3rd Annual Biology Thesis Info Night* Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser Thesis Coordinator and Chair of Biology November 4

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3rd AnnualBiology Thesis Info NightDr. Pat
Chow-FraserThesis Coordinator and Chair of
BiologyNovember 4 5, 2009adapted from Dr.
J. Daniel
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What is a Thesis Project?

• Two-term course under the supervision of Primary
  supervisor and Co-supervisor
• Independent research
• Formulate a scientific hypothesis
• Design and conduct research to support
• or refute hypothesis
• Learn and utilize research techniques
• Apply statistics
• Analyze and present your results in a written
  thesis and make platform or poster presentation
  at the Annual Biology Undergraduate Symposium in
  April.
• Minimum time commitment 12-15 hours per week

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Where can you do you research?

• Biology Department
• Other McMaster departments and faculties (e.g.
  Biochemistry, Psychology, Anthropology, etc.)
• Juravinski Cancer Center
• St. Josephs Hospital
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Canada Center for Inland Waters (CCIW)
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans
• Environment Canada

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Supervisory Team

• Primary supervisor Full-time Biology Professors
  and certain Associate Members in Health Sciences,
  Royal Botanical Gardens, CCIW
• Co-supervisor Full-time Biology Professors

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How is this course evaluated?

• Evaluation Components
• Research proposal 10 (early Nov)
• Mid-year report 15 (early Jan)
• Written Thesis 20 (late March)
• Ongoing Laboratory/Computer Work 35 (Sept. -
  March)
• Poster or Oral presentation at the Biology
  Undergrad Symposium 20 (early April)
• Most evaluation from primary supervisor
• subject to change

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Eligibility Who should do a Thesis

• Students registered in Level 4 Honors Biology
  Programs (e.g. BioPsych, Non-specialist, Molecuar
  Biology and Genetics etc.)
• Minimum cumulative CA 8.5
• Some flexibility, most supervisors will focus on
  3rd-yr grades
• In some Biology Programs, the thesis project is a
  requirement for graduation
• In other programs, the thesis is optional
• Lets you know if you want a career in research or
  pursue post-graduate training

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How to find a Primary Thesis Supervisor

• Consult list of potential supervisors posted on
  Biology website
• Select at least 3 professors based on your
  personal interest
• Contact professors by email or in person and make
  an appointment to meet and discuss potential
  projects
• Take a resume/CV and a copy of an official
  transcript
• Be professional
• When you have completed your interviews, reflect
  and rank your choices and contact your first
  choice immediately to express your interest and
  desire to join his/her research team
• You and your primary supervisor can select a
  suitable co-supervisor

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Pros Cons of an off-campus lab or field site

• Pros
• Meet and interact with new peoplesometimes in
  working environment
• Change of scenery
• Cons
• Commuting to and from off-campus lab will take
  time depending on where you live and your mode of
  transport
• Less daily interaction with Biology Professors
  and students

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Summer Scholarship Opportunities

• NSERC USRA
• CA of 10.5 higher, eligible for NSERC summer
  scholar.
• However potential supervisor must hold an NSERC
  grant
• Deadlines for application is late January
• Hence the suggestion to confirm a supervisor
  before the Christmas break
• McWork
• Ideal for OSAP-eligible students
• HRDC
• Supervisor must first apply for positionsresults
  usually not known until late March or April
• Research Grant of Supervisors

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Ontario Biology Day

• Annual Weekend Symposium with other thesis
  students from about 12 Ontario Universities
• This academic year will be hosted by York
  University (23rd anniversary)
• Biology Department subsidizes
• Travel costs and lodging
• Just need you with a positive attitude!
• Excellent opportunity to have a practice run of
  oral or poster presentation
• Also excellent way to meet potential research
  supervisors for Graduate School.

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OBD 2009
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OBD 2009 WinnerCell Molecular Category
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Biology Undergrad Symposium (BUS) Day

• Mini-conference
• Two forms of presentations
• Poster (with question period)
• Oral (12-15 min. talk, 3-5 min. Q A)
• Organized into different sessions by themes
• Evaluated by both supervisory committee members

Held at the very end of term Friday, April 9,
2010 Open to entire Biology Dept., campus and
general public (you can invite your friends and
relatives)
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Biology Undergrad Symposium (BUS) Day

• Awards given to best presentations in each theme
  area by presentation type
• Recognition given at a wine and cheese cocktail
  reception that evening to celebrate
  accomplishments of all students

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To succeed in your thesis Course

• Exercise good time management
• Make a schedule and try to stick to it
• Work hard and consistently
• Keep detailed lab or field notes
• some supervisors will require lab books others
  will notfind out what your supervisor wants
• Read the pertinent literature in your field
  regularly
• Exercise proper lab etiquette follow all lab
  rules, work safely and courteously
• Respect deadlines