All forms cited in this document & additional details are available via the CALS Honors Program web page.

ENTERING THE HONORS PROGRAM:

• Apply to the CALS honors program

DURING THE FIRST YEAR:

• Identify a mentor
• Identify a general area of research
• Begin to become familiar with common research tools, language, and processes through engagement in a research activity (such as reading, lab work, field work, etc).
• There should be frequent interactions with the mentor or the research group associated with the mentor.
• Consider involvement with the CALS Health and Research Society (CHARS).
• Maintain a 3.25 GPA
• Enroll in Inter-Ag 288 (1 er) during the spring.

DURING THE SECOND YEAR:

• Conduct an introductory research project (through Biocore, Biology 152, or 299/699 independent study credit).
• Continue development of research skills. (For experimental sciences, this might involve reading the scientific literature but primary emphasis is on developing laboratory skills through interaction with the faculty & other scientists. In the social sciences, it might involve reading the literature as well as beginning the types of data acquisition & analysis or other personal involvement appropriate to the discipline.).
• Near the end of the year, present the research results in an appropriate research forum to an informed audience such as a poster session at a local meeting or symposium, or an oral presentation to the mentor's research group.
• There should be frequent interactions with the mentor or his/her research group.
• Maintain a 3.25 GPA
• Enroll in Inter-Ag 388 (1 er) during the spring.

DURING THE THIRD YEAR:

• Prepare a thesis proposal suitable in content, length, and format to the field in which the research is being conducted.
• Apply for funding to support the senior honors thesis research. CALS and campus deadlines are typically in mid-February of each year and are posted on the CALS Honors website along with application materials. Off-campus funding may be available in certain cases. Applications for funding are not strictly required but are strongly recommended.
• Maintain a 3.25 GPA.
• Enroll in Inter-Ag 488 (1 er) during the spring.

DURING THE FOURTH/FINAL YEAR:

• Complete 2-4 credits of Senior Honors Thesis 681 (or 699 if 681 is unavailable in the mentor's department).
• Complete 2-4 credits of Senior Honors Thesis 682 (or 699).
• Present the Thesis results in a public forum (CALS Undergraduate Symposium and/or UW Undergraduate Symposium are recommended venues) and document this presentation by filing a Senior Honors Thesis Presentation Form.
• Submit an electronic copy of the Abstract Page, Cover Sheet, Presentation Form and Senior Thesis to the 116 Ag Hall.
• Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.

CALS Honors in Research: Sample Student Situations
Example Student A

^*indicates a portfolio piece

Example Student B 

^*indicates a portfolio piece

Example Student C
*Note: student must have completed mini (one semester) independent research project (BIOCORE, BIO 152, Ind. Study) and presentation*

^*indicates a portfolio piece