Independent study courses vary among departments within the College of Sciences. Below are the list of courses that may be applied to a research program. It is strongly advised that students interested in this program seek input from an advisor, the department or school chair and/or the College of Sciences Advising Center.
It is strongly recommended that students interested in biomedicine or attending graduate school take additional appropriate upper-division biology courses and research units to meet their elective credit requirements.
BIOL 492
Undergraduate Research
Special problems in some field of the biological sciences for investigation and report. May be repeated to a maximum of eight credits. Prerequisites: Two years of biological sciences and consent of instructor. 1-3 credits.
BIOL 493
Undergraduate Seminar
Preparation and presentation of seminars on topics of current interest in biology. Topic changes by semester; see class schedule. May be repeated to a maximum of three credits. Prerequisites: Two years of biological sciences and consent of instructor. 1 credit.
BIOL 494
Biology Colloquium
Analysis and critique of topics as presented by speakers drawn from the national biological research community. May be repeated to a maximum of three credits. S/F grading only. Prerequisite: Two years of biological sciences. 1 credit.
BIOL 496
Advanced Topics in Modern Biology
Advanced study in a specialized area of biology. Topics selected and published in class schedule. Maximum of three different topics may be selected for a total of six credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 196, BIOL 197 and consent of instructor. 1-3 credits.
BIOL 498
Scientific Presentations
Seminar for undergraduate students conducting research projects on any biological discipline. Gives students advice and provides them with practical experience on giving oral and written presentations. Discussion of principles of good visual communication and demonstrations of good and poor selections. Prerequisites: BIOL 196, BIOL 197 and consent of instructor 1-2 credits.
BIOL 499
Instruction in Biological Sciences
Significant involvement in instruction of courses in biological sciences. May include laboratory preparation, instruction, and grading. May be repeated to a maximum of two credits. S/F grading only. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 1-2 credits.
CHEM 490
Senior Independent Study in Chemistry
Modest research projects for students working toward the Bachelor of Arts degree and demonstrating aptitude for independent work. May be repeated once. No more than three credits of CHEM 490 may be applied toward a chemistry degree. Prerequisite: Consent of the faculty member directing the project must be obtained prior to registration. 1-3 credits.
CHEM 491
Senior Seminar in Chemistry
Topics of current research in all fields of chemistry; matters of professional concern. Includes presentation of oral and written papers. May be repeated to a maximum of two credits. Prerequisites: CHEM 355, 402, and 421. 1 credit.
CHEM 492
Advanced Topics in Chemistry
Selected topics from the various disciplines of chemistry not covered by any other course offerings and of current interest to students and faculty. May be repeated to a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: CHEM 242. 1-2 credits.
CHEM 493
Senior Research in Chemistry I
Individual laboratory projects drawn from any field of chemistry. Preliminary library work, equipment acquisition, and apparatus assembly and initiation of laboratory work as time allows. May be repeated to a maximum of two credits. Prerequisites: (Consent of the faculty member directing the project must be obtained prior to registration.) For students in the general B.S. in Chemistry program, prerequisites are CHEM 242, 422, 423, and 455. For students in the Biochemistry B.S. program, prerequisites are CHEM 355, 472, and 475; Corequisite CHEM 421. 1 credit.
CHEM 494
Senior Research in Chemistry II
Continuation of CHEM 493. Intensive experimental work. May be repeated to a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: CHEM 493. 2 credits.
GEOL 491
Seminar
Lectures in selected fields of geology. Subject of seminar and number of credits announced in class schedule for the semester course is offered. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 1-3 credits.
GEOL 495
Independent Study and Research
Independent study and research projects in some field of geology. Open only to upper-division students. Proposed project for study and/or research must be submitted in writing to the department chair for approval and credit evaluation prior to registration. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: Upper-division student and consent of instructor. 1-3 credits.
GEOL 496
Advanced Topics in Geoscience
Variety of advanced studies of current and/or topical interest in specialized areas of geoscience. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: Varies depending upon the specific topic. 1-3 credits.
GEOL 497
Senior Thesis
Independent original research in geoscience. Requires a written thesis and an oral exam. Proposed project of study must be submitted in writing to the department chair and undergraduate coordinator at least two weeks prior to registration. 3 to 6 credits
MATH 489
Advanced Mathematical Topics
Undergraduate-level course in advanced topics of mathematics, depending upon the interest of faculty and students. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: MATH 283 or equivalent. 3 credits.
MATH 491
Problem Solving Workshop
Intended for undergraduate students who enjoy solving mathematical olympiad style problems. Typically, such problems are rather challenging and require considerable mathematical ingenuity, but only a modest background. The main objective of the course is to hone student's problem solving skills and to prepare them for mathematical contests. Students in the course are expected to participate in the local and national mathematical competitions. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. S/F grading only. Prerequisites: MATH 252 and consent of instructor. 1-3 credits.
MATH 499
Independent Study
Library research and reports on topics of mathematical interest. May be repeated for credit with consent of Mathematical Sciences Department. Except under special circumstances, total credits limited to six. Prerequisite: MATH 283. 1-3 credits.
STAT 499
Independent Study
Library research and reports on topics of statistical interest. May be repeated for credit with consent of the Mathematical Sciences Department. Except under special circumstances, total credits limited to six. Prerequisite: STAT 411 or equivalent. 1-3 credits
PHYS 491
Independent Study
Independent study of a topic in physics not specifically included in the regular course offerings. Grade depends on requirements outlined in a written contract between student and instructor agreed upon prior to beginning the course. Prerequisites: PHYS 180, PHYS 180L, PHYS 181, PHYS 181L, PHYS 182, PHYS 182L and consent of instructor. 1-3 credits.
PHYS 493
Special Problems
Laboratory or research work on a project that demonstrates the student's ability to apply his or her knowledge of physics. A 30-minute talk on the project required. Prerequisites: Nine credits of upper-division physics courses and consent of instructor. 1-3 credits.
SCI 499
Training in Science Leadership
Seminar course designed to develop and hone leadership skills. Students acquire skills required for proctoring examinations, tutoring of undergraduate students, teaching undergraduate students, and supervising student evaluation of teaching. Students receive education regarding ethics that are essential for responsibilities. Prerequisites: Sophomore or higher standing, cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. 3 credits.