Undergraduate Research in Biology
Whether a student becomes a teacher, a hospital administrator, a physician, a laboratory technician, or a basic scientist, the undergraduate scientific research experience offers benefits to the student that go well beyond that of traditional coursework. By focusing on an original scientific question or problem, the scientific research experience promotes creative and analytical thinking, and because the ultimate goal of a research project is to uncover new information, the research process helps students better understand how to ask scientific questions, how to recognize scientific problems and how to develop new scientific ideas. The scientific research process requires students to apply their understanding of the natural world and integrate complex but interrelated information, promoting a better understanding of the complex way in which the natural world works. Thus, undergraduate research is an integral part of the curriculum of The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Mary Washington.
Undergraduate research in the Department of Biological Sciences happens in several contexts. While most courses in the Department’s curriculum incorporate elements of the research process, such as creating hypotheses, making predictions, collecting data and drawing conclusions, into student assignments, two courses are designed specifically to engage students in research work. URES 197 (Undergraduate Research) is a course in which students complete basic research tasks usually connected to a faculty member’s research work. Students can undertake more-advanced independent research projects under the supervision of a department faculty member by enrolling in Biol 491, Special Problems in Biology. In addition to these courses, select students can engage in summer research projects as part of the Summer Science Institute, a 10-week summertime research experience involving the natural sciences departments, Math, and Computer Science.
The most challenging and potentially most rewarding research opportunity in the Department of Biological Sciences is Honors research. The Department’s Honors Program is designed to lead the undergraduate researcher through a true, complete research project, from the development of an original research question and the drafting of a formal research proposal, through the collection and analysis of data, to the drawing of formal conclusions that add new knowledge to our understanding of the biological world. The Honors student is required to write a formal thesis, a copy of which is held in the library’s collection, and deliver an oral presentation to department faculty and other interested parties.
URES 197. University Research.
URES 197 is a course in which a student conducts individual or group research as a part of a faculty member’s research project. This guided research experience course is open to all students, including first- and second-year students, who meet the qualifications set by the faculty member in charge of the research project. Students serve as research apprentices who conduct important tasks with the faculty member on his or her project and learn about the process and products of the research as a result.
For more information about URES 197, including how to sign-up for a project, click here.
Biol 491. Special Problems in Biology.
Biology 491 is an independent study course consisting of an undergraduate laboratory or field research project supervised by a faculty member and is only open to junior and senior biology majors. After completing Biol 481 (Readings in Biology), students planning to enroll must submit a research proposal for departmental approval before enrollment is authorized. Students should approach individual faculty members during their sophomore year to inquire about research opportunities and project possibilities.
The Summer Science Research Institute
The Mary Washington College Summer Science Research Institute is a program that offers MWC science majors an opportunity to participate in a summer-long research project supervised by a faculty member. The institute runs concurrently with the summer sessions (mid-May through mid-July). Room, board, and a stipend are provided to participating students.
Opportunities are limited. Interested students should see Dr. Ray Scott, 341 Jepson Science Center, or respond to advertisements posted in Jepson.
Department of Biological Sciences Honors Program.
Check back for more information.