PREPARING TO GRADUATE: Senior Thesis
The campus requires that every student satisfy a senior exit/comprehensive requirement prior to graduation. Biological Science students can satisfy the exit requirement by producing a senior thesis as explained here:
What is a senior thesis?
A thesis is a scientific paper describing your own original research in a topic not previously studied or written about. It includes a review of previous work, but only as an introduction to your own work. It contains a hypothesis, data collected during your research, and conclusions based on the data. Undergraduate theses are based on research undertaken with the guidance of a UCSC faculty sponsor.
How do I find a sponsor?
For any senior thesis you need a sponsor to supervise your work. You must arrange for a faculty member to be your sponsor and principal reader before beginning your research. Use the faculty web pages [EEB or MCD] to learn about each faculty's research and choose an appropriate sponsor. If you need further assistance with choosing a faculty sponsor, consult a BioAdvisor.
When would I begin a thesis?
Get started with plenty of lead time. For many topics, you will need to start planning during your junior year, since gathering data may depend on seasons or processes that cannot be controlled to fit your schedule. Review of your written thesis takes time and several drafts are produced before the final product. Allow time for this review process, no one wants a late start or a rush job.
What course credit can I get for my thesis research?
You can receive credit for doing senior thesis research by enrolling in Biology 186L Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology or 183L Undergraduate Research in EEB. To enroll in a Undergraduate Research course you must submit an application form.
How is my thesis/research evaluated?
Biology 183L & 186L are graded and evaluated like any other course, but your actual thesis is evaluated separately by your faculty sponsor. A copy of your evaluation will be sent to you after it is received from your faculty sponsor.
How do I submit my thesis?
You MUST submit TWO COMPLETE COPIES OF YOUR THESIS along with the Biology Senior Thesis/Essay Data Form to the BioAdvising Office by the 7th week of the quarter in which you plan to graduate. Check the BioCalendar for the exact deadline.
Your thesis is not officially submitted until the BioAdvising Office has two copies. One copy of your paper is given to your faculty sponsor, the other copy is kept by the BioAdvising Office. Late submission, even if accepted by the instructor, may delay your graduation until the following quarter.
Can I get honors on my thesis?
Theses of special distinction may receive honors. The faculty sponsor reviewing the thesis nominates the paper for honors and selects a second reader as referee. If the two readers concur, you receive honors in the thesis. Honors on your thesis is not the same as honors in the major, you can receive honors on your thesis independent of your overall status in the major.
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