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Undergraduate Research under the supervision of a departmental faculty member normally counts as a course (Biology 401, 402).
The purpose, therefore of Biology 401,402 is to provide well qualified students with exposure to the concepts and methodologies of independent investigation. It is an important experience for students who anticipate a career in the life sciences.
Facilities and resources are limited, so faculty permission is required for registration. The faculty exercises care in ensuring that only highly motivated students who will substantially benefit from the course are enrolled. Guidelines have been adopted by the departmental faculty to maximize the benefits a student may obtain in research and to ensure a high caliber of teaching and learning. Enrollment in Biology 401 or 402 carries with it the student's acceptance of these guidelines:
The project undertaken by the student should be directly within the scope of the instructor's research and expertise to maximize benefits to the student. Projects beyond the resources of the department are often possible through the Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies as an Academic Internship, or may be arranged independently at the University of Massachusetts Medical School or at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology.
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Students should complete at least four Biology courses prior to doing undergraduate research for credit. They may then take Undergraduate Research for a maximum of four semesters. Normally successful completion of a research project requires at least two semesters. Exceptions are possible if a student has sufficient background in the subject matter or adequate technical expertise to complete a project in a single term. Such a determination is made by the supervising staff member. Each semester of enrollment carries 1.25 units and is considered a laboratory course.
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Only two semesters of Undergraduate Research may be counted toward the eight courses required by the department for the major. If, under unusual circumstances, the student elects more than two semesters, these extra credits can apply only to the course requirements for graduation.
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Considerable latitude is allowed for the student and faculty member to design a project that has both academic merit and flexibility. The student must anticipate that he or she will be held accountable for progress through the presentation of written and/or oral reports, papers, etc. Some faculty may likewise require a prospectus before the research is begun or similarly prescribe preparation through independent reading or specific course work. The details of expectation and evaluation are left to the discretion of the instructor.
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Students are urged to make arrangements with the appropriate faculty member well in advance of the semester in which enrollment is anticipated since spaces are limited.
modified 5 - 12 - 2005