Independent biological research under faculty guidance — for students stepping toward graduate school or research careers.
BIO 498 is an in-depth investigation of a topic in the student's major or minor area of interest, conducted under the guidance of an instructor. The course gives biology majors the opportunity to do real research work — designing investigations, collecting and analyzing data, and producing the kind of work graduate programs and research careers actually involve.
The course may be taken for one, two, or three credits and may be repeated for up to six total credits unless otherwise specified in the requirements for a major. Approval of the supervising instructor and department chair is required before enrollment.
Design a Research Project
Frame a focused research question and plan a coherent investigation.
Collect and Analyze Data
Apply appropriate methods to gather and interpret biological data.
Engage Primary Literature
Locate, read, and synthesize the published research relevant to your topic.
Communicate Findings
Present research clearly in writing and discussion.
Work With a Faculty Mentor
Develop a working research relationship with a practicing scientist.
A Biblical Worldview treats research as careful, honest investigation of what's actually true. BIO 498 gives biology majors the structured opportunity to do that work — pursuing a question deeply, under guidance, with the rigor that graduate programs and research careers depend on.
BIO 498 lets biology majors do real research under faculty guidance. Explore the programs that include it.