. Each student is expected to complete his/her own original research project. "Hands-on" laboratory exposure is an essential component of this course. Honors in Biology projects are expected to be more sophisticated than Research in Biology projects and must be accompanied by an Honors Thesis and Oral Thesis defense.
Course Contract and Information:
Honors in Biology Research Contract
Course Syllabus
Course Satisfies Departmental Learning Goals
- To understand and develop an appreciation for research as the basis of scientific study.
- To understand and to appreciate the process of science. To acquire the ability to use scientific reasoning as embodied by the structured process commonly known as the scientific method.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
Students must complete a minimum of 6 credits to qualify for Departmental Honors (3 fall/ 3 spring). Students must submit a 10 page progress report at the end of the first semester and a written thesis accompanied by an oral presentation and thesis-defense in the second semester. The thesis committee must be composed of at least three faculty members, including the research advisor and at least one member of the SAS Division of Life Sciences faculty.
Faculty
Course Coordinator:
Dr. Anne Carr-Schmid
Director of Advising, Biological Sciences
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
