The Columbia State biology department has two courses with discovery and project-based research components, Honors General Biology and Biology Research, which are conducted in collaboration with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The courses are designed to provide an authentic research experience for students with little to no prior lab skills. Students learn general biology, electron microscopy, microbiology, molecular biology, math application and genomics along with writing, presentation, critical thinking and computer literacy skills. Students have the opportunity to present research.
“Columbia State students are making important contributions to science by discovering, analyzing and annotating new bacteriophages,” said Dr. Elvira Eivazova, Columbia State associate professor of biology. “The HHMI phage collection is the largest in the world. The collection is largely generated by students across the nation, motivated by the idea that their phages may be used for therapeutic purposes.”
Undergraduate research is recognized by the Tennessee Board of Regents as a high-impact practice that acts as a learning tool to foster creativity, critical thinking and project ownership. Research experience contributes to student success and satisfaction and helps students with career choices.
