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All of our courses have laboratory sections
taught by the professors. Classes are small, so each student
receives hands-on experience with modern research
equipment. For classes with a field component, Stetson's
central location offers many opportunities
for study in such places as the Ocala National
Forest, Canaveral National Seashore, Blue Springs State Park,
and the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.
One
of the many benefits of Stetson's small size is that each student
performs a senior research
project with a faculty member before graduation. Students
begin preparing for the project during their sophomore year by
taking Biostatistical Methods I and II. These courses train students to design experiments,
to collect and analyze data, and to write an effective report.
As juniors, students choose research topics and faculty
mentors and write a
formal research proposal. Then, as seniors, students carry out
an original research project that has been tailored to their
personal interests. Although most projects are completed in a
faculty mentor's laboratory, some students complete projects
off campus in hospitals, laboratories, doctor's offices, etc.
Students are encouraged to
begin their research over the summer between their junior and
senior years, particularly as part of
Stetson's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE),
which provides funding for equipment, room and board, and
travel.
All Biology majors are encouraged to present the results of
their research at our Undergraduate Scholarship and
Performance Day (USAPD)
and at other scientific forums, such as state and national
conferences. 
Titles of the 2002 student research
projects:
Neurobiological studies
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Electrical stimulation of the
parabranchial nucleus (PBN) in conscious rats as the
conditioned stimulus in taste aversion learning
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Distribution of metabotropic 8 glutamate receptors in the rat rostral nucleus of the solitary tract
Developmental studies
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Do aspirin and Tylenol™ affect axolotl
embryo development?
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How does hypoglycemia affect axolotl
development?
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The effect of home lawn ant killer on
axolotl development
Microbiological studies
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Characterization of taurine regulation in
microglial cells using rt-PCR
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Bacterial fauna in four artificial food
chains
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Diversity of streptococcal pathogens in
students on the Stetson University campus
Medical studies
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Is the OnTrak Testik™ an accurate test
for the drugs THC, morphine, PCP, amphetamines, and
cocaine in postmortem urine?
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The safety and efficacy of percutaneous
transluminal stenting versus carotid endarterectomy
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Education of physicians-in-training of
lumbar punctures
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Effectiveness of immunization with Toxoplasma
gondii in the protection against congenital Neospora
caninum transmission
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A correlational study of pain management comparing age and the number of continuing education hours to the prescribing habits of dentists
Botanical studies
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The relationship between pollen load size,
the number of donors, donor gender and fruit production,
seed set in passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Terrestrial ecological studies
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The effect of diet on the C, N stable
isotope composition of corn snakes (Elaphe guttata)
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C, N stable isotope composition of ornate
horned frogs (Ceratophrys ornata) on different
diets
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The effects of different levels of habitat
complexity on success of a nepid predator on Gambusia
holbrooki
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The effects of wildfires on wild turkeys (Meleagris
galloparo) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus
virginianus seminolis) in central Florida
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Infrasound and elephant communication
Aquatic studies
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An ecological study of community patterns
among sheltered and open benthic habitat structures in a
Florida spring
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The effects of dissolved oxygen and flow
on the distribution of fish in a Florida spring
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The effect of dissolved oxygen on fish
feeding on the substrate of a central Florida spring
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An analysis of human disturbances on
vegetation of Lake Disston, Florida
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The effect of beach lighting loggerhead
turtle nestling orientation in Volusia County
Student
Presentations at Local and National Meetings
Student
Publications
Learn more about
undergraduate research at Stetson.
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