BIOLOGY 492
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Catalog Entry
BIOL 492. Undergraduate Research (1-6)
Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in eight credits in Biology, permission of instructor, approval by the Biology Department Chair and minimum GPA of 2.5 in Biology courses
Independent research or other scholarly study in biology carried out under the supervision of a faculty mentor. This course requires a demonstration of student involvement in the planning and execution of the research project beyond that expected in BIOL 491. As determined in advance by the student and mentor, and approved by the department chair, this demonstration will take the form of a written proposal and/or oral proposal evaluated by a faculty committee, a written and/or oral defense evaluated by a faculty committee, and /or a draft manuscript for publication. A maximum of six credit hours of Biology 491/492/495 may be applied to the Biology major; any additional credit hours will apply as University electives.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course is designed to cover a broad range of scholarly activities of mutual interest to students and individual instructors. In most cases this will involve a continuation of research completed in Directed Studies and Research (BIOL 491).
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Conduct of the course will depend upon the nature of the student/faculty activity. Although these activities may differ substantially from student to student, it is understood that BIOL 492 involves scholarly activities that are original and significantly independent from faculty direction. In contrast to BIOL 491 where the faculty member closely supervises student research efforts, in BIOL 492 the faculty member acts primarily as an advisor.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The goal of this course is to provide an opportunity for talented and motivated students to pursue independent research projects in various areas of biology.
Assessment Measures
Methods of assessment will vary depending upon the specific content of course as it is offered by different instructors. In most cases students will be expected to present findings in formal oral presentations (RU Student Forum, Virginia Academy of Sciences, departmental seminars) or written research reports.
Other Course Information
A total maximum of 6 credit hours of Biology 491/492 may be applied to the Biology major.
Review and Approval
September 2001 - Dr. Charles M. Neal, Chair
Revised 4/13/09 Gary Coté
March, 2010