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Research Courses

Interested in gaining research experience?

Research courses provide an opportunity to develop your skills and explore a specific aspect of Biology under the supervision of a faculty member. 

Choose from the following courses:

  • BISC 298 - Introduction to Undergraduate Research in Biological Sciences (3)
  • BISC 497W - Undergraduate Research: Writing Intensive (3)
  • BISC 498 - Undergraduate Research I (3)
  • BISC 499 - Undergraduate Research II (3)
  • BISC 490 - Research Design (5)
  • BISC 491 - Research Technique (5)
  • BISC 492W - Research Reporting (5)

BISC 490, BISC 491 and BISC 492W are components of the Independent Study Semester (ISS or Honours Project), and all three must be taken either concurrently or in separate terms.  Please check the linked course descriptions for required pre-requisites or contact an advisor for details.

How to Register in a Research Course

  1. See our project page for a list of potential supervisors and projects. You may also propose your own project with a faculty member.
  2. See the supervisor/instructor to work out the details and expectations (including the hours and dates). Give a copy (paper or email) of your transcript to the Instructor.  
  3. Fill out and submit the online Application Form
  4. Once approved, email the BISC Undergraduate Advisor for final approval (Rm. B8270) with your advising transcript attached
  5. Approved students are normally enrolled after the third week of the registration period
  6. Application deadline is the fifth day of classes

Grading Guidelines for BISC 49X Courses

These are guidelines only; expectations and grading should be discussed in advance with your supervisor.

A+

 Substantial initiative (e.g., in developing questions, methods, experiments, analysis, writing) coupled with substantial output.  Excellent work overall, with quality at the level of peer-reviewed scientific literature level.

A

 Some initiative and excellent execution across all aspects of the project.

A-

 Good execution across almost all aspects of the project.

B+

 Minimal initiative and/or some shortcomings in execution of experiments, organization of data and record keeping, understanding and interpretation of results, writing and/ or effort.

B

 Minimal initiative and/or multiple shortcomings in execution of experiments, organization of data and record keeping, understanding and interpretation of results, writing and/ or effort.

B- or lower

 Severe shortcomings in one or more of the following: initiative, execution of experiments, organization of data and record keeping, understanding and interpretation of results, writing and/ or effort.
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