Biology Honors

Program Coordinator: Jean-Luc Scemama (105-N Howell Science Complex; 252-328-6313; scemamaj@ecu.edu)

Biology and biochemistry majors who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have been actively involved in research with a faculty mentor for at least a semester may participate in the department’s honors program. This program is designed for exceptional students who wish to use their creative abilities to pursue in-depth inquiries in the biological sciences, including, but not limited to, laboratory or field-based research, comparative analysis, and research in pedagogy.

An independent research project is required and is developed by the student in consultation with a faculty mentor. A research project contract must be approved by the faculty mentor.

Completion of the program requires a minimum of 3 s.h. of research credits selected from BIOL 3504  and/or BIOL 3550 . A maximum of 3 s.h. of research credits can count as biology electives. Students must also complete BIOL 4995  (2 s.h.). In this course students work toward writing and final presentation of a thesis that is reviewed by the BIOL 4995 instructor, and a committee selected by the faculty mentor. An approved thesis and a minimum grade of B in BIOL 4995 are required to receive the distinction “with Honors in Biology” upon graduation.