A year of independent research, the senior capstone experience called thesis, is a requirement of the Neuroscience major. Students work with faculty advisors to design their projects and then carry out all aspects of the research. Following data collection and analysis, students write a full length paper describing the background, methodology, and results of their experiments.

         Preparation for thesis begins in the Junior year when students meet with prospective faculty advisors to discuss  possible projects. Early in the senior year, students write and submit a research proposal outlining the intent of their research and methods that will be employed.

       Many student projects involve experimentation with living animals, primarily rats. Such experiments must be approved by a special committee, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committe or IACUC. Click the active links to learn more about the IACUC at Bates College or to download an animal care and use proposal form (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view/print this document).

       When conducting literature reviews, students are encouraged to use the reference manager software program called Refworks. If you need further assistance, contact Tina in Neuroscience at trioux@bates.edu or Laverne, the reference librarian, at lwinn@bates.edu.

       Thesis research culminates with a poster presentation at the annual Neuroscience Poster Session and the college-wide presentation of senior projects, the Mt David Summit. Students are also encouraged to present their posters at professional meetings such as the Neuron conference.