Undergraduate Studies

Policy for Arranging Independent Research (496) in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Due to the large number of undergraduate students and University Scholars, both within and outside the Department, who seek to participate in the ongoing research programs of BMB faculty, it has become necessary to establish guidelines for arranging Independent Research 496. Thus, the following policy will be in effect:

1. Students interested in participating in research should report to the department office in 108 Althouse to obtain a copy of the 496-Applicant Information Sheet . At that time, the student will be informed of 1) the faculty who have openings in their laboratories, 2) the research interests of BMB faculty so he/she can make informed choices, and 3) any qualifications individual faculty set for participation in 496 work (i.e., minimum GPA or semester standing). Faculty will not consider a student for a 496 project without seeing a completed 496-Applicant Information Sheet.

2. From the list of faculty members who have 496-positions available, the student will select four of the faculty with whom they would be most interested to work and indicate their selection on the back of the application form.

3. APPLICANT INFORMATION SHEETS WILL BE DUE IN 108 ALTHOUSE BY THE END OF THE 8TH WEEK OF CLASSES FOR 496 POSITIONS TO BE FILLED THE FOLLOWING SEMESTER. The deadline for admission to Summer session and Fall semester positions will be the eighth week of the preceeding Spring semester.

4. Following receipt of the completed Applicant Information Sheet, the Department office will distribute copies of the Information Sheet and the student's transcript to the faculty listed by the student. If interested, a faculty member will contact the student to arrange an appointment to discuss the possibility of working in his/her laboratory.

If an appointment is arranged, the student should be prepared to discuss such topics as: 1) the number of credits to be scheduled, 2) the time commitment involved, and 3) his/her future goals.

During the 9th-11th weeks of the semester, faculty will hold interviews, make a decision, extend their offer(s) and request a response from the applicants. Faculty will notify the department office as their 496-positions are filled.

If a student does not hear from any faculty member within 3 weeks, the student may return to 108 Althouse and select another group of faculty who still have 496 openings at that time. This process may continue until all available faculty have been notified of the student's interest in securing a 496 position.

5. Students in majors other than BMB, Bioch, Micrb, or MCB must register for BMB or Micrb 496 to work with faculty in the BMB Department.

6. Upon acceptance by a BMB faculty member for a 496 project, the student must obtain the signature of the faculty member on a 496-Approval Form and return it to 108 Althouse to register for the course officially. It is not possible to preregister for 496 courses on eLion. The 496-Approval Form must be signed by the faculty member and returned to 108 Althouse each semester the student undertakes 496-Independent Research.

NOTE : BMB Students who arrange to do Independent Research with faculty who are not on the approved list (see back of application form) will not be permitted to register for BMB or Micrb 496. For example, a student who arranges to do research with a faculty member in Food Science must schedule FD SC 496 NOT BMB 496. If it can be demonstrated that the work done in other departments is sound biochemistry, microbiology, or molecular/cell biology, the student may petition to count the course as BMB 496 to fulfill degree requirements. Petitions must be supported and signed by the student's professional adviser and approved by the Director of Undergraduate Programs. But, using the example above, the course will still appear as FD SC 496 on the academic transcript.