Departmental Thesis Requirements

An Honors thesis for the School of Biological Sciences should be written in the format of a standard biology research article, describing research conducted by the student while enrolled as an undergraduate. The thesis should include the following components: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Results, Methods, Discussion, and References, and must conform to the Honors College guidelines. A template and example theses will be provided.

The research reported in the thesis should be conducted over a period of at least three semesters. While conducting their research, students are encouraged, but not required, to enroll in BIOL 4995 (Biology Honors Research) for one to three semesters. Students may also fulfill the research semester requirements outside of BIOL 4995 by participating as a research fellow in programs such as UROP, SPUR, or another DHL-approved research avenue. All research semesters and their modalities must be documented and approved by the DHL.

The semi-independent research typically contributes to the work of the research group in one or more of the following ways:

1. Producing findings that fill a gap in knowledge in the field of biology.
2. Generating findings that lead to a new line of inquiry or hypothesis.
3. Developing tools or research methods that advance the ability to answer questions in the field of biology.

Each academic department submits the specific requirements that must be met for a successful Honors thesis in its respective major. If you are seeking more information on your department’s thesis requirements, please contact your Departmental Honors Liaison and/or the Honors Thesis Team in the Honors College.

How does the Honors Thesis relate to other aspects of the major, like a Capstone Project?

The core science and biology curriculum of the major, which should be completed within the first two years of study, provides foundational knowledge in all the principal fields relevant to biology, along with experience in laboratory work. This coursework should prepare Honors students to begin research toward their thesis in their sophomore year.

Completion of Honors research by registering for BIOL 4995 (Honors Research) and submitting the thesis under BIOL 4999 (Honors Thesis) counts toward the laboratory course requirements of the biology major.

Upon successful completion of their thesis, students may count a maximum of three semesters of research taken as BIOL 4995 toward their laboratory course requirements, for a total of 9 credits and 6 lab units. If a thesis is not submitted and approved (with a grade of B or better), BIOL 4995 can only be counted once, for a maximum of 3 credits and 2 lab units. BIOL 4999 credits with a grade of C- or better can also be applied toward a biology degree. (A grade of B or better is required for Honors to be conferred.)

Additional information for students

• Start planning early to satisfy the Honors requirements, working backward from your expected graduation date.
• Contact your DHL as early as possible for guidance in this process and to get onboarded as an Honors research student.
• In collaboration with their research mentor, students determine the number of credit hours they wish to earn through Honors research. Students may enroll in 1–4 credits of BIOL 4995 per semester, where 1 credit hour equates to at least 3 hours of work in the lab per week. More than 12 hours of research work per week is not expected.
• For students receiving payment for their research work, credit hours must be deducted from paid work hours. This rule does not apply to fellowships or awards.
• Students must contact the DHL at the beginning of every semester in which they plan to enroll in BIOL 4995 or 4999. The DHL provides the permission codes required to enroll in these courses.