Research

Undergraduate Opportunities

A.  ACM Programs are sponsored by Colorado College and biology credit may be received without petitioning the Department.  Other departments may offer credit for ACM Programs.

• 1.  ACM Semester in Costa Rica.  See Professor Snyder for information BEFORE you enroll.  See the off-campus study guidelines in the Biology Majors Handbook for additional information on the program.

  Elective credit. Students who successfully complete the semester in Costa Rica may receive one CC unit of elective credit toward a Biology Major.  This unit will not be counted as independent study (BY 309/409).  If a student has taken a field biology course before going to Costa Rica (which will usually be the case), this elective credit can be applied at the 300 level.

  Independent study. In addition to the one elective unit above, students who successfully complete the semester program including a project in biology in Costa Rica may receive up to two CC units of credit equivalent to BY 309/409.  No more than two units of independent study may be used as electives toward a biology major, but more than two such units can be used toward the total number for graduation.  The independent study courses offered by the Biology Department are Research Projects in Biology (BY 309 or BY 409), Research Problems in Biochemistry (BY 403) and Senior Thesis (BY 499).

  NOTE: A student may take more than 14 units in Biology only if 18 units outside of Biology will be earned for graduation.  Credits received from the ACM Costa Rica program beyond the three units in Biology may be used toward the total units necessary for graduation, but not toward a biology major.

• 2. Oak Ridge Science Semester.  Fall semester for junior and seniors at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

B.  Research Projects in Biology (BY 309/409).  Students are encouraged to engage in independent research through enrollment in BY 309/409 and other programs.  Projects are designed with the help of a faculty member whose expertise and interests are related to the project.  Faculty specialties may be found on the Faculty page.  Students must have completed three Biology courses to be eligible for BY 309/409.  Projects may be done at any time, but credit is awarded in a single block.  Students should plan their research blocks with the sponsoring faculty member at least one block before the beginning of research.

C.  Senior Thesis (BY 499).  Students planning professional careers requiring research experience are encouraged to complete a senior thesis.  Select an area of concentration in the sophomore or junior year.  Research performed in BY 309 or 409 can be the basis of a thesis.  See the Biology Majors Handbook for details.

D.  Field Stations.  The faculty encourages field-oriented majors to attend a field station.  Many offer undergraduate courses, while others offer research experience. Programs are offered in the academic year or during the summer.  Field station information may be found in the biology seminar room, on department bulletin boards and on the web.  Some financial aid may be available through the Stabler Award.  See the Biology Majors Handbook for details.

 Funding for Undergraduate Work and Research Opportunities

• Departmental Budget (BY 309, 409).  LIMITED FUNDS (up to $150.00) are available to assist students in conducting investigations.

• Venture Grants.  The Venture Grant Committee awards funds for research projects under the guidance of a professor.  Funds may also be granted to permit students and faculty to attend scientific meetings and conferences.  Application forms and further information are available in the Dean's office.

• Robert M. Stabler Award.  A permanently endowed fund was established to honor Dr. Stabler, who was Chair of Biology for many years.  It is awarded annually, preferably to a junior biology major for summer study at a marine Biology station.  If there are no such applicants, the funds may be used for other study.  Contact the department office for further information.

• Research Assistants.  Faculty members may have research grants to hire students to assist in specific research projects. See individual faculty for further information.

• Work/Study Programs.  Dishwashing, animal care, and greenhouse care come under this program, which is directed by the Financial Aid Office.

• REU "Research Experiences for Undergraduates" Opportunities & Programs:   www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/index.jsp

   

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