REPORT ON RECERTIFICATION OF W COURSE: BIMS 491
 
CERTIFICATION PERIOD: 9/1/2022 to 9/1/2026          
 
We recommend that BIMS 491 Research be certified as a writing (W) course. We have reviewed a representative syllabus and have determined that the course meets or exceeds the following criteria: (1) 70% of the final grade is based on writing quality; (2) the total number of words is 2350; (3) the instructor to student ratio is 1:3; and (4) the assigned writing is appropriate to the major.
 
Students work in small group of about 1-3 with a faculty member. They write up the research they perform for this course. In some situations, a graduate assistant or postdoctoral researcher may help the instructor of record. Students complete four assignments leading up to a final journal article or thesis. Each of these is graded and given feedback before the final assignment is completed. There are also comments on drafts of some of this work. Students complete two interactive lessons from the University Writing Center web site and participate in discussions of research goals and objectives and conducting research protocols. Journal articles are also made available and discussed as models, and some students attend research symposia, laboratory meetings, and lectures given by laboratory professors.