Undergraduate Research

The Bachelor of Science in Biology requires completion of research units. Bachelor of Arts majors can also complete research courses as upper-division electives. Below are descriptions of our research courses. We encourage students to work with their advisors in developing the best research option for their degree pathway. Check our Research Opportunities page for more information.

The research requirement for the BS degree in Biology may be satisfied two ways:

1. BIOL 494 – Research Synthesis Paper (3 units minimum): This is a contract course where a student works to complete an intensive research synthesis and review paper under the direction of a faculty advisor. The paper synthesis will integrate readings in the primary literature and application of information from relevant upper-division course work. Students are expected to complete multiple revisions of the culminating research paper and synthesize 15 related journal articles. This course requires upper-division standing. Students complete a contract form with the faculty member (available on Biology Department webpage), who submits the contract before the end of the registration period (typically 10 days into the semester). Students can complete the 3 units over 1 or 2 semesters. 
2. BIOL 496A and 496B – Thesis Research (3 units minimum): This is a contract course where a student works with a faculty member to formulate a general problem and proposed methods of study and analysis. The research project requires two semesters of coursework. The course requires upper-division standing. Students complete a contract form with the faculty member (available on Biology Department webpage), who submits the contract before the end of the registration period (typically 10 days into the semester). The student submits a BIOL 496A course contract to start the research project. The following semester, the student submits a BIOL 496B course contract to complete the year-long experience.

Students should meet with their prospective research advisor to decide which experience best fits their timeline and academic needs.