BSC 4905C
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY
PHASE 1 SYLLABUS
The Undergraduate Research Course offers a variable number of elective credits for students who meet the course requirements. There are 3 phases to the course. Each phase is worth 2 credits and lasts for 1 semester; phases cannot be combined within a semester. It requires 3 semesters to complete all 3 phases (and 6 credits). It is not necessary to proceed through all 3 phases of the research. A student may stop at the end of phase I. However, a student may not by-pass an earlier phase. All Applications and Progress Evaluations will be reviewed by a committee composed of the Dean of Natural Sciences, the Program Chair of Baccalaureate Biology, the Faculty Mentor and another assigned BS Biology Professor.
PHASE I (SEMESTER 1): DIRECTED STUDY & COMPLETION OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL (2 CREDITS)
During this phase, the student selects a topic of interest and consults with faculty members to determine an appropriate reference to serve as a “textbook” or set of selected readings for the directed study. The intent is to study a particular topic in-depth so that a valid and relevant research question can be posed based on previous scientific literature. The student should discuss and consult with faculty prior to submitting his/her application. A student may request a mentor, but the Dean and/or Program Chair will ultimately assign the Faculty Mentor.
Throughout the semester, the student will meet at least once a week with the mentor to discuss the readings and evaluate progress on the proposal/project. At least 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester, the student will present a written research proposal/project to the committee. An oral presentation of the research proposal is optional. A research proposal must include the following components: 1) a significant review of the topic, 2) a well-defined, testable hypothesis, 3) an outline of the experimental design and protocols, 4) an overview of proposed statistical methods, 5) a list of all materials needed with quantities and costs, 6) a timeline and 7) an annotated bibliography. It may be necessary for some aspects of protocol to be determined in the beginning of Phase II. After review of the written proposal, the committee may suggest changes or accept the proposal without revisions. If the proposal is accepted by the committee, the student will be allowed to continue to Phase II of the Undergraduate Research Course. The Phase II Application should be submitted at least 1 week prior to the end of the semester for registration the following semester. Please see the Phase II Application.
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS IN PHASE I
1) Meet Weekly with your mentor (10%)
2) Keep a “journal” as you read and discuss the literature with your mentor. (10%)
3) Prepare a written proposal to include
a) A literature review of the topic (10%)
b) One or more testable hypotheses and at least 1 specific aim that is hypothesis-driven
(20% total; see break down below)
This will be evaluated in 3 ways:
i) Is this hypothesis clearly stated and does it follow from the reviewed literature? (10%)
ii) Is this hypothesis unique and does it add to the knowledge base in this field? (5%)
iii) Preliminary data has been collected to facilitate use of proper technique or development of hypothesis (5%)
c) Outline of the experimental design and protocols (10%)
d) Overview of proposed statistical methods (10%)
e) List of materials needed, including estimates of quantities and costs (10%)
f) A timeline with specific completion dates of various aspects of the project (10%)
g) An annotated bibliography (10%)
COURSE INFORMATION:
Course Description: This course is an individualized independent study whereby the student designs, conducts, analyzes and presents biological research that is proposed by the student. The professor will provide advanced learning resources and guidance. The student will also meet regularly with the professor who will coordinate the experience. The number of credits is variable and will be determined by the scope of the proposed project. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours to be applied to the Biology major. 15 contact hours per credit hour. Prerequisite: Consent of Academic Department Chair or Dean.
Major Learning Outcomes:
1. The student will propose an individualized research project on a contractual basis for independent study in collaboration with the professor and/or advisory group by:
a. reviewing the current literature associated with the biological topic of interest.
b. discussing the proposed goals and objectives for the research project with the biology professor and/or advisory group.
c. completing a research proposal for the project.
2. The student will incorporate all aspects of scientific investigation based on a research proposal by :
a. designing an experiment to adequately address the research question .
b. conducting the experiment with proper controls and proficient use of scientific equipment .
c. maintaining records of all data collection.
d. analyzing data using appropriate statistical tests.
e. drawing conclusions based on statistical analysis of data.
f. writing a scientific research paper based on the literature search and investigation.
g. presenting the findings to a group of peers and/or faculty.
3. The student will formulate plans for future research based on the current investigation by:
a. evaluating the implications of the data to other related studies.
b. generating new hypotheses and directions for future research
c. writing a grant proposal for future research possibilities.