The golden key to success in Biology is to move beyond course work and get personally involved in your own research project. We are convinced that the best way to learn biology is by doing it, and so you will have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor to design and carry out your own research project on an original problem. The completed research is written up as a Senior Thesis and is presented at a Senior Research Symposium at the end of your senior year. Our students have presented their research at professional conferences, and are often co-authors on papers published in professional journals. Last year two of our students were co-authors on a paper in the journal Science, one of the two most prestigious scientific journals in the world.
Students do genuine, collaborative biological research with faculty, usually funded by grants.
The college often supports paid summer research assistantships for students. This research may lead to presentation at professional conferences and to publication in professional scientific journals and books. And just as important as the availability of good science equipment is our philosophy of its use. Unlike most university laboratories where only graduate students and faculty are allowed to use the most sophisticated equipment, Hartwick students have complete access to all equipment. In my opinion, one of the most unique and beneficial features of Hartwick's biology program is the fact that the students and professors get to know each other on a personal basis.