Biochemistry Honors

FRESHMAN YEAR

• Focus on doing well in general biology and chemistry courses
• Consider Honors or advanced science courses
• Work on study and time management skills
• Consider ways to complete general Arts & Sciences course requirements early

• Focus on doing well in science courses especially, organic chemistry and genetics & cell biology. Good grades in these courses are required for entry into the B. S. in Biochemistry Degree Program
• Continue to look at upper level and Honors courses

• Think about areas of research which interest you
• Begin looking at research opportunities available at or around SU
• By the end of sophomore year, begin contacting faculty about undergraduate research
• Begin considering a Capstone Advisor
• Try to establish plans for undergraduate research (credit, BCM460/ BIO460/CHE450 or non-credit)
• Also consider summer programs in the sciences (REU, summer research, etc.)

• Continue to focus on upper-level science courses; keep in mind when and how many courses to take in order to graduate on time
• Take stock of A&S core requirements
• Register for a one-credit research seminar or journal club, e.g. BCM 430
• After choosing a faculty member to be your Capstone Advisor, choose a focus for your research, which lends itself to a Capstone project, and begin research.
• November: Submit Capstone Project Proposal Form, signed by your project advisor
• Begin looking at research expenses, and watch for funding opportunities through the College of Arts & Sciences and the Honors program

• Meet with the Honor's staff to bring them up to date on your progress
• Continue working in your area of interest; modify your project as necessary
• Submit a Project Update Form to Honors detailing how the focus of your research has changed and evolved
• Be sure to have an appropriate number of upper-level science courses on your schedule
• Try to get exposure in Mayfest, Biology/Biochemistry Poster Session, Regional ACS meetings, other research venues
• Consider continuing research through the summer

• Take stock of science courses needed to graduate on time
• Begin compiling experimental results for Capstone project
• Update the Honors staff with any changes in the topic or focus of your work
• Consider necessary preparations for writing a thesis

• Make sure you have met major, minor, and general A&S requirements to graduate
• Begin writing and editing a draft of the thesis
• Choose a Reader within the appropriate department who will proofread your thesis and work with your Advisor to suggest any changes
• February: submit draft of final paper to Advisor and Reader
• Review with Advisor and Reader, make any necessary changes to meet Honors requirements
• April: Submit last draft to Reader for final review
• When the final text has been approved by the Advisor and Reader, submit on or before Capstone Turn-In Day

Laboratory research is time-intensive no matter what the topic. Students should pick research areas they enjoy, as this will help ensure a successful project. Students should also be sure to pick an Advisor with whom they can establish a good working relationship. Especially during senior year, collaboration with the Advisor is crucial to completing a Capstone project successfully and on time.

If a student is particularly interested in research, he or she should pursue a position in a lab before the Junior year. However, before the third year, often students may not have taken the appropriate classes to understand the research being done in some labs so additional training/knowledge may be required.

The summer months allow students to dedicate considerably greater amounts of time to research, with the potential for more meaningful results and a more focused study. Generally, the summer between junior and senior year is prime research time, but students who become involved early can do research over the summer before junior year as well. This decision rests with the student and his or her Advisor.