Fall 2016Research Semester Application

The Research Semester consists of a full time commitment in which 12-15 hours of upper level Biology credits may be earned. A student entering the research semester will register for: BIOL 314 (Introduction to Research Design and Analysis, 4 credits), BIOL 498 (Research Seminar, 2 credits), and BIOL 499 (Research in Biology, 6-9 credits). BIOL 314 and 498 will be held on Monday and Wednesdayfrom 10:30-13:15. Students will free to work on research projects all day Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and after 13:30 on Monday and Wednesday. Research may be conducted at any of the George Mason University campuses, depending on the location of the research mentor’s laboratory. A student must register for all three courses (12-15 credits) and may register for only one additional course beyond the three biology courses (BIOL 314, 498 and 499).

To qualify for the research semester, students must be a declared Major in the College of Science, although Neuroscience majors may also be accepted. Students should have successfully taken, at a minimum, BIOL 213, 214 and 311, and CHEM 211-212. Students should have a 3.0 GPA in their science courses.

It will be the responsibility of students to visit one or more research laboratories prior to the application deadline in order to familiarize her/himself with the type of research being conducted, and the skills necessary to do research in that lab. It will also be useful for students to volunteer in a lab prior to the fall 2016 semester.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date:

Full Name (First, Middle, Last):

Phone Number:

Email Address:

1. AVAILABILITY

Students will have classes on Tuesday and Thursday. Beyond this time commitment, students will be expected to spend a minimum of 18 (six credits of 499) to 27 (nine credits of 499) hours per week working on their research projects, whether that be in the lab, the field, the library, or performing data analysis. Hours and expectations are to be negotiated in writing with the faculty research mentor at the time of registration. Make sure your schedule allows time for your research project.

2. Faculty Mentor and Research Project

Although it is not guaranteed that you will be paired with the project of your choice, you may identify up to 3 projects which are of most interest to you. Please see the list of projects () forcomplete descriptions.Select projects by last name of the potential research mentor and by number.

Project1:

Project 2:

Project 3:

Once your application is screened, your preferences will be forwarded to the professor sponsoring the project. If selected, the professor will contact you for an interview. Once selected by a professor, you and he/she will develop a formal contract in which the project is described and expectations and a work schedule are outlined. In order to register for the research semester, the project contract must be approved by the Biology Program Director.

  1. PERSONAL STATEMENT

Attach written response to the essay prompt listed below:

Describe why you would like to participate in the Biology Research Semester and discuss your future goals. (500 words or less)

  1. RESUME

Attach your one page resume

Please send one emailwhich includes your application, personal statement, and resume to Dr. Geraldine Grant at: (Please write Biology Research Semester in the subject line of your email)

Deadline: Application must be received by 5:00pm before March 21st 2016

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