DEPARTMENT of BIOLOGY

Undergraduate Research Scholars

Independent research studies is done with a faculty mentor and a student, present their findings to other biology students in our seminar courses Biology 491 and 492, with this achievement the student will be presented with a lab coat from their mentor. Presentations may be presented in other sponsored organizations across the region.

Biology majors have excellent opportunities to work with faculty on cutting edge biological research, and they present their work at local, regional, and national scientific meetings. Students are also encouraged to present their work at the department seminar series where they have an Awarding of Lab Coats Ceremony from their faculty mentors. Several faculty members have obtained significant extramural funding in recent years and six faculty are participating in the INBRE III summer undergraduate research experiences initiative.  

There is also an opportunity for freshmen to participate in research through the SEA-PHAGES/SEA-GENES project.  

    Students can earn academic credit for research through the following courses: 

    1. BIOL 471
      • Undergraduate Research in Biology (3); Catalog Description: Students participate in scholarly research with a faculty member. Requires approval of Departmental Chair. Notes: Lab Fee: $35. Offered in fall, spring and summer. Prerequisites: BIOL 204, 205, 206, 300; and CHEM 106, 108. A grade of C or better in BIOL 300 is required to enroll in all Biology courses numbered above 300 (except BIOL 303, 304, 307, 308, 323, 461 and 463). 
    2. BIOL 472
      • Undergraduate Research in Biology (3): Catalog Description: Students participate in scholarly research with a faculty member. Notes: Lab Fee: $35. Requires approval of the departmental chair. Offered in fall, spring and summer. Prerequisites: BIOL 204, 205, 206, 300, 450H or 471; and CHEM 106, 108. A grade of C or better in BIOL 300 is required to enroll in all Biology courses numbered above 300 (except BIOL 303, 304, 307, 308, 323, 461 and 463). 
    3. BIOL 450H
      • Honors: Selected Topics in Biology (3); Catalog Description: In-depth independent inquiry into a selected biological subject. Prerequisite: BIOL 203, 204, 205, 206, 300 (all with a C or better) and CHEM 106, 108. Notes: Offered in Fall, Spring and Summer.

Research Facilities

The department has excellent research facilities including laboratories in the Dalton Hall building and at the Recreation and Research Complex.