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Directed Reading

Directed Reading is a great way for students to learn the literature of a specific field for general interest, or as a prelude to beginning a potential research project. BIO 198 is intended for students who are working with a Biology faculty member, and BIO 198X is intended for Biology majors working with someone outside of Biology.

In-Department Directed Reading (BIO 198)

BIO 198 is available for any student wishing to do a Directed Reading with a Biology Department faculty member. This course entails journal reading and discussion and may also involve participation in a laboratory research seminar along with library research. The grading policy for BIO 198 is satisfactory/no credit. Where applicable, BIO 198 units may be used toward Biology elective requirements, but cannot be applied towards a departmental Honors project. No petition is required to enroll in BIO 198, and students in any major are welcome to enroll provided they have permission from the faculty member.

Out-of Department Directed Reading (BIO 198X)

BIO 198X is available to declared Biology majors wishing to do a Directed Reading with a faculty member outside the Biology Department. This course entails journal reading and discussion and may also involve participation in a laboratory research seminar along with library research. The grading policy for BIO 198X is satisfactory/no credit. Where applicable BIO 198X units may be used toward Biology elective requirements, but cannot be applied towards a departmental Honors project. Biology majors interested in enrolling in BIO 198X must submit a petition.

Deadlines for BIO 198X Petitions

Autumn 2015 – October 1, 2015, 3:00pm
Winter 2016 - January 14, 2016, 3:00pm
Spring 2016 - April 7, 2016, 3:00pm

BIO 198X Petition Procedure

To petition for BIO 198X credit, students must submit the following items to Gilbert 108:

  1. Petition form

  2. Project Description. This should be 1-2 pages in length, double spaced with the following items included:

  • Description of the research done in your faculty sponsor's lab

  • Brief explanation of what you hope to learn through the experience

  • List of the research articles you plan to read and discuss, and with whom you will be doing the reading

  • Print the sponsor information sheet and give it to your sponsor