BIOSM 4990

Research in Biology

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Introduction to independent research. We will build a scientific community to support one another in proposing a testable biological question and carrying out the field or lab work to answer the question. You will practice the full scientific process; generating hypotheses, designing methods, troubleshooting, collecting data, interpreting and communicating your findings. Field time will be primarily dedicated to independent research where you will be in charge of your own data collection. Classroom sessions include discussions of primary literature, data analysis, peer feedback, and lectures on statistics, programming, and presentation skills. At the end of the course, students will present their research in a symposium and submit a written report in the style of a brief scientific article.

Corequisites BIOSM 1500 or, with permission from Shoals staff, another BIOSM course that covers subject matter conducive to a mentored follow-up project.

Exploratory Studies (CU-SBY)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SU, 2024SU, 2023SU, 2022SU

Learning Outcomes

• Pose a testable research question that is grounded in current scientific literature.
• Design and execute an independent data collection effort.
• Analyze, visualize, and interpret original data.
• Communicate to diverse audiences about research in both oral and written formats.

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