Department of Biology

Students who are interested in conducting research in biology and/or starting their RISE (Research Intestive Senior Experience) project before the senior year can enroll in the Research Tutorial (BIOL-300).  Juniors select a faculty mentor and register for Research Tutorial  during either semester or during the summer before senior year (if arranged prior to the beginning of summer).  

BIOL-300 is a 3-cr course that applies as an upper division elective to all of the majors sponsored by the Department of Biology. Further research for credit can be taken by enrolling in BIOL-304; however, these credits will not count towards the major but instead will be applied towards the total credit count as college elective. 

To register

The Tutorial Reseach form is found at the end of the BIOL-300 course syllabus (note that this form is generalized, each faculty member will tailor it for their own lab).  The tutorial research form, with faculty signature, must be submitted in order to register for tutorial research.  This form details the project plan, readings, meetings and papers. Three credits will be awarded for Research Tutorial Research; the commitment should be about 12 hours per week.  This form is signed by the student, mentor, Chair and Dean.

Additional credit

Students can apply for additional credit for performing research.  Credits for Research Tutorial II (BIOL-304) cannot be applied to the majors in the Department of Biology, however these credits do apply as College Elective credits towards the course and credit requirement.