Capstone Project in Biology 1

Catalog description

The Capstone Project in Biology requires students to engage in long-term, mentored research that culminates in the composition of an original paper. Students are expected to engage in a laboratory-based or field-based research project. However, under circumstances based on career trajectory, students may complete a theoretical treatise to explore a new and interesting idea in the life sciences that requires merging extant theories and data to develop novel and testable predictions about specific biological phenomena. The project is developed during fall of the third year as part of the Research Seminar in Biology. During the capstone research experience, students are fully immersed in the daily life of the laboratory. This approach allows students to experience the teamwork required to succeed in research and to foster a relationship with biology faculty who will act as their mentors. Upon completion of their project, students present and discuss the results of their work in a senior thesis following the formatting standards of a leading biology journal.