Description & Goals
Catalog Description
BIOL 0500 Independent Study (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Individual projects involving laboratory and/or field research or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and a faculty adviser. For biology majors, joint majors, and other majors such as neuroscience, environmental science, and molecular biology and biochemistry majors. (Prior to registering for BIOL 0500, a student must have discussed and agreed upon a project topic with a member of the biology department faculty.) 3 hrs. disc.
BIOL 0700 Senior Thesis (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Seniors majoring in Biology who have completed one or more semesters of BIOL 0500 independent research and who plan to complete a thesis should register for BIOL 0700. In this course students will produce a written thesis, deliver a public presentation of the research on which it is based, and present an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least three faculty members by the published deadlines. Additional requirements include participation in weekly subgroup meetings and attending regular departmental seminars. (BIOL 0500, Approval required) 3 hrs. disc. (Staff)
Course Goals
Provide students with an opportunity to conduct independent research in biology.
- Provide students the opportunity for close (one-on-one) contact with the faculty advisor for their research.
- Promote opportunities for interactions among students across disciplines.
- Provide opportunities for students to interact with seminar speakers and other departmental visitors
Course Expectations
As a student of Biology 500 you are expected to:
- Prepare and submit a budget at the beginning of the semester detailing the expected expenses of the research project. This will be approved by the advisor and department chair. A photocopy of the budget will be made by the department coordinator before being returned to the student.
- Attend all meetings and present results/progress report on research efforts once per semester.
- Attend all departmental seminars, and participate in the informal interactions with seminar speakers when appropriate.
- Spend at least 1 additional contact hour per week with advisor, alone and/or in lab group meetings.
course director (Fall and Spring):
Dr. Sallie Sheldon
McCardell Bicentennial Hall 374
sheldon@middlebury.edu
443-5436
Where And When:
Meeting Format for Biology 500
The design of Biology 500 recognizes that there are three "spheres of interaction" in which students and faculty participate: (1) one-on-one contact between student and advisor, (2) interactions among all students and faculty with common research interests, and (3) interactions among all members of the biology department and between the biology department and its guests. We have designed a variety of meetings within Biology 500 in order to promote all three interactions. As participants in Biology 500, you are required to attend the following meetings.
General Schedule
One day a week (see subgroup head for specific day) 12:30-1:20: Reserved for meetings of students & faculty within sub-disciplines. These intra-disciplinary meetings might utilize a variety of formats, but will probably include student presentations, discussions of methodological issues, brainstorming or problem-solving sessions. Students should attend meetings of the sub-discipline that is most appropriate for their research.
One day a week (usually W) 12:30-1:20: Reserved for meetings between students and their advisor. This may take the form of one-on-one meetings, or lab group meetings. This meeting will be scheduled by the advisor, and students should consult with their advisor to determine the format and scheduling of this meeting.
Friday 12:30-1:20: Reserved for departmental seminars. BIOL 0500 students are required to attend all departmental seminars, including seminars scheduled during time periods other than this Friday time slot. Informal lunches or other gatherings between speakers and small groups of interested students will also be scheduled whenever possible.
Subgroup Meeting Schedule Fall '08
Molecular, Genetic, and Cell Biology Subgroup (Combelles, Spatafora, Spritzer, Ward)
Mondays at 12:30pm [ATD 102]
Ecology and Evolution Subgroup (Lloyd, Landis, Sheldon, Trombulak, Young)
Mondays at 12:30 pm [MBH 331]
Neuroscience, Physiology, and Behavior Subgroup (Root)
Check with Professor Root for day and time.
Individual Lab meetings will be scheduled and announced by the lab head.
Seminars, unless otherwise noted, are Fridays at 12:30 – 1:20pm