Integrated Reflection and Inquiry in the Sciences (IRIS)

With IRIS, students are engaged in the scientific process throughout their time at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. Deep learning of the science of biology is fostered through intentional reflection and gaining fundamental skills related to independent learning, accessing information, and communication.

IRIS coursework

Years 1-4 are spent in core and upper-level classes in which students work with the scientific method. Students reflect more deeply about their growth as a person and future as a professional trained in the biological disciplines.

Year 4 is devoted to Senior Inquiry. Seniors work more rigorously than ever before with the scientific process that brings synthesis to their time as a biology student

Course Options in Senior Inquiry

Biology Literature (BIOL 464)

Students develop a research question and complete an extensive literature search on a topic related to a specific area of focus, culminating in a formal report.

Recent classes: Winter Biology, Conservation Biology, Epigenetics, Comparative Anatomy, and Bird Conservation.

Intensive Lab or Field Research (BIOL 465)

Students participate in a laboratory/field research project under the direction of an Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø faculty mentor that includes data collection, analysis, and summarizing results in a technical report.

Recent classes: Research in Field Biology, Molecular Genetics.

Off Campus Research (BIOL466)

Completed in summer immediately preceding the senior year. Students participate in a lab/field research project as part of an 8-10 week research program at another institution. As with BIOL465, students collect data and summarize results in consultation with the advising coordiantor and institution.