The Biology 484, 485, 486 series of courses is available to top students who are interested in research from a broad range of possibilities to complete their capstone.  In the past, students have worked with researchers in Biology, Health Science, Physics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Wildlife, Psychology, Biochemistry, Agriculture Science, the Cancer Center and Eye Institute.  Students choose a research mentor within their interests, and receive individualized support in their pursuits.   Students conduct research over three semesters, write and defend a proposal, collect data, complete assignments, and later write and defend a final thesis.  The proposal and thesis defenses are presented to an evaluating committee.  If a student successfully completes the Biology 484, 485, 486 series, they not only fulfill lab requirements and their capstone, they earn biology departmental honors, a distinction that is added to their transcript and designated with a cord at graduation.

Data is collected using biological methodology and any use of surveys or patient records must comprise a minor fraction of all data collected.

485: Students continue their experiments and collect data.  They create a methodology log and complete assignments regarding experimental predictions and planning data presentation.  Two short oral presentations are given to their mentor's lab group. 

486:  Students complete their data collection.  They write and defend their thesis in front of a 3 person committee.

Research proposals and theses are evaluated by a three person committee composed of the research mentor, 486 coordinator, and a third faculty member.