For all students who declare their major within the department, an experiential project taken as "Research for Senior Thesis" (BI/MI 400E) is mandatory.
This research can be done in the laboratory of one of the professors within the department, or during an internship at a research institution with an on-site supervisor and with a faculty supervisor from the department.
Further details can be found in the "Guidelines for the Senior Learning Community" in Biology/Microbiology/Biopsychology which can be downloaded below.
In their "Senior Thesis" (BI/MI 400) seniors will elaborate a thesis that must follow a particular format using the template within the guidelines.
Downloads:
Senior Learning Community Guidelines 2014
Form for Senior Research 400E Sept. 2014
After a student declares her/his major, it is strongly recommended to collect information about the research areas of the professors of the department and to contact them for possible research collaborations.
To better tailor a senior project to the wishes and capabilities of a student, some professors require students to spend at least one semester of research in their lab (usually as BI/MI 493/494: Undergraduate Research) before they enter into BI/MI 400E under their supervision.
Please note: Students doing research should be aware that limited funding is available, thanks to biology and microbiology alumni. A simple form outlining the research and projected costs should be completed and submitted to the department chair for approval. Application Bio Fund