Understanding Experiential Learning in Biology

Are you interested in getting involved in research, shadowing a professional, or pursuing an internship, volunteer, or service opportunity related to biology? The Department of Biological Sciences is committed to supporting experiential learning, which enables students to apply their biology knowledge and expertise outside the classroom, explore possible career options, and make professional connections all while pursuing an custom-designed project or experience.

  • Experiential Learning Courses
    Bio385, “Explorations in Biology”, is a hybrid course that is offered in the fall, spring and summer. It must be taken concurrently with the student-designed project/experience. Please see the “Process for Completing the Experiential Learning Requirement” below or attend an info session.

    Bio491, 492, 493, and 494 are independent research courses in which students can earn up to eight course credits for research alongside a Biology department faculty member. It is offered in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Please see the “Process for Completing the Experiential Learning Requirement” below.

  • Process for Completing Experiential Learning Requirement
    • Attend a BIO 385 Drop-In Office Hour (see current schedule)
    • Talk to the Experiential Learning committee, your advisor and/or research faculty
    • Use your networking skills to find a project mentor
    • The Experiential Learning application process (for Bio385) is completed through Handshake. To apply:
    • Submit your project proposal for BIO 385 by April 1st (for Summer and Fall) or Nov 1st (for Spring).
    • For Independent Research (BIO 491, 492, 493, and 494),  complete and email the Independent Study in Biology form to Catherine.Takizawa@qu.edu by August 19th (for Fall) or Jan 13 (for Spring)
  • Experiential Learning FAQs
    Click here for Experiential Learning FAQs
  • BIO 385 Drop-in Hours
    Click here to see upcoming info sessions and drop-in hours.
  • Experiential Learning Possibilities

    Research in the laboratory of a Biology faculty member, or in a lab outside the Biology department, on or off campus (e.g. Bioanthropology, Biomedical Sciences, summer research internship, QUIP-RS, at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station)

    Faculty-led courses abroad or global soladarity programs (e.g. Guatemala, Morocco, Portugal, Costa Rica)

    Data analysis research project (e.g. EMS data, statistical analyses)

    Shadowing a professional (e.g. healthcare, science education, science law)

    Creative project (e.g. blending music or art and biology)

    Internship (e.g. pharmaceutical research)

    Working/volunteering in elementary/middle/high school (e.g. science fair projects)

    Summer science program or camp

    Community-based service/volunteering

    Volunteering/working at a museum or zoo

    Also see Ms. Gilmore’s Pre-Health Opportunities emails, which are filled with great information!

    And many more….Talk to us about your own ideas!

  • Sample Experiential Learning Digital Stories

    Mikayli Wojciac, From Surgery to Scope, (BIO 385 digital story, Fall 2022, mentor Benjamin Savage, Pathology Assistant at Yale University School of Medicine)

    Brianna Reed, “The Ever-Improving Intern” (Bio 385 Digital story, Summer 2022, mentor Charlie Allertston, Loxo Oncology)

    Daniel Galvet, “Shrew and I?” (Bio 385 Digital story, Summer 2022, mentors Melissa Hawkins and Arlo Hinckley, National Museum of Natural History)

    Tiana Hayek, “Diagnostics Lab: Questions Answered” (Bio 385 Digital story, Spring 2023, mentor Kaleigh Shea, Precipio Diagnostics)

    Carlie Carbone, “Planting the Seeds for Personal Growth” (Bio 385 Digital story, Spring 2023, mentor Leigh Whittinghill, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station)

    Tara McVerry, “Seeing Clearly Learning About Optometry” (Bio 385 Digital Story, Summer 2024, mentor Airi Ando, The Eye Care Group)

    Melissa Trudeau, “Strawberry Fields Forever” (Bio 385, Digital story, Summer 2024, mentor Nate Westrick, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station)

    Hailey Tolson, “Guidance Through the (Fly) Swarm of Research“(Bio 385, Digital story, Summer 2024, mentor Caitlin Hanlon at Quinnipiac University)

    Marissa Ritter, “Inspiring Heroic Hearts” (Bio 385, Digital story, Summer 2024, mentor Joan Cottle at Dr. Bill Neches Heart Camp for Kids)

  • Contact
    Mike Midgley
    Senior Instructor of Biological Sciences
    Academic Coordinator of BIO Experiential Learning
    Tator Hall 221C
    michael.midgley@quinnipiac.edu

    Catherine Takizawa

    Teaching Professor of Biological Sciences
    Coordinator of Independent Research in the Biological Sciences
    Tator Hall 119D
    Catherine.Takizawa@quinnipiac.edu