Directed Study. 1-

Catalog description

Semester course; 3-6 independent study hours. 1-2 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of two credits. Prerequisites: BIOZ 151 and BIOZ 152 , each with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted by permission of the Department of Biology and faculty mentor. A maximum of two credits may be earned between BIOL 395 and BIOZ 395 ; a maximum total of six credits for all research and internship courses ( BIOL 395 , BIOL 451 , BIOL 453 , BIOL 492 , BIOL 493 , BIOL 494 , BIOL 495 , BIOZ 395 and/or BIOZ 493 ) may be applied to the 40 credits of biology required for the major. Additional credits from these courses may be applied to upper-level and open elective credits toward the degree. Students undertake a biologically relevant project in collaboration with a VCU faculty member. The nature of the project is defined through an agreement between the student and the mentor. It must involve hands-on learning and may include directed readings, experimental work or advanced guided inquiry, all under the faculty member's supervision. Students will develop a final deliverable showcasing their project's scope and outcomes, with the form and content varying according to the project's focus. To receive credit, students must engage in a minimum of three hours of supervised activity per week, per credit hour. Graded as pass/fail.