4th Year Research Thesis Project Courses - FAQ
Do I need research experience to enroll and be successful in a research project course?
Research experience is not required to be successful in Biochemistry 4480E, 4483E, or 4485E. Indeed, the course is intended to give students the required research experience. If you have the opportunity to work in a lab before taking a project course, absolutely take it, but it is not a requirement.
I am intending to go on to a graduate program. Will having taken a research project course help with applications to graduate schools?
Yes. Many graduate programs rank independent research experience as a key component in their admissions. This experience can be obtained in any one of our research project courses. Moreover, your supervisor will have worked closely with you throughout the year and will be in an excellent position to write a letter of reference.
Will having taken a research project course help with application and performance for professional schools?
Yes. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are best learned in the environment of an independent research project. Your abilities will be observed daily by a faculty member who will be able to write a detailed letter of reference.
I am interested in a career in the Biotechnology industry. Will a research project course help towards this goal?
Yes. Research training in Biochemistry is one of the skills most sought after by the Biotechnology industry.
How will I be matched with a supervisor in a research project course?
Potential projects are posted on the Biochemistry 4483E website over the summer. In the first two weeks of September, you will be asked to contact 5 potential supervisors and have an informal interview. From these interviews, you will be asked to rank the supervisors in the order of your preference; supervisors will do the same. From these rankings, the best matches are made.
I have had little independent research experience. Will my supervisor help in developing my research project?
Yes. You and your supervisor will discuss the background of your project at length and in the early stages, you will get as much direction as required. As your knowledge and skills progress, you will be able to work more independently.
How do the average grades compare in research project courses with other Honors courses?
The average grades in project courses are usually slightly higher than in other Biochemistry honors level courses. In part, this is because the environment of the course is different from other courses and is extremely popular with students.
What is the expected weekly hour commitments for Biochemistry research project courses?
Project courses are weighted at 1.5 credits for a fifteen hours work week. A large component of this 15 hr/week is in the lab. Other aspects include researching the literature, seminar preparation, and thesis writing.
The timetable schedules 3 hours every afternoon for project courses. I have other classes that conflict with these times. Is there flexibility in the time that can be spent in the lab?
Yes. You can work in the lab at any time that is mutually agreed upon with your supervisor.
Will I be given instruction on how to structure and write my thesis?
Yes. There will be some classroom training on thesis writing. In addition, your supervisor will help you structure your thesis and be available for consultation.
