First, give some careful thought to the idea. Ask yourself whether or not you've got the time to commit to a research project. Students often ask what kind of time commitment research takes. That's a difficult question to answer because it varies with the type of research project and with the particular faculty mentor you work with. The level of commitment is not unlike that required of a varsity athlete, however, and means that you must budget your time carefully in order to be able to put in the hours required by your research.

Second, Browse the descriptions of faculty research then talk to professors and other students who are conducting research that interests you.  Researchers love to talk about their research, so don't be shy. Attend department research seminars (Fridays at 12:20 - watch for posted announcements), and make appointments to talk with individual faculty members about their research.

Third, plan ahead. Think about starting research in your sophomore or junior year. Some faculty like to work with students for two or three years. Others prefer that the student waits until they have had relevant course work before beginning research. Discuss this with the particular faculty member you wish to work with, but don't wait until your senior year. The mechanisms for recieving academic credit for research are listed below. Most students receive credit for independent research in one or more of the following courses:

BIO 495. Biotechniques (0, 4). 1 credit.
Emphasis is placed on theory, methodology and the development of manipulative abilities. Students must notify the biology office of their interest the semester before registration. May be repeated for a maximum of two credits when course content changes. Prerequisites: A biology GPA of 2.5 or greater.

BIO 496. Research Literature (0, 4). 1 credit.
A systematic review and study of the research literature in a selected field of biology. Proposal for study should be approved by sponsor and department head the semester before registration. May be repeated for a maximum of 2 credits when course content changes. Prerequisites: A biology GPA of 2.5 or greater.

BIO 497. Biological Research (0, 4-8). 1-2 credits.
Research in a selected area of biology as arranged with sponsor. Research outline must be approved by sponsor and department head the semester before registration. Course may be repeated. Prerequisites: A biology GPA of 2.5 or greater.

BIO 499. Honors in Biology (0, 6). 6 credits.  Thesis Information Sheet (PDF)
Three semester course taken as parts A, B and C; 2 credits each.  [A minimum GPA of 3.25 is required.  A research proposal is submitted to the University Honors Program Office in the fall or spring semester of the junior year. An honors thesis is required and is due in the spring semester of the senior year. Students who wish to pursue honors research should contact faculty during their sophomore year.]

Note: A maximum of 8 hours of credit in BIO 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499 and ICSI 450 can be counted toward the major.

Biology majors have two options when they wish to do independent study in a laboratory with a mentor not currently listed as a full time biology faculty member in the James Madison University Catalog.

If you have more questions, feel free to speak with any faculty member in Biology or link to the FAQ page on research.