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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
60
two units in the capstone experience from BI 470 and BI 472, or BI 470 and BI 499
Independent study courses (BI 293, BI 393, BI 493) are intended for students interested
in additional research experience, and may not be applied toward the major. Internships
(BI 297, BI 397, BI 497), Exploration term projects (BI 299), and teaching experiences
(BI 298, BI 398, BI 498) may not count toward the major.
Capstone Experience in Biology
The biology faculty challenges our majors to move beyond their coursework and
truly embrace the discipline. We strive to establish and maintain a community of
learners actively and personally seeking to become scientists. Excellence in
coursework is needed, but only research experience can transform a science student
into a student scientist. All biology majors will complete the following requirements:
(1) Complete a minimum of two terms of research in biology (BI 470, and either BI
472 or BI 499). BI 470 must precede BI 472 or BI 499. Research may be conducted
off campus if the student has at least a 3.000 grade point average in science courses,
and if suitable supervision can be arranged. Interdisciplinary research projects are
also encouraged. These two terms may be completed in the fall and spring terms of
the senior year, the fall and Exploration terms of the senior year, the spring of the
junior year and the fall of the senior year, the summer before the senior year and the
fall term of the senior year, the spring term of the junior year and the summer before
the senior year, or, in exceptional instances, the Exploration and spring terms of the
junior year.
When research is performed during the spring, summer, or fall terms, students will
register for BI 470 or BI 472 Directed Research, for one unit of credit per term; in the
Exploration term, students will register for BI 499. During the first term of Directed
Research, students will consult with their research advisors and the course facilitator to
(a) lead a discussion of a research article related to their project, (b) develop and write a
formal research proposal, (c) give an oral presentation of the proposal to the class, and
(d) begin their research. During the second term, students will (a) give a progress report,
(b) finish their research, (c) write a thesis in the form of a scientific article, and (d)
prepare an oral presentation of their research project.
(2) Give a twenty-minute oral presentation of their research results and analysis to the
discipline and the College community.
(3)Write a thesis in formal research style presenting the experimental results and analysis.
(4) Take the E. T. S. Major Field Test in Biology.