Division of Life Sciences

Departmental Awards and Honors

Departmental Honors

To qualify for Departmental Honors, students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.4 or better and an average of 3.4 or better in life science courses credited toward the Genetics Major at the end of their junior year. At that time, the student should formally apply to the Advising Office of the Department of Genetics.

Accepted students are expected to complete at least 12 credits in an independent research project, resulting in a thesis. Students may do research with faculty outside of the Department with the approval of their advisor. Students will prepare a thesis and present an oral defense to a committee of three faculty. At least one member of the committee must come from the Department of Genetics. Students will present their research at a Departmental Symposium in April. To view pictures from the last awards ceremony, click here

Honors students must register either for an Honors course sequence in Genetics (01:447: 408 and 409) or for a course sequence in a college Honors Program. These decisions should be discussed with an advisor. An approval form available from the Departmental Office must be completed. Students contemplating Honors should refer to the much more detailed instructions and details in Section IX of the Student Handbook.

For Thesis Guidelines click here.

Departmental Awards

The Department of Genetics announces Awards for Undergraduate Majors in Genetics who are graduating in May 2009

THE DUNCAN AND NANCY MACMILLAN AWARD FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

This award recognizes a graduating senior, majoring in Genetics, who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishment in Research by the completion of a project of publication quality. To receive this award, the student must submit an application., which includes:
  1. A description of the student’s research accomplishments
  2. A letter of recommendation from the student’s research mentor
  3. An oral presentation of the research project at the Departmental Honors Day Symposium (April 1, 2009)

THE HOWARD C. PASSMORE AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

This award recognizes a graduating senior, majoring in Genetics, who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in academic coursework, participation in research and commitment to service. To receive this award, the student must submit an application., which includes:
  1. A transcript of courses, including any courses taken at other academic institutions
  2. A statement of research accomplishments
  3. A listing of service activities at Rutgers University and/or the community at large

The Department of Genetics Award for Excellence in a Research Presentation

This award is presented to a graduating senior who shows extraordinary skills in scientific communication to an audience of peers at the Departmental Honors Day (held on April 1, 2009). All students participating in Honors Day Presentations are automatically considered for this award. Application deadline: April 10, 2009 Contact Dr. Ann St. John (astjohn@biology.rutgers.edu) for additional information