Earning undergraduate research credit
Students planning on participating in on- or off-campus research may obtain the credits towards their biology or neuroscience degree. 135 hours is the minimum number of hours required to receive three credits. Do not be surprised if you have to work more than the required hours (within reason) to accomplish your goals. Typically, a written and/or oral presentation will be part of the goals of the internship.
- One credit = 45 hours of unpaid work (average of 3 hours a week over a fifteen-week semester)
- Two credits = 90 hours of unpaid work (average of 6 hours a week over a fifteen-week semester)
- Three credits = 135 hours of unpaid work (average of 9 hours a week over a fifteen-week semester)
Research credit courses available
- Pre-requisite: Freshmen and sophomores only
- Credit load: 1-3 credits per semester for a total of 8 credits
This course is designed for students who have not yet taken BIOL 192 (General Biology lab) or equivalent. This type of study assumes that most of the intern's duties will be closely supervised and may be very repetitive in nature. The intern will be required to turn in a midterm and final evaluation and a mini report at the end of the semester.
- Pre-requisite: Sophomores and up, Biology 192 or equivalent required
- Credit load: 1-3 credits per semester for a total of 8 credits
This course assumes that the student will be working under the close supervision of a faculty member, technician, graduate student or post-doc. The intern is usually working on another person's project. The intern will turn in a midterm and final evaluation each semester, as well as a final "half" scientific paper the first semester (see below for more info). Interns retaking the course can turn in a full scientific paper at the end of the second semester.
- Pre-requisite: Juniors and seniors only, Biology 192 or equivalent required
- Credit load: 1-3 credits per semester for one semester
This course is for interns who are either working on original research and have their own project OR are given a large amount of autonomy while working on someone else's project. The intern will be required to turn in a midterm and final evaluation each semester. A "half" scientific paper is required in the first semester. If the student chooses to remain on the project a second semester, a full scientific paper can be completed at the end of the second semester.
- Pre-requisite: Seniors only, acceptance into the Biology Degree with Distinction Program required
Students are encouraged to apply for the Biology Degree with Distinction program at the end of their sophomore year and must submit a senior thesis proposal no later than the end of their junior year. In this course, the student will write a thesis and present a research seminar to Department of Biology faculty, students and guests during the Biology Honors Day.