BIOL 4911-4918 courses are letter graded. Students are expected to devote 10-12 hours per week (~140 hours/term) to the research project. Students submit a 1-page outline of the research proposed for that term to their faculty mentor and to the Coordinator of Undergraduate Research (currently Dr. Robert Kretsinger) by the end of the third week of each term (end of first week of summer term). The outline should include some background information and a statement of the significance of the research project and a brief description of the experimental approaches to be used and the rationale for choosing the experimental approach. In addition, a final written report of about 1500 words, exclusive of illustrations, describing the background of the project, the rationale, the relevant methods, the student's contributions, and the general conclusions should be presented by the student to the mentor and to the instructor of record for the course. (The instructor of record for students working with mentors outside of the Department of Biology is Dr. Robert Kretsinger, the Coordinator of Undergraduate Research). The final report is due by the last day of finals. Students working with outside mentors should also submit a very brief evaluation of the research experience and mentorship to the Coordinator. This information will help to improve the program for future research students and mentors. The Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) offers additional perspectives and opportunities to explore the world of research and is available to Biology majors who meet the specific academic requirements.