Honors Project expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional project manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all projects:
- are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters.
- begin with creative inquiry and systematic research.
- include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor.
- culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.

A systematic introduction to components of the mammalian immune system and how it functions under normal and abnormal conditions. This course will cover both the cellular and molecular principles of innate and adaptive immune responses, including those that protect the host from infections, achieve central and peripheral tolerance, and provide immune surveillance against tumor cells. It also includes discussion of immune system dysfunction, including allergic responses, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency.

Internship or other pre-professional work experience in the field of animal science under the guidance of a faculty member.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

Generally taken as the second graduate level independent study. Involves an oral presentation at a laboratory meeting or to departmental faculty. Students complete contract with their faculty sponsor.

The focus is on presentation of manuscripts highlighting innovative discoveries and technical approaches as well as controversial results that address topics related to development and disease. The topics detail contemporary use of genetically engineered organisms to define cell signaling required to establish cell lineages in developing tissues, the process of gametogenesis and epigenetic imprinting and how these mechanisms are disrupted in diseases such as cancer.

Presentation and critique by students of recent scientific papers in the field of immunology and infectious diseases.

Presentation of research projects and literature review by faculty and graduate students within the department as well as by guest speakers from around the world.