Tutorial Research

Students – majors and minors – who are interested in conducting research in biology for credit can enroll in BIOL-4950.  BIOL-4950 is a 3-cr course offered both semesters that applies as an upper division elective to all of the majors sponsored by the Department of Biology, but you may only take it once.  

• Typically 3rd-year students enroll in BIOL-4950 (either Fall or Spring), and many students will take this opportunity to start a RISE research project before the senior year (and some faculty require this). 
• Further research for credit can be taken by enrolling in BIOL-4997; however, these credits will not count towards the major but instead will be applied towards the total credit and course count as a college free elective.
• Many students will continue their research by enrolling in RISE during the senior year. 
• Some faculty will accept students doing BIOL-4950 during the summer before senior year (if arranged prior to the beginning of summer).

To register

• Preceding the semester that a student will be enrolled in BIOL-4950, the student will reach out to a Biology faculty member (as well as an external mentor, if applicable) to obtain permission for registration.  The course description (found here: BIOL-4950 course syllabus ) will be used to set expectations for the student (and outside mentor).  Note that the syllabus attached here is a general one that should be tailored for the student’s project. This syllabus will detail 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 syllabus should be signed by the student and mentor(s).
• Students can pre-register for BIOL-4950.  This will be placed in a “needs approval” category until it is confirmed by the Biology faculty member. 
• Students may also add BIOL-4950 during the Add/Drop period using the standard Add/Drop form.