Course Goals

BIOL 293 and BIOL 295 allows students to obtain course and experiential education credit for conducting cutting edge biological research in the laboratory and field. In addition to engaging in first hand research, the students read primary literature as they explore the studies that inform their research project and gain experience with scientific writing as they complete their final research paper. Course Expectations Students must identify a research mentor and laboratory or field site in which to carry out the research internship in the semester before the work is to be done. In addition, they must submit a course application with a brief description of the research project by the first day of classes. The research project must involve at least 135 hours of hands-on work by the student. The student is expected to review the research literature that informs the research project, learn the science behind the research methodologies and engage in data analysis. Finally, the student is expected to demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the research project in the final paper. The final course grade will be determined by the quality of the final paper and the effort dedicated to the research project, as reported by the principal investigator and research mentor. The principal investigator, research mentor and course director will work together to determine the final grade. Course Meetings Students are expected to attend two course meetings during the 4th and 10th week of the semester. During these meetings, students are expected to provide a summary of their research project and an update on data collection and analysis. The meetings will also provide an opportunity for student to explore a model of a final paper and discuss the paper expectations in detail. Final Paper Students will write a final paper (10 page minimum) describing the work on the project. The final pape