Department of Biology
Departmental Honors
Students on Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024 requirements BIOL-HON
Outstanding students in Biology are encouraged to pursue departmental honors. The honors program complements the degree programs in Biology by giving students an opportunity to pursue independent, original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Participation in the program provides many benefits, including practical research experience, advanced scientific writing skills, and insight into science careers.
Requirements
- Independent Research. At least five (5) credit hours over at least two (2) semesters:
- BIOL-X 490 Individual Study
BIOL-X 490 Individual Study
- Credits
- 1–12 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- Overall GPA 2.500 or above; and written consent of faculty member supervising research
- Notes
- Must present oral report to complete more than 6 credit hours
- Description
- Involves active, original research, primarily in a laboratory setting, with direction and feedback from a faculty mentor. Includes a formal presentation of the research project.
- Repeatability
- Maximum of 6 credits allowed for summer research. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours in BIOL-L 490 and BIOL-X 490.
- Research Methods & Writing. 1 credit hour:
- BIOL-S 495 Honors Thesis Research
BIOL-S 495 Honors Thesis Research
- Credits
- 1
- Prerequisites
- 3.300 GPA or higher; consent of department; and research involvement
- Notes
- Required for honors notation. Students must complete at least 5 credit hours of BIOL-L 490 plus BIOL-S 495 over a minimum of two semesters or over one semester and one full summer
- Description
- Thesis committee must approve the thesis to receive honors.
- Senior Thesis. Successfully complete and defend a senior thesis based on original research.
- College GPA. A College grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.300 is required.
Exceptions to and substitutions for honors requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.