We firmly believe that research is a critical and integral part of the educational process. The faculty of the Biology Department is deeply committed to involving students in their research endeavors. Our goal is to transform our "students" into "scholars" who are deeply committed to the process of independent learning through inquiry.
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Students work hand-in-hand with faculty collaborators. Students are also encouraged to attend and participate in local and national scientific meetings and conferences, allowing them to hone their scientific communication skills as well as network with other students and scientists from around the globe.
WIth one-on-one interaction with our faculty, our students gain an in-depth experience in the process of scientific inquiry, learn laboratory techniques, as well as share in the excitement of scientific discovery. |
Faculty Research
The faculty are engaged in a variety of research efforts, ranging from molecular analysis of Arabidopsis genes, to nerve cell regeneration, to bird migration, to snail feeding, to bat biogeography. Funding for our faculty comes from both intramural and extramural sources. For more detailed descriptions of individual faculty research projects, please consult the faculty webpages.
Student Research:
At the University of Scranton, students participate in research through a number of different venues:
(Read about some of our research students here.)
Faculty-Student Research Program (FSRP)
This program gives students an opportunity to be involved in research projects in which faculty are engaged. Students receive transcript recognition (as Biology 097), but do not receive academic credits that count towards their degree. There is no cost for the FSRP, and the program is open to all students in good academic standing (including freshmen).
To participate in the program, students must identify a faculty member with whom they want to work. This is best done by talking to individual faculty members directly about their research interests, or by consulting the website. The faculty member can give information on research projects and any student prerequisites. |
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When a student and faculty member agree to work together, they complete a learning contract that outlines the nature of the research, the tasks involved and the work hours . Students are required to commit a minimum of one full semester/term to FSRP, and may continue to work beyond this. Students should expect to devote 60-90 hours per term to the research activities; however, the exact scheduling of the student's time may vary depending on the particular research needs, and the schedules of the student and faculty member.
Honors
The Honors Program at The University of Scranton concentrates on directed independent work for selected students who desire greater depth and breadth in their education. The Honors curriculum is designed to fit into existing University course requirements and to support students as they move into increasingly independent work.
Participation in the honors program is by invitation. Outstanding sophomores will be invited to apply; following an interview and rigorous screening process, students accepted into the honors program will have a unique subset of courses. Senior Honors students are required to do a year-long, 6- credit research project, working under the guidance of a professor. Upon completion, the project is written as a thesis and defended before a board of three faculty members who judge whether it is of Honors caliber. |
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Research for credit (Biology 382/393)
On rare occasions, advanced undergraduates with at least 12 credits of Biology (typically in their junior or senior year of study) may enrol for Biology 382 or 393. This variable-credit course (up to 3 credits per semester) counts towards the Biology major. In lieu of standard |
coursework, students conduct independent research with the faculty preceptor, Biology 382 is defined as "directed study" and can be in the form of coursework or research. Biology 393 is "research for credit" and is strictly a research-based activity.
To register for this course, the student should fill out the appropriate form available from the Registrar's office.
Volunteering
Students can volunteer in a research laboratory out of sheer interest and enthusiasm without getting any academic credit or transcript recognition. Students who wish to do so may make arrangements with faculty members.
Read about some of our research students here.
The University's Office of Research Services is an invaluable resource and asset available to all university members. Their mission is to stimulate, develop, support and manage efforts to enhance research and scholarly pursuits of faculty, staff and students at the University of Scranton.