Pathways to the Honors Scholar in Molecular and Cell Biology

  1. Find an MCB or non-MCB lab (includes the HRP at UConn Health) studying a research area that interests you.
  2. Develop a research and honors thesis plan with your research advisor, in consultation with your MCB honors advisor.
  3. Do ~ 3 to 4 (or more) semesters of research.
  4. Present your research at the MCB undergraduate research symposium and a poster as Frontiers (if accepted). [Note: this is not a requirement for the MCB honors degree, but is recommended]
  5. Write a thesis in consultation with your advisor (following MCB thesis guidelines). Submit thesis online here.
    1. Take 1 semester of MCB 3100 and 2-3 semesters of MCB 3189. MCB 3100 must be taken in Junior year.
    2. Take Stats 1000Q or 1100Q.
    3. In consultation with course instructor, develop a hypothesis, write a IRB protocol, get it approved at Children’s Hospital.  Get honors advisor approval after IRB approval.
    4. Attain and  analyze data as written in your protocol in consultation with Children’s Hospital faculty or fellow.
    5. Present a poster of your results during class poster session.
    6. Write a press release about  your work.
    7. The honors Thesis shall consist of:
      1) approved IRB protocol
      2) A 1 page printout of the approved poster
      3) the press release.
    8. Submit thesis here.
    1. Find an honors advisor to work with you to develop a topic for a literature review. Or, with permission, take  MCB 3899 (fall semester) and MCB 4997W (spring semester). These independent study classes are designed to guide you through the process of writing a review article.
    2. Do an extensive review of the relevant literature. Develop an outline and timeline in consultation with your honors advisor.
    3. Write an in-depth and comprehensive review as outlined by MCB thesis guidelines.
    4. Submit the review here.