The objectives of Science
Honors are to enhance the undergraduate education of students
who are interested in a career in the mathematical and natural
sciences by helping them choose a major, obtain early access
to research opportunities, pursue a research project to a
successful conclusion, and become participating members of
the community of scholars at Queens College.
Work in Science Honors begins when students take the Science
Honors Seminar (HMNS 101) as freshmen or sophomores. The Science
Honors Faculty acquaint students with the scientific method,
library and computer research skills, and the research activities
of faculty of the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
The Seminar is interdisciplinary; topics and problems which
overlap the traditional areas in science are presented and
discussed. The broad exposure to work in science helps students
choose a major and mentor(s) for subsequent research courses
(HMNS 102, 291 and 391). The experience obtained in research
courses helps students compete for research fellowships and
other opportunities on and off campus, for example, the Summer
Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) at Queens College
(supported by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute),
the Queens College Faculty-mentored Undergraduate Research
Program, and research programs at medical institutions in
the New York City area.
Science Honors builds a sense of community. Students get to
know each other during the Seminar course through round table
discussions, by working together on "hands on" exercises,
taking a geology field trip and presenting a mini-seminar
on their own research project. They learn about each others’
research during seminars presented in HMNS 102 and 398. The
students have their own room, a pleasant environment which
they can use to "hang out", study, share research
experiences, socialize with their peers, read from the library,
and use state-of-the-art microcomputers. A social gathering
of students and faculty is held to celebrate the end of each
semester, acknowledge awards and fellowships received by students,
and discuss topics which concern the Division of Mathematics
and Natural Sciences.
Work in Science Honors culminates when students present their
research during the Senior Science Honors Seminar (HMNS 398).
Although the research accomplishments of students are expected
to vary widely, we expect that some highly motivated students
will present their results in refereed publications and at
scientific meetings. Work in Science Honors is acknowledged
at two levels of accomplishment on a student’s transcript
and by certificates which are presented at the Divisional
Award Ceremony which follows Commencement.
Eligibility
Students enter the program in one of two ways: as freshmen
entering from high school with an outstanding record in mathematics
and science or a semester or two later on the basis of outstanding
work at the College. Freshmen apply by submitting an application
which includes high school grades, SAT scores, two teacher
recommendations, and a personal essay. Those selected take
the Science Honors Seminar their first year, usually in the
Fall term. Students who do outstanding work in one or more
of the basic courses offered by departments in the Division
of Mathematics and Natural Sciences are invited to participate
in Science Honors. These students are nominated by faculty
who teach these courses. Self-nominated students are also
considered for admission based on their record at the College
and demonstrated potential for work in mathematics and science.
Requirements
The 12-credit program consists of the following courses.
1. HMNS 101. Science Honors Seminar.
2 hours, 2 credits. Prerequisite: Admission to the Science
Honors Program.
Examination of the scientific method, introduction to library
and computer research skills, discussion of modern research
problems with emphasis on research done at Queens College,
and introduction to undergraduate research opportunities
in the mathematical and natural sciences at Queens College.
For freshmen and sophomores.
2. HMNS 102. Introduction to Science Honors
Research and Seminar.
6 hours, 2 credits. Prerequisite: HMNS 101.
Students begin a research project mentored by a science
department faculty member. Students usually choose a research
topic and mentor during 101 based on presentations by faculty
and proposals for projects submitted by faculty. The equivalent
of 6 hours of laboratory work is scheduled in consultation
with the mentor. Students describe their project in a report
and present a seminar. For upper freshmen and sophomores.
3. HMNS 291.1-3. Intermediate Science
Honors Research.
Three similar courses varying in credit: 291.1, 3 hours,
1 credit; 291.2, 6 hours, 2 credits; and 291.3, 9 hours,
3 credits. Prerequisites: HMNS 102 and permission of director*
.
The intermediate stage of research with a science division
faculty mentor or a mentor from a NYC-area research institution.
In the latter case, the student must work as an unpaid volunteer.
Students describe their research in a report. For sophomores
and juniors.
4. HMNS 391.1-3 - Advanced Science Honors
Research.
Three similar courses varying in credit: 391.1, 3 hours,
1 credit; 391.2, 6 hours, 2 credits; and 391.3, 9 hours,
3 credits. Prerequisites: 3 credits of HMNS 291.
The advanced stage of research with a science division faculty
mentor. This course is aimed at the completion of a serious
research effort. Work may involve additional data collection
and analysis, preparation of results for publication and/or
presentation at a scientific meeting. For juniors and lower
seniors.
5. HMNS 398. Senior Science Honors Seminar.
2 hours, 2 credits. Prerequisites: HMNS 391 or equivalent**
and senior standing.
Final analysis of experimental data and preparation of a
comprehensive research report, presentation of a research
seminar, and discussion of career opportunities in the mathematical
and natural sciences.
 |
HMNS 101, 102, and 398 may only
be taken once; HMNS 291 or 391 may be taken multiple times
for credit.
* Students who take 101 and receive a SPUR Fellowship
or complete an approved research project at another institution
do not have to take 102.
**A 3 credit 391 level research course in the students
major department can substitute for HMNS 391.3. |
Recognition in Science Honors may be achieved at two additional
levels.
"Participation in Science Honors"
This requirement is met by completing 7 credits or more in
the HMNS curriculum with an overall grade average of A- or
better. The required courses include HMNS 101, 102 and 291
(for 3 or more credits). The HMNS 102 requirement will be
waived for students who receive a SPUR Fellowship or complete
a research project at another institution which is approved
by the director. Research courses offered by departments in
the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences may substitute
for 291 when they are approved by the Science Honors Faculty.
Students will receive recognition on their transcript and
a certificate at the Divisional Awards Ceremony.
"Concentration in Science Honors"
This requirement is met by completing 12 credits or more of
courses in the HMNS curriculum with an overall grade average
of A- or better, that is, HMNS 101, 102, 291(for 3 or more
credits), 391(for 3 or more credits) and 398. The HMNS 102
requirement will be waived for students who receive a SPUR
Fellowship or complete a research project at another institution
which is approved by the director. Advanced research courses
offered by departments in the Division of Mathematics and
Natural Sciences (usually numbered in the 390s) may substitute
for HMNS 391 when they are approved by the Science Honors
Faculty. Students will receive recognition on their transcript
and a certificate at the Divisional Awards Ceremony.
Articulation with other Honors Programs
Science Honors students are encouraged to participate in other
Honors Programs at the College to the extent that this is
possible given the heavy course loads of science majors and
the 120 credit limit for all course work. For example, Science
Honors students may be able to participate in the proposed
General Honors Program by taking Honors Courses which satisfy
general College requirements and receiving credit for Science
Honors Courses.
Science Honors Faculty:
Ted Brown and Kenneth Lord (Computer Science)
William Emerson (Mathematics)
Paul Fardy, Ashima Kant, and Jacqueline Newman (Family,
Nutrition and Exercise Science)
Robert Finks (School of Earth and Environmental Sciences)
Azriel Genack (Physics)
Gerald Koeppl (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Paul Mundinger (Biology)
Richard Bodnar (Psychology)
