Undergraduate Honors Program
We strive to provide our undergraduate majors with the best possible educational experience while they're studying Biology with us. We feel that the opportunity to be involved in research should be an integral part of our majors' undergraduate program.
The purpose of our Undergraduate Honors program is to allow our very best students to conduct their own research project under the supervision of one of our research faculty. Students typically commence Biology Honors work during their last three semesters as an undergraduate at UNM. This provides an opportunity for students with a strong interest in Biology and demonstrated excellence in their academic pursuits to carry out in-depth research in a biological field of their choosing.
One measure of the effectiveness of our Undergraduate Honors program is the success our students have had at getting their results published in major scientific journals.
So, how do you become involved in our Biology Honors program? First, check the eligibility requirements (below) and begin identifying a research mentor. Contact the Biology Honors program advisors if you have questions.
General inquiries: biohonors@unm.edu
Dr. Seth Newsome, 277-1974, 188 Castetter Hall, newsome@unm.edu
Dr. Jennifer Rudgers, 277-6185, 286 Castetter Hall, jrudgers@unm.edu
Eligibility Requirements
Students undertake biology honors their last three semesters as an undergraduate at UNM. This program provides an opportunity for students with a strong interest in biology and with proven excellence in academic pursuits to carry out in-depth research in biology.
- The program is open to junior and senior biology majors with an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher and a GPA of at least 3.5 in a minimum of 20 credit hours of biology courses.
- The student must identify a core or adjunct/research faculty member who will serve as advisor for their honors thesis. Honors students work with their honors thesis advisor to develop a program of independent research that results in the preparation and presentation of an honors thesis.
- Honors students must enroll in at least six credit hours of Biology 400 over two-three semesters.
- Ideally, students should begin honors work as a junior so as to have sufficient time to carry out the research for an honors thesis.
- See the complete description of requirements in the Honors Program Requirements document
To apply
- Complete the UNM Biology Honors Program Application Form
- Fill out the Thesis Advisor Signature Form and send to biohonors@unm.edu
- Write a 1-2 page thesis proposal with your thesis advisor and send to biohonors@unm.edu
- Meet with one of the Biology Advisors and send your LoboTrax Degree audit to biohonors@unm.edu
Program Completion
- Complete all requirements in the Honors Program Requirements document
- Submit your thesis at least four weeks prior to your graduation date to biohonors@unm.edu
- Your advisor should submit your honors review form (below) at least four weeks prior to your graduation date to biohonors@unm.edu
