As part of the SU Core Curriculum, each Biology major must complete Senior Synthesis, which includes career discernment, reflection, and a year-long project.
All students will develop a literature-based mini-review on a biology topic of their choice. Each senior will work with a faculty mentor as they peruse scientific literature and develop their reviews in fall and winter quarters. In the spring quarter, each student will participate in presentations in which the review is described to our departmental senior class and the faculty.
If you plan to graduate in Winter 2024, Spring 2024, or Fall 2024, then you should enroll in Senior Synthesis courses during the 2023-24 school year (Fall-Winter-Spring). Register for a section of BIOL 4991 in Fall 2023.
All Biology Majors will complete the following Senior Synthesis series of courses, 2 credits per quarter:
| Fall: | BIOL 4991 |
Research review topic selection, mentor selection and discussions, and career/education/future direction planning • Each senior should register themselves for a section of BIOL 4991 in Fall 2023 |
| Winter: |
BIOL 4992 |
Literature investigations, review development, completion of written review • Seniors will be registered with their mentors for BIOL 4992 |
| Spring: |
BIOL 4993 + BIOL 4996 (1 cr each) |
Final review presentation, reflections, and department requirements • Seniors will be registered with their mentors for BIOL 4993 and the group for 4996 |
Consult with your advisor or email biology@seattleu.edu for further information.
Note: BIOL 4994 is not a requirement for senior synthesis. It is in the system as an exception and will not be a standard requirement for our seniors.
-Archived catalogs are available on the Registrar's website.