To qualify, a student must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or better and an average of 3.4 or better in life sciences core and elective courses credited toward the biological sciences major at the end of the junior year and previous research experience. At that time, the student should apply formally to the advising office of the Office of Undergraduate Instruction. Accepted students are expected to complete at least 6 credits over two semesters in an independent research project, resulting in a thesis, and to pass an oral examination before a faculty committee in the general field of the student's program of emphasis. If the research is done in a laboratory outside of the Division of Life Sciences, the examination committee must include at least one individual from the Division of Life Sciences faculty. Departmental Honors is completed in the fall and spring of senior year. Students accepted into special programs (e.g. BA/MD) may complete honors during junior year.
Honors students must register either for an honors course sequence in life sciences or for a course sequence in a school honors program. These decisions should be discussed with an adviser. An approval form (available in the advising office) must be completed.
