Honors in Integrative Biology
The Honors Program in Integrative Biology provides an exciting opportunity to gain valuable professional experience by working closely with a faculty mentor to complete an original research project. It's also a great way to receive recognition for your outstanding academic achievements!
What is the Honors Program?
Students accepted into the honors sequence design and conduct a biology-related independent research project in consultation with a faculty mentor. Students are required to submit an Honors Thesis after completing two semesters of Honors courses (H196A and H196B, 3 units each). All students are required to present a poster describing their findings at Cal Day (a public event held each April) and to participate in several social events aimed at sharing their findings with the IB community.
What is the Application Process?
An application form can be obtained from the IB Undergraduate Student Services office (2033 VLSB). The application and a short (~ 1 page) summary or your proposed project should be submitted to the USS by the 4th WEEK of instruction. Once we receive your application, we will confirm your GPA eligibility and send the summary to our head faculty advisor for review. After you have been accepted into the Honors sequence, you will receive a CCN (for 3 units) by email.
When Should One Enroll in the Honors Program?
Typically, you will begin the first semester of honors (H196A) in the fall of your senior year and complete the second semester (H196B) during the following spring. Other options (e.g. summer and fall) are possible if arranged in advance. All applications, regardless of semester, are due by the end of the 4th week of the semester.
Note: It is critical to start looking for a sponsor at least a few months before you intend to begin the honors sequence—this will allow you time to become familiar with the lab and to consult with your mentor about possible research topics. We can help you to identify potential mentors, although you will need to approach them directly about the possibility of working in their labs.
What Does the Thesis Entail?
Your thesis should summarize the work that you've done and the results you've obtained. Although the length and format are determined by you and your faculty mentor, a thorough and comprehensive thesis will generally be at least 15 pages long, written in standard scientific format. Sample theses are available for viewing in the IB USS.
Cool! How Do I Get More Information?
Make sure you come to our prospective honors student dinner, held every April! If you're a junior and your overall UC GPA is 3.3 or higher, you should receive an email from Nancy or Flannery in late March inviting you to this event. At this dinner, the IB Honors team will provide you with all the information you'll need to start planning an Honors project for the following academic year. If you can't attend this dinner or have burning questions that you'd like to have answered now, come in and speak with Nancy or Flannery in the IB USS.