Research Opportunities

Undergraduate Opportunities

Click here to download a list of faculty research interests. Also check the Faculty and Staff page for links to faculty webpages.

A. Research Projects in Biology (BY 309/409) Students are encouraged to engage in supervised research through enrollment in BY 309/409 and other programs.  Projects are designed and supervised with the help of a faculty member whose expertise and interests are related to the project.  Faculty specialties are shown in Appendix IV of the Majors' Handbook.  Students must have completed three Biology courses to be eligible for BY 309/409.  Projects may be done at any time, but credit is awarded in a single block.  [Students may also sign-up for BY309 or 409 extended format for one-half unit of credit.]  Students should consult their academic advisor for guidance. 

B. Senior Thesis (BY 499) - Students planning profes­sional careers requiring research experience are encouraged to complete a senior thesis.  Select an area of concentration in the sophomore or junior year.  Research performed in BY 309 or 409 can be the basis of a thesis.  Students may sign-up for one full  block of BY499 or for an entire year of  BY499 extended format (must be inititated by the beginning of block 1 for the senior year).  See section on Senior Thesis in the Majors' Handbook for details.

Note that Theses can and should be submitted to the library electronically. See page 20 and 21 of the Major's Handbook. Click here for examples of Biology Senior Theses.

C. Field Stations - The faculty encourages field-oriented majors to attend a field station.  Many offer under­graduate courses, while others offer research experience.  Programs are offered in the academic year or during the summer. Field station information may be found in the biology seminar room, on department bulletin boards and below.  Some financial aid may be available through the Stabler Award.  Note, however, that credit may not transfer to Colorado College.

D. Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).  The National Science Foundation awards REU grants to universities and field stations, which in turn fund undergraduate research, mainly during summers.  These typically provide room and board and a stipend for about 10 weeks.  These are usually excellent quality programs, and a number of students have written senior theses based on REU experiences.  Institutions award REU grants to students based on applications, which are due mostly in February and March with some as late as early May.  Search the web for these opportunities, or sign up for the EV/BIO listserve. (Note that applications for these positions are usually due in February.)

E. There are many opportunities for summer work in ecology, field biology, and environmental science on the listserve EVINTERNSHIPS. These listings also include a number of laboratory jobs of various sorts and are not limited to ecological opportunities only. Students with an interest in lab based biology are also encouraged to participate in this list serve. If you have an email account at Colorado College, you may request to subscribe or unsubscribe from this list by accessing http://listserv.coloradocollege.edu/archives/HTML/EVINTERNSHIPS.HTML

F. Department Opportunities - Not for Academic Credit:

The Biology Department offers a tutoring program.  Junior and senior biology majors are available to assist students in all core classes in the department.  Students wishing to participate in the program can obtain the names and phone numbers of tutors either from flyers posted in their classroom or from the biology paraprofessionals.

Those students needing to be tutored should keep in mind that finding an available tutor takes time and planning.  The student must find a tutor who is available and the tutor must contact the paraprofessional in charge of the program before a tutoring session can be scheduled.  Students who call a tutor the night before an exam should not expect to be tutored that evening.  If you are worried about a particular class but are not positive that you will require the assistance of a tutor, call a few tutors to determine who will be available that block and will best fit your needs.

Students interested in earning some extra money, and who are interested in a teaching career or graduate school are encouraged to become a department tutor.  For information on becoming a tutor please contact one of the biology paraprofessionals.

NOTE: *All Students who work and receive wages from the Biology Department budget must fill out the proper form in the Financial Aid Office before they can be hired.  Final selection of students for department jobs will be made by the Biology Department.

Funding for Undergraduate Work and Research Opportunities

Aside from The Colorado College student aid program, there are other available funds for financial assistance in this department.

A. Departmental Budget (BY 309, 409).  LIMITED FUNDS are available to assist students in conducting investigations.

B. Venture Grants.  The Venture Grant Committee awards funds for research projects under the guidance of a professor.  Funds may also be granted to permit students and faculty to attend scientific meetings and confer­ences.  Application forms and further information are available in the Dean's office. 

C. Robert M. Stabler Award. A permanently endowed fund was established to honor Dr. Stabler who was chair of Biology for many years. It is awarded annually, preferably to a junior biology major for summer study at a marine Biology station. See the section of this handbook under “Awards” for more information.  Some of the money may also be requested, on a financial-need basis, to partially offset extra costs of international field programs, e.g. courses in Patagonia and Belize. Contact the instructors of those courses for more information.

D. Research Assistants. Faculty members may have research grants to hire students to assist in specific research projects. See individual faculty for further information.

E. The Mary Ella Gilmore Magnusson and Prof. Ralph Gilmore Family Fund.  The earnings from this fund are used to provide summer stipends for Colorado College students to engage in independent research in natural sciences during their undergraduate years.  The research may occur in conjunction with a CC faculty member on campus or in the field.  The stipend may be used for research expenses, including but not limited to supplies, chemicals, transportation costs, etc.  Contact the professor with whom you would like to work.

F. The Stabler Award - The Biology Department grants these monies to assist students studying at field stations.  First  priority is given to junior biology majors to take courses, including independent study, at marine biology field stations during the summer.  Second priorities include assistance to students taking academic year courses at marine stations, supporting student attendance in courses at terrestrial field stations, and providing monies to support student research at terrestrial field stations.  The amount of money awarded depends on the cost of the program and financial need.  Announcement is made after spring break each year.  See the department secretary for application procedures and details.

Please note that reimbursements for students doing independent or class research has been approved at 10 cents per mile after the first 100 miles per block.  No reimbursement will be given for anything under 100 miles.