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The honors program rewards students undertaking and completing a more rigorous, research oriented curriculum while pursuing their Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at the University of Utah. In collaboration with the Honors College, the centerpiece of the Biology Honors Track is a research project, culminating in the submission of a written thesis, and presentation of the student’s thesis research in a public forum.
Welcome to the Honors College
Coursework
TIMELINE
MEET WITH ADVISOR - SPRING
Meet with biology faculty advisor Naina Phadnis regarding research and thesis. Meet with biology major advisors Denise Brenes and Nicole Shoup regarding honors major requirements and planning.
HONORS CORE & WRITING - COURSEWORK
Complete two courses in the “Honors Core in Intellectual Traditions” Series (Hon 210X) and one honors writing course (Hon 2211 or 3200)
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH - 3 SEMESTERS
At least 3 semesters of biology independent research are required. Students may opt to enroll in Biol 4995 for up to 3 semesters.
THESIS PREP - 1 SEMESTER
Complete Biology 4999: Thesis preparation (3 CR)
MEET REQUIREMENTS & GPA
Meet all University and School requirements for a Bachelor degree in Biology Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 overall.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Biology Honors Program
Yes! Upon successful completion of their thesis, students may count a maximum of 3 semesters of research taken as BIOL 4955 or 4995 toward their requirement of 4 lab courses, for a total of 9 credits and 6 lab units. If a thesis is not submitted and approved (grade B or better), BIOL 4955/4995 can only be counted once, for a max of 3 credits and 2 lab units.
Yes! Upon successful completion of their thesis, students may count a maximum of 3 semesters of research taken as BIOL 4955 or 4995 toward their requirement of 4 lab courses, for a total of 6 lab units. BIOL 4999 credits can be applied towards a Biology degree with a grade of C- or better (a B or better is required for Honors to be conferred). If a thesis is not submitted and approved (grade B or better), BIOL 4955/4995 can only be counted once, for a max of 3 credits and 2 lab units.
The School of Biological Sciences offers several recognized Honors courses: BIOL 4999 (Honors Thesis, 3 credits, offered F/S/U), BIOL 4995 (Honors Research, 3 credits, offered F/S/U), and BIOL 2021: Principles of Cell Science ("Honors Cell Biology," 4 credits, Fall only) , BIOL 2005 (“Biology of Variation”) and BIOL 3551 (“Physical Principles of Biology," 3 credits, Fall only) and any upper division (above 5000) biology course with 35 students or fewer.
Yes!
INTERESTED IN HONORS?
Get the most out of your education with excellent professors who love to teach, small discussion-based classes, and active learning at the U's Honors College.
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