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Bachelor of Science in Biology Honors Programs

Biology majors are strongly encouraged to participate in the Department's Honors programs. Students work with one of the Biology Faculty on an independent research project and earn recognition as an outstanding biology student.

Students are encouraged to contact Biology Faculty members to discuss student participation in undergraduate research. A Faculty research advisor/mentor must be identified in order to begin the honors program curriculum.

Students must have and maintain a 2.5 overall GPA and a 3.0 GPA in Biology to participate in the Senior Thesis program, or a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in Biology to participate in the Degree with Distinction program. The curriculum includes three credits in research courses (BIOL 491, 492, or 493) and two semesters of Senior Thesis Research (BIOL 496 and 497, each 3 credits).

 

To complete the Honors Programs, students must:

  1. Submit a senior thesis research proposal endorsed by their faculty thesis advisor to the BUR program director by October 1st of their senior year.

    2.
  2. Complete the research courses and write and submit an advisor-approved thesis (one week prior to the last day of classes).

    3.
  3. Present a thesis defense ( oral for Degree with Distinction or poster format for Senior Thesis ) to the Biology faculty, students, and guests during the Biology Honors Day Program ( held on finals prep day ).

The thesis should be accompanied by a signed title page and must contain an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references. The senior theses of previous honors students are available to read in the biology department library.

Questions? …about this program or undergraduate research opportunities, please contact your advisor or the BUR program director Dr. Mary Peacock.