This is the first semester of a two-semester project where a student works with a faculty adviser on a project. The project can be design, experimental, simulation, or theoretical. Although the overall project requires a proposal, a final report, and a final presentation, the first semester requires only a proposal and satisfactory progress toward final completion.

The Commonwealth Honors College thesis or project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to define and carry out in-depth research or creative endeavors. It provides excellent preparation for students who intend to continue their education through graduate study or begin their professional careers. The student works closely with their 499Y Honors Research sponsor to pursue research on a topic or question of special interest to them in preparation for writing a 499T Honors Thesis or completing a 499P Honors Project.

Specific problem in some aspect of animal or biological sciences/area of research interest. Students prepare a contract with their faculty sponsor. Can be used for master's students to review literature on the topic chosen for their laboratory research but this requires an oral presentation.