Students in the first semester of research register for BIOL 491, Independent Research (offered for 2 credits/semester) and in subsequent semesters enroll in 492, 493, 494, etc. in sequence. Since each of the BIOL 49X courses satisfies 2 credits, two semesters of independent research must be completed to fulfill one 3-credit upper level lab requirement for the Biology major or minor. Students enrolling in three semesters of BIOL 49X earn a total of 6 credits, fulfilling both lab requirements for the BS degree in Biology. Candidates for the BA degree in Biology may apply a maximum of 6 upper level credits from BIOL 491-498 toward the BA degree; candidates for the BS degree in Biology may apply a total of 8 upper level credits from BIOL 491-498 toward the BS degree. Students may take BIOL 49X during the summer if registered for the summer session.

There are no specific prerequisites. However, the core courses BIOL 300, 301, and 302 provide a solid background for most research projects and may be strongly recommended by some mentors. Usually, all semesters of research are completed with the same mentor.

Expectations: BIOL 491-498 courses are letter graded. Students are expected to devote ten to twelve 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 (DM) program offers additional perspectives and opportunities to explore the world of research and is available to Biology majors who meet the specific academic requirements. Learn more about the DM program here.

Below are links to informational web pages describing some of the practical aspects of getting involved with independent research projects. These include descriptions of projects currently being carried out by Biology students that may give you ideas for research topics that interest you. Also described are strategies for finding and interviewing with a potential research mentors and some ideas of how independent research is different from other laboratory courses you may have already taken. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact your advisor, a faculty member that you might be interested in working with, or Rita Webb, Undergraduate Program Coordinator.

Learn about student research projects

How do you find a research mentor?

Preparing for interviews with possible mentors

Practical considerations for a successful research experience

Sources of funding for summer research

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