Biology Undergraduate Research and Departmental Honors
Biology majors are encouraged to engage in original research as part of their training and preparation for graduate school, professional school, and entry into the life sciences workforce. Majors may work directly with Loyola faculty or with scientists at other institutions around the world.
Biology faculty maintain active research programs and are enthusiastic about collaborating with undergraduate students. Indeed, in contrast to larger universities with graduate programs, Loyola faculty rely heavily upon undergraduates!
Biology undergraduate researchers are encouraged to present their findings at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Getting Started
Biology majors start learning about research during their first year seminar, BioInquiry. Students interested in conducting original research are encouraged to start exploring research opportunities no later than the beginning of their junior year.
Find out about faculty research interests – To find out what various faculty are doing you can go on-line and visit the department website to browse recent published works; you can peruse posters of the fourth and fifth floors of Monroe Hall describing recent research of the faculty; or you can speak with current research students.
Make an appointment to meet with faculty members whose research areas pique your interest – These initial conversations are important to find out about specific projects each faculty member has and to determine if individual faculty member’s expectations are compatible with your schedule and desires.
Attend research seminar series – The research seminars bring faculty from many areas of biology to our campus to present their research to us. This is a great way for you to learn about areas of research in biology and perhaps even to connect with a mentor.
Summer internships – There are numerous opportunities nationally to apply for 8-10 week summer research internships in a wide variety of biological disciplines. They usually pay a generous stipend, provide housing, and cover travel expenses. A number of these opportunities are listed on the department website. Consult with a faculty member to find out about earning credit for the internship. IMPORTANT: The application deadlines for many internships are as early as January 15 th. Don’t delay if you are interested! ALSO, note that off-campus internships must be approved by the Career Development Center and posted in Handshake, Loyola's online career management system and recruiting portal.
Earning Research Credit
Consult with a faculty member – Once you have met with a faculty member, you will come to an agreement on how you could earn independent research credit (BIOL A401 or BIOL A499) working in their lab. The time commitment will vary, but count on 3-6 hours per week per credit hour. Some faculty may require a zero-credit “trial” semester to be sure of your commitment, then compensate you for the credit later. Some faculty members will not take on students unless they commit to do a full honors project (see below). In other labs you may be able to earn a credit or two for independent research while contemplating whether to pursue a full honors project. Independent research hours (either BIOL A400 or BIOL A499) are counted as advanced biology major elective credits.
Earning Lab Credit
Biology majors are required to complete five laboratory courses. Four hours of independent research credit may be used to fulfill one of the laboratory course requirements.
Honors Research Requirements
Credit here counts towards your advanced Biology Electives credits.
You must maintain a 3.0 GPA in both the major courses and the Loyola cumulative. NOTE: If a 3.0 GPA is not maintained, you can still earn thesis credit but will not receive honors recognition at graduation.
You must complete BIOL A400 (1 credit), BIOL A401 (4 credits), and BIOL A402 (1 credit). Enrollment in each of these courses requires completing the white Independent Study form available in the rack outside the Biology Office (MO 347).
BIOL A400 (1 credit) – Research Proposal - Students work with a faculty research advisor to identify an original question in the biological sciences and develop and write a proposal / prospectus to investigate this question. This course is required of all Biology honors students and students intending to complete a thesis in Biological Sciences.
BIOL A401 (4 credits cumulative) – Independent Research - Students work with a faculty research advisor to conduct theoretical, field, and/or laboratory research. Students may register for one to four credit hours per semester and may enroll in this course in more than one semester, but the cumulative total credit hours earned may not exceed four.
BIOL A402 (1 credit) – Research Thesis - Students work with a faculty research advisor to prepare a written thesis describing their original research, and make an oral presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. This course is required of all Biology honors students and students intending to complete a thesis in Biological Sciences.
Those students who complete an Honors Thesis in Biological Sciences are recognized at graduation and on their transcripts.