Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences in Biology

Students collect environmental water samples to investigate species presence and distribution using both observational and molecular techniques. This project introduces foundational research skills, including sampling, data collection, and basic analysis within an introductory biology context.

Students develop a research-oriented grant proposal that includes literature review, hypothesis development, project design, significance, methodology, and expected outcomes. The experience emphasizes scientific writing, research planning, and critical thinking. 

Students investigate the effects of novel anticancer compounds on human breast cancer cell lines. Using laboratory assays, students assess cell viability, proliferation, and motility while engaging in biomedical research questions related to cancer biology and therapeutic development.

Students conduct bioinformatics-based investigations focused on cellular coding regions. The project involves computational analysis of genetic and molecular data, sequence interpretation, and identification of biological patterns.

Students conduct an original analysis of a biological dataset using R and present the results to the class. Students may gather data, obtain data from a research advisor, or re-analyze an open dataset from a published article. They tidy data, calculate summary statistics, create presentation-quality graphs, conduct statistical tests, check assumptions, and explain their conclusions. In many cases, these projects support undergraduate senior theses, honors theses, or EagleX presentations.

Students design and implement independent research projects focused on conservation-related questions in campus or community settings. Projects incorporate field data collection, conservation principles, and real-world environmental applications.

Students conduct diurnal field surveys of non-native lizard species on campus to map distribution and identify environmental conditions influencing detection. Data contribute to a multi-year dataset and may be shared through public platforms such as iNaturalist, HerpMapper, and EDDMaps. 

Students investigate insect diversity in Southwest Florida by collecting, curating, and identifying specimens throughout the semester. Student collections and datasets contribute to the FGCU insect collection and campus biodiversity records.

Students conduct diurnal field surveys of non-native lizard species on campus to map distribution and identify environmental conditions influencing detection. Data contribute to a multi-year dataset and may be shared through public platforms such as iNaturalist, HerpMapper, and EDDMaps.