Course Description
Faculty-supervised independent or collaborative inquiry into fundamental and applied problems within a discipline that requires students to gather, analyze, and synthesize and interpret data. Students will write a thesis that describes their systematic and in-depth inquiry.
Athena Title
Undergraduate Thesis
Non-Traditional Format
This is a capstone course under the direct supervision of a faculty member. This course is the culmination of the GENE 4960R-4980R sequence; this course can be taken after completing GENE 4980R or in the same semester as GENE 4980R. Students will write a thesis that describes a systematic and in-depth inquiry into an unknown, fundamental, or applied problem. The thesis is written in close collaboration with the faculty mentor and must be approved by that faculty member, a Reader, and the department. The student will apply an understanding of the discipline to identify or shape the research question, and apply the skills and techniques learned to complete the research project. The student will have gathered data, synthesized relevant literature and materials, and analyzed and interpreted data. The student will demonstrate in writing the contribution of their work to the discovery and interpretation of knowledge significant to their field of study. The student will have presented results in the form of a properly formatted, professionally rigorous thesis document. The student will receive feedback from both a Ph.D.-level Reader and the faculty mentor on the written thesis, and feedback from the faculty mentor on the overall execution of the thesis project. A minimum of 45 hours of work per semester is required.
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The expected learning outcomes for a student in a directed research course are: 1. The student will pose and test questions, hypotheses, or problems drawn from concepts in their discipline. 2. The student will utilize foundational principles in planning and executing a research project. 3. The student will carry out basic research techniques and methods. 4. The student will conduct research according to the highest ethical standards. 5. The student will demonstrate how a research program is organized and carried out. 6. The student will engage in professional communication through written and verbal participation in laboratory, academic, or professional meetings or conferences.
Topical Outline
Students must apply to the department through a sponsoring faculty member to complete a thesis. Each research experience is an independent collaboration between the faculty member and the student. As such, there is no set topical outline. Instead, the faculty mentor and student should develop their own work plan and determine course requirements and grading procedures (individualized syllabus). A minimum requirement is that the student present results in writing and that they will receive feedback for their written work.