Independent study projects provide research experience and academic credit for laboratory, field work, or theoretical research.
Biology majors are encouraged to engage in independent study projects in areas of their interest. Independent study projects may be done with any faculty in the biological sciences, adhering to the guidelines. Up to 2 course credits of approved Independent Study can count as upper-level elective courses for the biology major, and one for the minor.
All students should submit an Independent Study Form for Research in the Biological Sciences and register for Independent Study under the Department of their research supervisor wherever possible. Registrations in many bioscience departments will count towards Biology major requirements. Eligible students can apply in their senior year to use their independent research as the basis for an honors thesis, leading to graduation with distinction.
INDEPENDENT STUDY FORM (new form coming soon! If you have your ~250 word project proposal ready & have discussed the grading basis and lab schedule with your research supervisor, you can beta-test the new form. Email Jill Foster for the link)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do approved Ind Studies count towards Biology major requirements?
- One semester independent study = elective & lab
- Second semester independent study (different lab from first) = elective
- Second semester independent study (same lab as first) = elective & capstone
Is there a limit on how many Independent Studies I can enroll for?
No. Only 2 Independent Studies can count towards Biology major requirements, but any additional registrations will count as general electives towards the 34 needed for graduation.
Can Ind Study fulfill the lab requirement for the Biology major?
Yes, but only 1 Independent study can count towards the lab requirement. The second lab must come from an approved non-Independent Study course.
Can Ind Study fulfill the capstone requirement for the Biology major?
Yes, if it's a second semester continuation in the same lab as a previous Independent Study registration. The enrollments needn't be done in consecutive terms.
What Trinity requirements do Independent Studies fulfill?
For students matriculating before Fall 2025, Research Independent Studies can count towards the Small Group Learning Experience (SGLE) and Research Course (R) requirements (note: BME Ind Study course numbers do not carry the R code).
All students may apply for Writing (W) credit for one independent study, typically the second semester, with approval of their Research Supervisor and the DUS of the Department where the Independent Study is registered. For Ind Studies registered under Bio 293/493, approval should come from Dr. Ozdowski, the Associate DUS in Biology.
I have work study in my lab, can I do this as Ind Study too?
No credit can be awarded for paid work.