Honours Program in Biology (71-75 credits)

 

[Please refer to the Honours Program Web Site for complete details]

The Honours Program in Biology is designed primarily as a preparation for graduate study and research. It provides students with an enriched training in Biology as well as some research and scientific reading experience in a chosen area.

Students may apply to enter the Honours Program in Biology near the end of the U2 year by contacting the Honours Advisor: Dr. N. Price, Room N6/12, (514) 398-6468, neil.price@mcgill.ca or the Honours Coordinator, Nancy Nelson, Room W3/25, (514) 398-4109, nancy.nelson@mcgill.ca

It is the responsibility of students to visit professors in the department with whom they wish to do their Honours Independent Study and discuss research projects, and availability of research space. Deadlines may be found in the “Requirements” section below.

There is a list of professors and outlines of their research interests posted on the Biology Web Site (see the Faculty listing).

REQUIREMENTS FOR HONOURS STATUS ARE AS FOLLOWS

a) Attainment of a minimum CGPA of 3.5 in U2 to be maintained in the U3 year for the Honours degree.

b) Approval of a 9 or 12 credit Independent Studies proposal (see listing for BIOL 479 and 480 for details; enrolment is limited and applications are competitive.)

c) Registration and completion of U3 study plan with the Honours Advisor, Dr. Neil Price, Room N6/12, (514) 398-6468 or with the Honours Coordinator, Nancy Nelson, Room W3/25, (514) 398-4109.

DEADLINES:

June 1st
Notification of intent
Week of September 1st
Completed application form with abstract
Week of September 1st
Start of Academic Year and Honours Program
October 15th
Research Proposal due
Last day of class in April
Research Project due



TOTAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIOLOGY HONOURS (71-75 credits)
58-59 Credits: Completion of courses to fulfill the requirements of the Major Program in Biology (To include BIOL 373: Biometry).

PLUS 13-16 CREDITS FROM:
Credits
Department
Courses
Course Title
9
Biology
BIOL 479 D1/D2
Honours Research Project 1
12
  
OR BIOL 480 D1/D2
Honours Research Project 2
4
  
BIOL 499 D1/D2
Honours Seminar in Biology


First Class Honours

As of the 2013-14 year, students completing the Honours Biology Program will be eligible for First Class Honours Designation, with a graduating CGPA of 3.75 or greater, and having successfully completed at least 9 credits of 400- or higher-level complementary courses, outside of the thesis and seminar courses.


Go to Honours Program Website

Note: All newcomers, staff and students, to the Department of Biology are required to attend a “Biology Department Safety Session” at their first opportunity following the start of employment/studies. These sessions are given twice a year at the beginning of terms. The exact dates and times will be posted on the Biology Health & Safety website or contact Anna McNicoll (398-6406).