Experiential Learning in the Biology Major

…a 1-4 credit requirement that allows you to…

• Design your own project or experience related to biology
• Use your biology knowledge and expertise outside the classroom
•  Explore possible career options
• Make professional connections 

What Kinds of Opportunities Might I Consider?

• Research in a laboratory outside the Biology department, on or off campus (e.g. Bioanthropology, Biomedical Sciences, summer research internship, QUIP-RS).  You can find information about faculty research interests by going to the CAS360 website and using the drop down menu under "Departments & Programs."
• Special project or service while studying or traveling abroad (e.g. Nicaragua delegation for science majors)
• Data analysis research project (e.g. EMS data, statistical analyses)
• Shadowing a professional (e.g. healthcare, science education, science law)
• Creative project (e.g. blending music or art and biology)
• Internship (e.g. pharmaceutical research)
• Working/volunteering in elementary/middle/high school (e.g. science fair projects)
• Summer science program or camp
• Community-based service/volunteering
• Volunteering/working at a museum or zoo
• And many more….Talk to us about your own ideas! 

Course Options

• Bio385—Hybrid course usually offered Fall, Spring and Summer.  Must be taken concurrently with the student-designed project/experience
• Bio498 or Bio499—Independent Study with a Biology department faculty member in their research laboratory, Fall or Spring

Process for Completing Requirement

• Attend an Experiential Learning Info Session
• Read about the experiential learning requirement and options for completing it at the CAS360 website, Department of Biological Sciences page
• Talk to Dr. Clark, the Experiential Learning committee, your advisor and/or research faculty
• Use your networking skills to find a project mentor
• Download the Experiential Learning Application (for Bio385) or the CAS Independent Study Form (for Bio498/499) from the CAS360 website or in the Experiential Learning ePortfolio
• Submit your project proposal by April 1st (summer & fall courses) or Nov 1st   (spring courses) to the Biology department office, Tator Hall 119

Contact Information:

Deborah Clark, Academic Coordinator of Experiential Learning, Deborah.clark@quinnipiac.edu, 203-582-8270, Office Tator Hall 119E

Experiential Learning Committee:  Michael Midgley, Jasvinder Dhillon, Dawn Colomb-Lippa, Linda Iadarola

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions document --FAQ'S for Experiential Learning.pdf-- and contact Dr. Deborah Clark, Academic Coordinator of Experiential Learning if you have questions.

Proposal forms for Bio385 and Bio498/499 are found on their respective pages.

FAQ'S for Experiential Learning.pdf

Browse through the Gallery of Photos below to see some of the experiences your fellow students have had!