Bacteriology majors who engage in a Senior Thesis (Bacteriology
691-692) or Senior Honors Thesis (Bacteriology 681-682) undertake
an independent research project that is expected to yield both
a research product and a literary product. The thesis tests the
student’s ability to investigate and report on a limited
problem more extensively than a classroom laboratory project or
a term paper.
Student-Advisor Relationship
For a senior thesis to be successful, a mutual sense of responsibility
must be established between the student and the advising professor.
By accepting the student the professor should be willing to (1)
define an appropriate research project; (2) assist the student
in narrowing the topic to a workable size; (3) provide sufficient
technical and intellectual guidance to initiate and carry out
a research plan; (4) assist in compiling a bibliography; (5) criticize
the outline of the thesis; (6) criticize the thesis from the point
of view of content, organization, and style. Furthermore, the
professor and the student should agree to a definite time schedule
for the project. The student is responsible for registering correctly
and meeting all deadlines. The professor should also be willing
to assist the student in learning any special experimental techniques
and the use of laboratory equipment and other instruments necessary
for the study. The professor is not expected to carry out the
experimental or actual research, do any re-writing, or to function
as a proofreader.
Time Schedule
The timing of the thesis is very important and must be carefully
considered. Typically, the student spends at least one full semester
conducting the research and familiarizing himself/herself with
the relevant literature. (For many students the first steps in
the research project might already have been accomplished through
independent study in the advisor’s lab, so the first semester
of thesis work would be a continuation of that effort.) During
the second semester the student completes the experimental work
and writes the thesis. The final draft, complete with revisions,
should be submitted before final exams. It is best to consult
the advising professor for a specific time schedule. Here is an
example of a suggested timetable:
Semester I: Literature review, conduct Research
Semester II: Continue research, write thesis
March 15th – Complete research
April 1st – Complete first draft
May 1st – Complete revisions, turn in final draft
Format
The thesis should resemble either a master’s thesis or a
scientific paper for publication and should include the following
sections: title page, abstract, acknowledgements, introduction,
literature review, materials and methods, results, discussion
and literature cited. Students may wish to consult “Instructions
to Authors” in American Society for Microbiology (ASM) journals.
(http://www.journals.asm.org/).
The length of the thesis will vary depending on the specific project.
The thesis should also include an “approval” page to
be signed by the thesis advisor.
Presentation
The hard copy of the thesis should be double spaced and placed
in a durable binder; it does not need to be bound. A copy of
the thesis should be given to the research mentor. Another
copy may be placed on file in the Bacteriology department office.
Honors students in CALS must submit two copies, signed and approved
by both their academic advisor and research mentor
(if different from the advisor), to the CALS Associate Dean
for Academic Affairs. Honors students are also expected to
present their work at a public research arena such as the
Spring CALS Research Forum or the UW-Madison Undergraduate
Symposium. All students are encouraged to make informal oral
presentations of their work to their research lab, and to
give a formal seminar if possible.
Evaluation
The thesis advisor determines the grade for the thesis. Students
receive a “P” (progress) grade for the first semester
(681 or 691). The final letter grade for both semesters (681-682
or 691-692) is assigned after completion of the thesis.
Financial Support
Generally the scientific advisor will furnish the necessary supplies
and equipment. Students are encouraged to apply for other funding,
such as the Bacteriology Department Undergraduate Scholarships,
CALS Senior Thesis Scholarship, Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty
Research Awards, Trewartha Honors Undergraduate Research Award
or similar scholarships and awards which may provide stipend support
or assist with expenses related to the thesis.
