Biochemistry 491, H491 (Special problems in Biochemistry) and Genetics 491, H491 (Special Problems in Genetics) provide opportunities for students to carry out independent research projects under the guidance of Clemson faculty mentors. Students learn the latest cutting edge methodologies in biochemical and genetic research while improving observation and communication skills. Faculty mentors receive the opportunity to share excitement about their work with an enthusiastic undergraduate.
At the end of each semester of 491, the students are required to present their results to the Departmental faculty, staff, and students - 491 Day. These presentations are scheduled for the last Friday of the semester (before final exam week). There are two formats, depending on whether this is your final semester of 491 research or whether you will be continuing your research for another semester(s).
Students are prohibited from incorporating any results or conclusions developed during their 491 research experience into their electronic portfolios (e-Portfolio).
GEN/BIOCHEM 491 HONORS SYLLABUS
GEN/BIOCH 491 SYLLABUS
491 presentation day requirements for continuing students are:
(1) An abstract should be turned in the Monday before the 491 presentation day. The abstract will summarize what is your research project, what you have accomplished, and what you plan to do in future semesters.
(2) A poster presentation of your research will take place immediately following the oral presentations. All presenters will be required to stand by your poster for discussion and questions for 1 hour or less. Your 491 advisor should be able to help you set up and print your poster on the DCIT plotter. Posters should be no larger than 3' high by 5' wide. |
491 presentation day requirements for final semester students are:
(1) An abstract should be turned in the Monday before the 491 presentation day. The abstract will summarize what is your project and what you have accomplished.
(2) A research paper (in the form of a journal article with an abstract, introduction, methods and materials, results, and discussion sections) detailing your research needs to be turned in the Wednesday morning prior to the presentation day.
(3) An approximately 15 minute oral PowerPoint presentation of your research will be presented to the Genetics and Biochemistry faculty (and others) on 491 presentation day. |
Commonly asked questions about undergraduate research
(Biochemistry 491, H491 and Genetics 491, H491):
What will I be doing in 491?
Tasks required by undergraduate research vary widely and are based on an individual agreement between you and your faculty mentor. The experience is designed to teach students about how and why experiments are done and to let them join in the excitement of seeing results. Some students may design their own research project but the majority work alongside a faculty researcher or graduate student on an on-going project.
What is research?
Webster's Dictionary defines research as follows: 1. careful or diligent search; 2. studious inquiry or examination; investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws.
Research is...
... finding a question to study.
... clearly identifying a goal.
... developing and implementing a plan or procedure.
... collecting and analyzing data.
... sharing results with the scientific community.
... a process that often leads to new questions while searching for answers.
... an inquiry that needs commitment.
... time consuming.
Research is NOT...
... simply gathering information.
... rearranging facts into your own words.
... for your spare time.
... something to bolster your resume.
How much time will I spend on research?
Students are expected to work an average of 3-4 hours per week per each credit hour. A three hour 491 credit translates into an average of 10 to 12 hours per week. However, because research is done by individual arrangement there will be some variation. Ask your research supervisor what he/she expects from you. The hours are usually flexible; however, in many areas of research complicated techniques are used which require that you are in the lab for several hours at a time; therefore, it may be more practical to allot three to four hour time blocks in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings doing research rather than one or two hour time blocks.
When should I start my 491 research?
Majors under either the 2003-2004 Genetics or 2003-2004 Biochemistry curricula are required to perform two semesters of 491. Majors are required to take a total of five credit hours (one two hour credit and one three hour credit) of 491 research over a period of two semesters under a single research mentor. Majors earning Departmental Honors in Biochemistry or Genetics are required to take a total of eight credit hours (two four hour credits) of Honors 491 research over a period of two semesters under a single research mentor. Although only two semesters of 491 research are required, students are encouraged to perform research in a laboratory before their senior year.
Biochemistry majors (with the exception of majors taking Biochemistry H491 for department honors) under older curricula are required to perform only one semester of Bioch 491. Although only one semester of research is required, these majors are strongly encouraged to perform two semesters of 491 research.
How do I find a faculty member to work with?
Check out the research of faculty in our Department by going to their individual research pages. Departmental Honors students must perform their Honors 491 research with a faculty member from the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry. Otherwise, you can perform your 491 research with a faculty member in the Department or outside of the Department. Past 491 students have performed research with faculty from the Departments of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Microbiology, and Plant Pathology to name few. How do you find a research laboratory outside of the Department? Choose an area of interest. Read journals and other publications to help you become more knowledgeable. Ask your academic advisor, the professors in your classes, the TAs in your labs, other Biochemistry or Genetics majors, and students from different majors for suggestions of faculty research mentors.
When should I contact a faculty member about 491 research?
A general rule is to contact them at least 1.5-2 semesters prior to the semester that you would like to start your 491 research.
What if the professor I speak with says no?
Sometimes you will need to contact more than one professor before you are able to make an arrangement. Always be positive and motivated. If you cannot work with the faculty member that you contact initially, ask if s/he can recommend the person you should speak with next.
Who determines my grade for 491?
The faculty mentor determines your grade for 491 unless you are taking Honors 491. If you are taking Honors 491, then your faculty mentor will determine your grade for your first semester and the faculty of Genetics and Biochemistry will determine your grade for your final semester.
If you have any other questions, you can contact Dr. Harry Kurtz (hkurtz@clemson.edu).
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates: Chemistry
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates: Biology
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