The EBIO REU program is designed to engage students with the scientific process at all levels. Program participants have the opportunity to:
- Apply the scientific method to cutting-edge research questions in ecology, evolutionary biology, and behavior.
- Develop experimental design skills and gain experience with acquiring data.
- Learn rigorous data analysis techniques and statistical techniques.
- Present the results of independent research in front of faculty and peers.
The multiple skills acquired as a result of this process make REU program participants competitive applicants for graduate school and strong candidates for jobs in biological research.
There are two core components of the EBIO REU program that facilitate the learning objectives stated above:
- All students develop an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Faculty mentors have committed their time and expertise to the program, and are dedicated to helping students succeed throughout the development, execution, and data analysis phases of independent projects.
- All students participate in a 1 credit course that meets throughout the summer. This course provides an opportunity for students to apprise each other and the REU program coordinators of progress being made on independent research projects. The course is also instrumental in preparing students for the graduate school application process.
The first week of the EBIO REU program is devoted to working in groups of 2–3 on three small–scale research projects. These projects allow students to get to know each other in an informal, collaborative setting. Students also get a chance to design and execute experiments, analyze data using statistical techniques, and present findings in front of their peers.
Weeks 2—9 are spent working intensively with faculty mentors developing, designing, and executing students' independent research projects.
Week 10 is typically allocated to data analysis (graphical and statistical), and assembling an oral presentation that will be delivered to an audience of faculty mentors and peers.