BIOLOGY 499 (2000/2001)
Biology 499 Frequently Asked Questions
How is the final grade determined?
There are three parts to all BIOL 499 projects: lab work (40%), written presentation (40%), oral presentation (20%). The methods used to determine the grade in each of the three parts varies somewhat with supervisor. Be sure to ask! In all cases, the written presentation will be jointly graded by your supervisor and second reader/co-supervisor. Oral presentations are not graded in isolation. You will make your presentation in a session with others in your peer group. How the grade is determined for the oral will vary, but always includes the supervisor and often includes other faculty members who attended the oral. Your laboratory performance is determined by your supervisor (the person in whose laboratory you do most of your work).
How can I measure my progress as the year goes along?
Besides the generally applicable way points indicated in the BIOL 499 form, supervisors usually provide other opportunities for you to assess your performance and improve as necessary. Examples include regular meetings, a mid-point (Christmas) oral, comments on a draft final report, practice session of your oral. Check with your prospective supervisor re these matters and their associated deadlines.
Can I have a supervisor who is not in Biological Sciences?
Yes. This is common and welcomed. However, if you do choose to work with a supervisor in another department, you must have a co-supervisor from Biological Sciences. If your supervisor has not had BIOL 499 students before, be sure that he or she fully understands the goals and limitations of the course. Your co-supervisor should be prepared to help both you and your supervisor in this respect. It is also recommended that your co-supervisor's field be closely related to that of your supervisor. In fact, some level of working relationship between the two labs is desirable.
How much is expected of me in BIOL 499?
BIOL 499 is a six-credit senior course that allows you to gain direct research experience. It is a heavy course and expectations are high. As a rule of thumb, you must be prepared to spend at least as much time on BIOL 499 as you would on two senior biology courses, each with a lab and a term paper. Often, more time than this is required. However, supervisors should be, and usually are aware that you are taking up to four other courses at the same time. It is strongly recommended that you arrange your schedule so that you have blocks of several hours several times each week to devote to BIOL 499. Regular work in the laboratory is expected for a significant part of the time you are enrolled in BIOL 499. Your performance in the laboratory constitutes 40% of the total grade and is assessed by your supervisor. If you are not sure how you are doing in this respect, ask!
How extensive is the final report?
The final report is usually in the format of a scientific paper, with perhaps slightly greater emphasis on the development of background. You should include background, results, supporting figures/tables/images, discussion and references. Typically the full report totals 25 to 35 pages. Check with your supervisor for additional details re format, style and relative space provided to various sections of the report. You are responsible for following your supervisor's directions in these matters in the same way that you will follow an editorial broad's directions when you write your first manuscript for publication.
What is required in the oral presentation?
Oral presentations are in the order of 15 to 20 minutes in length. They should be supported by visual aids. There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of your talk. Check with your supervisor and with the group coordinator of your section for additional details. Remember, oral presentations must be given on or before the third working day following the end of classes.