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Capstone FAQs

General Capstone FAQs

When are students required to select their capstone?

Declared Biology juniors will be required to submit the Biology Capstone Intent Form during the Winter quarter of junior year. Declared Biology juniors will be receiving the form via email. 

Transfer students are recommended to connect with our SSO, Patricia (ayalamac@) during their first year to discuss capstone options.

What happens to students who decide to switch majors during junior/senior year?

Students who are interested in switching to Biology after the winter quarter of junior year (3rd year) should reach out to our SSO, Patricia (ayalamac@) as soon as possible.

Declaring during early spring junior year (3rd yr) options**:

  • Biology: Independent Capstone (before final study list), The Senior Reflection
  • Out of Department: STS Honors, Interdisciplinary Honors in the Arts, Undergraduate Honors in Education

Declaring during summer junior year (3rd yr) options**:

  • Biology: The Senior Reflection

Declaring during fall junior year (4th yr) options**:

  • Biology: The Senior Reflection (before final study list)

Declaring during any time after winter year (4th yr) options:

  • This will delay graduation for a year as students will need to follow the upcoming junior cohort deadlines. 

**subject to dept/program deadlines. Deadlines reflect if a student intends to graduate during their 4th year. If intending to graduate during the 5th year+, follow the deadlines of the upcoming junior cohort.

Can I change the capstone option I submitted in the Intent form?

Yes, students may change their capstone, as long as they are still able to meet the requirements and deadlines for their new capstone option.  Please contact the appropriate capstone coordinator and Biology SSO (Patricia, ayalamac@) before making the change on the form.

Students planning to complete Honors in Biology will not be granted extensions for proposal deadlines.

Can I complete the capstone early/late?

Yes, students can complete their capstone a year early (during 3rd year) or a year later (during 5th year+). 

Am I expected to be on campus to complete the capstone?

Students are expected to be on campus to complete their capstone. Students are encouraged to study abroad during their sophomore year, and fall/winter of junior year.

 Please contact each capstone coordinator/instructor if this is an option. Below are a few considerations:

  • Honors in Biology
    • Students need to complete 10 units of BIO 199/X during their junior and senior years. Students decide how many units and which quarters they wish to complete the units. Discuss with your PI/Sponsor your travel plans.
    • Students are expected to be on campus during the Winter quarter of senior year to enroll in BIO 199W. 
  • Independent Capstone
    • BIO 199A, B, and C are all taught in person.
  • The Senior Reflection
    • BIO 196A, B, and C are all taught in person.
  • Out-of-department capstones
    • Biology does not manage any of these capstones. Please contact the respective capstone coordinator to discuss your specific situation.
I am a double major/have a 2nd major, am I expected to complete 2 capstones?

Yes, students who are double majors/dual degree/have a 2nd major are expected to complete a capstone for each major.

Biology students have the option to complete one capstone that encompasses both majors. Students will need the approval of both major DUS for this option. Complete the Biology Intent Form (sent via email in Winter).

Can students waive their capstone requirement?

No, students are required to complete a capstone and cannot waive this requirement. 

If a student does not complete a capstone, they will not be able to graduate.

Honors Capstone FAQs

I am interested in pursuing Honors, how can I sign up for email announcements?

Students will want to join their Honors program cohort Canvas site.

New Honors applicants will be able to fill out the interest form near the start of the Fall quarter. Link will be posted on the Honors website.

I am having trouble identifying a reader. Is there someone I can meet with for help?

Students having trouble identifying readers should reach out to the Honors Director, Dr. Imam. For a list of Biology faculty, see the links below.

Resources

I missed the deadline for the Honors proposal submission, but I still would like to incorporate research into my capstone – what are my options?

You can absolutely build your research interests into the design of your Independent capstone project. You may also be interested in reaching out to other Interdisciplinary Honors programs to see if there might be a good fit (STS Honors program, for example).