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Honors in Research 2004

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Honors in Research

Please note: Students entering the Honors Program in Fall 2005 or after must use the updated program description. Students who entered before Fall 2005 may choose this program or the newer one.

The program of Honors in Research helps you become involved with the College's world-class researchers and learn how to ask questions that lead to the discovery of new knowledge. You also gain an appreciation for how researchers in different disciplines have different ways to formulate questions and seek answers.

The Honors in Research program is built around a series of courses and research experiences spanning your undergraduate academic career. As a freshman, you explore the different ways of knowing and learning through research. You may participate directly in research through special programs or work experiences. As a sophomore, you are encouraged to participate in a research project under the close supervision of a faculty member. As a junior, you participate in the Junior Honors Seminar and prepare a research proposal and, as a senior, you conduct honors thesis research, and write a thesis. Progress toward completion of thesis option is monitored in the Office of Academic Student Affairs.

Requirements are:

Freshman/Sophomore

You are required to take one of these courses (or obtain experiences equivalent to these courses) as a freshman or sophomore:

  1. Ways of Knowing (CALS-Interdisciplinary 150, 1 cr.). In this course students are introduced to the process by which facts are identified and knowledge accrued. Lectures by outstanding professors focus on the process of using the scientific method in discovery of new knowledge.
  2. Undergraduate Research Experience (CALS-Interdisciplinary 250, 1 cr.). This course is intended for freshmen but is not restricted to honors students. The course includes preparation and presentation of a research proposal and participation in research. The course is a part of the University Research Scholars Program.
  3. The Making of Modern Science (History of Science 202, 3 cr.). Major trends of development in the sciences from the 17th to 20th centuries with a broad emphasis on cultural and social implications.
  4. Science in the twentieth century: A historical overview (History of Science 203; 3 cr.) Explores major theories in the physical and biological sciences from 1890 to the present. It emphasizes development of concepts, the interaction of science and society, philosophical issues and personalities in science.
Sophomore/Junior

You must take at least one of these courses (or obtain experiences equivalent to these courses) during your sophomore (or junior) year:

  1. Introduction to Undergraduate Research (CALS-Interdisciplinary 288, 1 cr.). In the fall semester, you develop a research proposal with support from staff in Steenbock Library, the Writing Center and a Professor-Mentor. The proposal can be submitted to the Honors Committee for possible funding to help support your research. In spring semester, you enroll in Honors Independent Study 289 (min. 2 cr.) in your mentor's department while performing the research. You present the results of the research as a poster in the CALS Spring Research Forum.
  2. Introductory Biology (Botany/Zoology 151/152; 5 cr.). In the second semester of this introductory biology sequence (152), Honors students must choose an Independent Project (IP) which requires approximately 150 hours/semester of hands-on research in the lab or research program of a mentor. You will write and revise a research proposal and final paper and present the findings at a poster session. Students pursuing the IP option also register for 1-2 credits of Honors Independent Study (289) in your mentor's department.
  3. Introduction to Wildlife Research (Wildlife Ecology 375; 2 cr.). A main goal of the course is to help students in wildlife ecology develop proposals for their own research. The students enroll during spring semester in Wildlife Ecology 289 while performing the research.
  4. Honors Independent Study (XXX-289; variable cr.). The student may work outside of any course but with a faculty mentor to prepare a proposal, perform the research, and present the results.
Junior

All CALS Honors students should take the course CALS Honors Interdisciplinary Junior Seminar (CALS-Interdisciplinary 388, 1 cr.) (or obtain experiences equivalent to this course). In this course juniors participate in a discussion-seminar designed to extend their understanding of an active involvement in hands-on experimentation and evaluation of published work. Time is devoted to discussion and development of a Senior Honors Thesis Research Proposal.

Senior

All CALS Honors students must enroll in Senior Honors Thesis (681-682) in the department of their faculty advisor/mentor. Your thesis must be approved by your major advisor, in consultation with the research mentor if different from the advisor. Seniors present the results of their work orally at the CALS Spring Research Forum. The thesis must be signed and approved by the advisor and filed with the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs before the student can be awarded the designation “graduate with honors”. Upon completion, the thesis is filed in Steenbock Memorial Library and is accessible to anyone interested in the Honors student's research project.

Note: Appeals or requests for exception to the Honors in Research requirements is possible but must be initiated by the student and the academic advisor. The request will be filed with the CALS Office of Academic and student Affairs. The Academic Affairs Office will consult with the Chair of the College Honors Committee. If the Chair of the Committee and the Dean's Office representative agree that the proposal fits the spirit of the Research in Honors program guidelines, they may approve the proposal. If they have concerns about the request, they will present it to the Honors Committee for a decision.

Students are encouraged to apply for thesis research support from University-wide programs such as the Hilldale or Holstrom Awards, special departmental research funds for undergraduates, or the CALS Honors Committee for review and potential funding. Student's with projects funded by the CALS Honors Committee must present the results of their work at the CALS Spring Research Forum.

Upon meeting the requirements for Honors in Research, and all other degree requirements, the student will be granted a Bachelor's degree with Honors.

For more information contact CALS Undergraduate Programs and Services at (608) 262-3003