You obtain practical experience with research methods. Honors students typically work under ideal conditions to learn first-hand about the way in which research projects are conceived, executed, and completed. That experience is valuable for virtually all career tracks that build upon a biology undergraduate degree.

Aspiring research technicians, for example, frequently learn marketable skills during the course of performing honors research. Students who continue their education at a graduate school usually have a head start in developing a thesis project, and pre-professional students can use their honors research knowledge to better understand recent advances in medicine, dentistry, education, and other fields.

The honors program culminates in the preparation of a thesis, giving you the opportunity to learn and hone scientific writing skills. The thesis represents a detailed scientific report on the research project, usually following the format of a paper prepared for publication in a scientific journal. In fact, IU Biology honors theses have in several instances been published in international research journals.

During the course of the daily routines associated with their research, honors students are able to meet and interact with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. This gives them insight into the attitudes, lifestyle, motivational factors, and career challenges of concern to professional biologists.

When you complete a degree with honors, you obtain formal recognition for participating in a research project. This accomplishment becomes part of your permanent undergraduate record.

Financial remuneration is occasionally available. It is sometimes possible for honors students associated with federally funded research projects to earn hourly wages for part of their honors research work.