HONORS IN BIOLOGY
To qualify for honors in biology a student must complete six units of Bio 500, present a thesis based on the Bio 500 project, have at least a B+ average in biology, at least a B+ average in all mathematics, chemistry, and physics courses required for the major, and at least a B+ average overall. Only course work taken at Washington University will be considered when assessing honors status. The thesis must be judged worthy of honors first by the faculty mentor and then by qualified scientists appointed by the department. The thesis must describe the independent work, present the data obtained, and indicate what the student has learned from the experience; it must be submitted to the committee of advisors no later than two months prior to graduation (normally, the first Monday following spring break of the senior year). A written statement from the student's sponsor evaluating the student's performance is also required. An oral examination may be held at the discretion of the Biology Department. Generally, research to be considered for honors will be initiated during the junior year and completed during the senior year. It is emphasized that honors candidates must fulfill all requirements for a major in biology or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.