GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Biology 538 (3.0 unit), 539 (3.0 unit) and 540 (6.0 units [a full-year two-term research mentorship]) offer individual students the opportunity to undertake a laboratory research practicum under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. In addition to volunteer work in the host lab, students will normally attend BIOL537 seminars (Fall and/or Winter) and conduct research to present both as a major paper and seminar. The research practicum would normally include 60h of laboratory or fieldwork in the host lab per 3.0 units of credit (x2 for 6.0). The total number of learning hours should be commensurate with the course weight (i.e., 110 – 130 LH/3.0 units). Though the lab practicum may be conducted in the Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter terms, students must formally obtain approval for the course prior to commencing the lab work. Registration is subject to availability of a supervisor and approval by the Undergraduate Chair in Biology.
PREREQUISITE AND EXCLUSIONS. Open to students in a four-year Degree Plan, with priority given to Biology Honours students (Major or SSP, including EBIO, BIPS or BIMA). Students will normally be enrolled in their fourth year of their Program, having completed the third-year core requirements of their Plan. Students enrolled in BIOL537 are excluded from taking these courses concurrently. BIOL 538 is a prerequisite to BIOL 539 - which is intended for students who wish to do a second follow-on 3.0 units research mentorship after completing BIOL 538.
SPECIAL TRAINING. All students in this course will obtain the appropriate training and certification required for the laboratory or fieldwork, including (as appropriate) WHMIS, Off-Campus Field Safety, and Animal Care.
DETAILS OF EVALUATION. Below is the suggested format for evaluation in the course based upon participation (volunteer work, seminar attendance) and communication (essay, seminar). Additional and/or alternative forms of evaluation may be implemented at the discretion of the Faculty mentor, conditional on approval by the Undergraduate Chair in Biology. Note that from Spring 2024 onwards, a second ‘external’ grader (faculty member) must be identified in the application who will be responsible (along with the supervisor) for marking at least 30% of overall course grade. Supervisor and external faculty member are to work out the details, but at least one component of the practicum should be graded by both parties and averaged for inclusion in the final course grade.
More information and the application can be found here.
