Tutorial Research

Students – majors and minors – who are interested in conducting research in biology for credit can enroll in BIOL-340.  BIOL-340 is a 3-cr course offered both semesters that applies as an upper division elective to all of the majors sponsored by the Department of Biology, but you may only take it once.  

  • Typically 3rd-year students enroll in BIOL-340 (either Fall or Spring), and many students will take this opportunity to start a RISE research project before the senior year (and some faculty require this). 
  • Further research for credit can be taken by enrolling in BIOL-304; however, these credits will not count towards the major but instead will be applied towards the total credit and course count as a college free elective.
  • Many students will continue their research by enrolling in RISE during the senior year. 
  • Some faculty will accept students doing BIOL-340 during the summer before senior year (if arranged prior to the beginning of summer).

Additional credit

Students can apply for additional credit for performing research. Credits for Research Tutorial II (BIOL-304) cannot be applied to the majors in the Department of Biology, however these credits do apply as College Elective credits towards the course and credit requirement.

To register

  • Preceding the semester that a student will be enrolled in BIOL-340, the student will reach out to a Biology faculty member (as well as an extenal mentor, if applicable) to obtain permission for registration.  The course description (found here: BIOL-340 course syllabus ) will be used to set expectations for the student (and outside mentor).  Note that the syllabus attached here is a general one that should be tailored for the student’s project. This syllabus will detail the project plan, readings, meetings, and papers.
  • Three credits will be awarded for Research Tutorial Research; the commitment should be about 12 hours per week. This syllabus should be signed by the student and mentor(s).
  • Students can pre-register for BIOL-340.  This will be placed in a “needs approval” category until it is confirmed by the Biology faculty member. 
  • Students may also add BIOL-340 during the Add/Drop period using the standard Add/Drop form.