BIOG 2990/4990
Research for Credit during the Academic Year
(We do not allow students to pre-enroll in research for credit)
Over 500 students each semester earn academic credit for undergraduate research by enrolling in independent research courses. Most students enroll in 2-4 credits of research (3-5 hours per credit). A student’s research mentor can be in any department as long as the research is biological in nature. A faculty member or research associate must supervise the research. Students often work directly with a graduate student, technician, or postdoctoral scientist in the lab.
BIOG 2990/4990 Research for Credit
Spring 2027 application will open in January. Date TBA.
BIOG 2990, Introduction to Research Methods in Biology
Intended for students new to undergraduate research. Students enrolled in BIOG 2990 may be reading the scientific literature, learning research techniques and assisting with ongoing research. Credit hours are variable (maximum of 3 credits) and grading is S/U only. This course is a prerequisite for BIOG 4990.
BIOG 4990, Independent Research in Biology
Students work more independently on a research project. You do not have to generate your own research topic. More typically, students get involved in the ongoing research of the lab. The prerequisite for BIOG 4990 is the completion of one semester of BIOG 2990 or previous research experience. You will need to prepare a brief research description as part of the BIOG 4990 application. We encourage you to work with your research mentor to draft this in advance of applying.
We do not pre-enroll for BioG 2990 or BioG 4990. You must complete the online enrollment form at the start of the semester.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes for Introduction to Research Methods in Biology
Upon completion of the Introduction to Research Methods in Biology, students will be able to
- Locate and evaluate scientific literature relevant to a biological research question or area of interest.
- Interpret, summarize, and discuss primary research articles within the context of current biological inquiry.
- Describe and apply key research methods used in the lab group, and perform procedures with guidance from a mentor or instructor.
- Communicate effectively about a research topic with peers and lab members in both informal and semi-formal settings.
Learning Outcomes for Undergraduate Independent Research
Upon completion of an independent research experience, students will be able to
- Locate, evaluate, and synthesize relevant scholarly literature in their research area.
- Explain how their research project contributes to broader disciplinary questions and knowledge gaps.
- Formulate research questions and, where appropriate, develop hypotheses grounded in existing scholarship.
- Collaborate effectively with mentors and research teams using professional communication and problem‑solving skills.
- Apply appropriate research methods, protocols, and technical skills to address research objectives.
- Demonstrate responsible conduct of research and recognize when to seek guidance.
- Maintain accurate, organized, and well‑documented records of data and research activities.
- Manage and organize data and documentation so that others can readily access and interpret them.
- Communicate research processes and findings effectively in written and/or oral formats appropriate to the discipline.
- Describe how their research connects to broader societal, disciplinary, or institutional contexts.
- Reflect on how the research experience informs their academic interests and career goals.
- Apply theoretical or classroom-based knowledge to authentic research settings.
Researchers and students may use this sample mentoring agreement to guide discussions about expectations and deliverables for BIOG 2990/4990.