Independent Study & the Honors Program

Biology 95, 96, 97, and 98 are independent research courses generally taken by juniors and seniors majoring or minoring (Biology 95 only) in Biological Sciences under the direction of a Biology Faculty member. Faculty members in other departments at Dartmouth or the Geisel School of Medicine may supervise the research, but a co-advisor in the Biology Department is also required.

Undergraduate Research in Biology:  In this video, Alana Bernys '20 talks about finding a lab, research for credit and completing an honors thesis. 

Biology 95/96 and 97/98

Independent Research Courses

One Biology independent study course (Biology 95-98) may count as one of the unspecified courses within any major, but you must apply and be accepted before you enroll. Biology 95/96 is open to Biology majors and minors pursuing independent research with a Dartmouth faculty member. Biology majors who perform exceptionally well in Biology 95 and want to continue their research without entering the honors program may apply to take Biology 96. Those who wish to enter the Honors program (below) should apply for Biology 97/98.

Students receiving credit for undergraduate research must have given evidence of their ability to conduct independent study, as judged by a review of their application by the members of the Undergraduate Committee.

Prerequisites for Biology 95/96 are: At least three Biology courses numbered 11 or above, a 2.67 average in previous biology courses, and permission of the Undergraduate Committee and the supervising instructor. 

Prerequisites for Biology 97/98 are:  At least two Biology courses numbered 20 or above, a 3.00 average in previous biology courses, and permission of the Undergraduate Committee and the supervising instructor.

For both Biology 95/96 and 97/98, the application and research proposal must be submitted at least one month prior to the beginning of the term in which the course is to be elected.

If you have any questions about the programs or the application process, please contact Professor Natasha Grotz.

Tips for finding a research advisor

  • Peruse Dartmouth faculty web pages to find areas of research that may interest you. Remember that your choices are not limited to research labs in the Biology department, however, the lab must be at Dartmouth. 
  • Talk with students you may know who have experience working in labs at Dartmouth. Ask about their experiences and recommendations.
  • Contact the faculty member whose research interests you by email. You will need to explain that you are interested in a research for credit program. Be sure to include any previous lab experience and courses you have completed.  

If you have any questions about the programs or the application process, please contact Professor Natasha Grotz.

BIOLOGY 95, 96, 97, and 98

Application and Requirements

Download the information and application form for BIOL 95, 96, 97 and 98.  Please follow all instructions carefully.

Note that the application for Biology 95/96 or 97/98 must be submitted to the Undergraduate Committee at least one month before the beginning of the term in which you wish to take the course. Late applications are rarely accepted and then only under extraordinary circumstances certified in writing by the research advisor.

A student should meet with his or her faculty research advisor(s) and discuss the proposed research well in advance of the term in which Biology 95/96 or 97/98 is to be taken for credit. A draft of the research proposal should be discussed with the advisor(s) before filing the application form, since the description of the proposed research project and budget must be approved by the advisor(s) before the application can be considered by the Undergraduate Committee.

After an application for Bio 95/96 or 97/98 is approved, the Undergraduate Committee will grant instructor permission to register for the course using the Banner system. You will receive an automated email instructing you to register for the course.

If you have any questions about the programs or the application process, please contact Professor Natasha Grotz.