Department of Biology Honors Program

The Department of Biology Honors Program provides an opportunity for motivated undergraduate students with excellent academic records to develop research skills in preparation for graduate school and professional careers. In this program, students actively participate in biological research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Students present the results of their investigations at the annual Biology Honors Research Day. Students are also encouraged to present their research findings at scientific meetings. As does any program which provides a meaningful and rewarding learning experience, the Biology Honors Program requires a significant commitment of time and effort.

Departmental Contacts for Biology Honors Program

• Dr. Thane Wibbels: Telephone (205) 934-4419; E-mail: twibbels@uab.edu

• Dr. Trygve Tollefsbol: Telephone (205) 934-4573; E-mail: trygve@uab.edu

To be eligible for the Biology Honors Program, a student must meet the following criteria: 1) Junior standing (64 hrs) 2) Minimum of 18 hours completed in biology courses 3) GPA of 3.5 in biology courses 4) GPA of 3.0 in all course work completed 5) Satisfactory completion of 1 hr of BY 398 6) Identification of a faculty member who is willing to serve as the student's mentor

• 1) Satisfactory completion of 6 credit hours of BY 399 (Honors Research)

2) Submission and approval of a formal research proposal regarding the student's Honors Research Project. The proposal should include a synopsis of the proposed research incorporating an introduction, proposed methods, and relevant literature review. The proposal should be submitted to the Honors Committee by the last week of the first quarter of Honors Research (BY 399). 3) A formal poster of the research results should be presented at the annual Biology Honors Research Day normally held at the end of the spring quarter. Under special circumstances, the poster may be presented at other times of the year pending approval of the Honors Committee.