Undergraduate Research Courses

Bio 93/94 (Introduction to Research)
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to biological research in the context of a research laboratory or field project. Students are expected to work at least ten hours per week on a project, in close collaboration with the project supervisor. He or she should begin to become familiar with the scientific literature by reading scientific papers and should develop an understanding of the basic conceptual context of the research. At the end of the semester, the student is required to write a 4 to 7 page paper reporting his/her research results. The prerequisite for this course is three courses in biology or equivalent and prior consent of the course coordinator. This class does not satisfy the requirement for the laboratory or course requirements for the biology major, but is counted toward the degree. Pass/fail credit.

Bio 93/94 Information and Registration forms can be obtained from the Blackboard website.

Bio 193/194 (Independent Research)
Biology 193/194, Independent Research, is designed to provide students with an intensive experience in laboratory or field research. It is normally taken after a student has had some prior research experience (e.g. Bio 93/94). The student is expected to devote at least 15 to 20 hours per week to laboratory work, although often more time is necessary. Participants should take an active role in the design and execution of experiments and in the analysis and interpretation of data. They should be capable of "independent research" in the sense that they can conduct the experiments with little direct supervision. Students are expected to become familiar with related research in the current literature by regularly reading scientific journals.

At the end of the semester, the student is required to write a detailed report (8 to 15 pages) following the style of a scientific manuscript, and to give an oral presentation on the results to a committee composed of four faculty members of the Biology Department and the research mentor. Prerequisite: junior standing , Bio 93 or 94 or equivalent and prior consent of the course coordinator.

Bio 193/194 Information and Registration forms can be obtained from the Blackboard website.

Bio 199 (Senior Thesis Honors)
The honors thesis involves intensive laboratory or field research and includes independent design and analysis of experiments and a detailed understanding of the project background and current literature. A written thesis and oral defense is presented in the spring semester of the senior year. Application to do a senior honors thesis is normally made during the student's sixth semester. Applicants should have received at least three grades of A toward satisfying the concentration requirements for the biology major and should have a cumulative average of at least 3.30. Prerequisites: Biology 193 or 194 or equivalent and prior consent of the course coordinator.

Bio 199 Information and Registration forms can be obtained from the Blackboard website.

After reviewing the Blackboard course site information, students can contact the course coordinator, Dr. Margaret Lynch at margaret.lynch@tufts.edu with specific questions about Bio 93/94/193/194/199.

Bio 99 (Professional Development Seminar)
For biology majors engaged in research and/or interested in postgraduate opportunities in biology. Students share their own research results and experience, discuss some current research literature, hear invited speakers, and receive guidance for research careers. One hour meeting weekly. No credit. Prerequisites: junior standing, current or recent experience in research, and consent.

ExCollege Class - Research for Success: Using the Library for Thesis and Capstone Projects.
More information.

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