Biology Undergraduate Research Thesis

Catalog description

Prerequisites: Independent Study ( BIOL-SHU 997 or 998 ), a minimum GPA of 3.65 overall, a minimum GPA of 3.65 in all science and mathematics courses required for the major, and permission of a sponsor and the Dean of Arts & Sciences. Open to Biology majors only. The faculty mentor must be selected in consultation with the Dean of Arts & Sciences. May not be used for the major in biology. Offered in the fall, spring, and summer. 2 points. For biology majors who have completed at least one semester of laboratory research ( BIOL-SHU 997 or 998 ) and are able to expand this work into a thesis. Requires writing a Thesis (i.e., a full literature search of the subject and a formal written report on the research in publication form), which is defended in front of a committee of three faculty (which includes the faculty sponsor), chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty mentor. (The defense may be a brief oral presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.) The Thesis and defense must be evaluated by the committee, with the cover page of the thesis signed by all committee members, with a copy of the Thesis submitted to the Dean of Arts & Sciences. (It is recommended that the student meet with the faculty committee at least once mid-semester to evaluate and guide the student's progress on the thesis work.) Prerequisite: None. Fulfillment: Biology elective.