SC/BIOL 4000 3.0 & 8.0 Honours Thesis--3 Credit The 3.0 credit course is an in-depth critical literature review and/or research proposal that demonstrates the student’s knowledge and understanding of a topic. The thesis reviews the literature in a particular field or area of interest, identifies gaps or inconsistencies, and develops a specific hypothesis, argument or model. Students are encouraged to propose an experimental strategy to test the hypothesis (with clearly articulated possible outcomes and limitations). The thesis involves considerable self-directed work and must reflect critical thinking and analytical skills and an understanding of the scientific method. A strong thesis is built on carefully reviewing and analyzing the literature, and communicating clearly and professionally. The course concludes with an oral defense of the thesis. Typically students spend 4-6 hours/week preparing the thesis. (Some weeks you will need to put in more hours.) The 3.0 credit course is completed in a single term (Fall, Winter or Summer) under the supervision of a faculty member in Biology. There are no formal lectures. Please read the BIOL 4000 Honours Information Package for more information on this course and to access the Registration Form. ENROLLMENT: To enroll in the course, first fill out the BIOL 4000 Registration form (see Information Package above).  Older Registration forms will not be accepted.  Submit the completed form to the Machform Registration Page.  Carefully read the information and ensure you meet all course requirements.  Honours Thesis--8 Credit The 8.0 credit course is a hands-on original research project (laboratory- or field-based) that includes a practical and written component as well as an oral thesis defense. This course provides 4th year undergraduate students with research experience in the Biological Sciences and provides an opportunity to enhance critical thinking, analytical and communication skills. The written component should describe the background relevant to the research project, the question(s) being addressed, specific aims, the methodology used, the results obtained, conclusions and a critical discussion and interpretation of the findings and their significance. Students are required to write clearly and concisely (with correct and appropriate grammar, spelling and referencing of materials), and to prepare accurate and clear figures/tables. The research project involves a significant investment of time and effort in the laboratory or field. Typically students spend 10-12 hours/week (although this is likely to depend on the nature and stage of the work). The 8.0 credit course is completed over two consecutive terms (i.e., Fall-Winter, Winter- Summer, or Summer-Fall) under the supervision of a faculty member in Biology. There are no formal lectures in this course. Please read the BIOL 4000 Honours Information Package for more information on this course and to access the Registration Form. ENROLLMENT: To enroll in the course, first fill out the BIOL 4000 Registration form (see Information Package above).  Older Registration forms will not be accepted.  Submit the completed form to the Machform Registration Page.  Carefully read the information and ensure you meet all course requirements.