Students may earn the honor, Distinction in Biology, if they
have an average of 3.25 or higher in the courses for the major
and they complete an honors thesis. This honor will appear on
their transcript. Honors will be awarded on the basis of the
candidate's
independent research (Biol 399 and/or 499, College 99 or GH99)
as evidenced by a written thesis in the format of an article
to
be published. The same work may be used for an honors thesis
and for Biol 399 and 499 papers. However, you may not use the
same
work for an honors thesis in Biology and in another department,
or for an undergraduate thesis and a Master's thesis.
Candidates should notify the Department of Biology Academic
Office (sherwood@sas.upenn.edu)
of their intention to apply for Distinction in Biology. The
deadline for applications and thesis submission
will be announced by e-mail and in the Departmental Newsletter.
As a general guideline, you should submit the application
by November
14 (Dec graduation) or March 15 (May graduation).
Your thesis should
be submitted
to
the Academic
Office
by the
first reading day in the semester you will be graduating. After
submitting your application, we will provide you with
more detailed instructions for the thesis. Sample
theses from previous years are available in the Department
of
Biology Academic Office.
The Neysa Cristol Adams Prize in Biology is awarded annually
to one or more outstanding Biology Majors. The prize includes
a cash award. Selection is made on the basis of academic excellence
and research accomplishment, as demonstrated in the Undergraduate
Honors Thesis in Biology. Students must also participate in the
Symposium on Undergraduate
Research in Biology (SURB), to be eligible for this prize.
Contact the Department of Biology Academic
Office for further information
The Edna R. Green Award in Biology is also granted annually
and is given to the graduating female student who has maintained
the highest grade point average among the Biology Majors in the
Senior class. The recipient receives a cash award.
The Chair’s Award for Excellence in Biology is given
to the graduating Biology Major who has most distinguished him
or herself by maintaining a high grade point average, conducting
research, playing a leadership role, or being active in serving
other students and the department. The recipient is given a cash
prize. This award is not presented every year.
Undergraduate Program