BIOL 6991 01: Research Methods for Thesis < Youngstown State University

BIOL 6991 - Research Methods for Thesis

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 41072,
Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

Instructor

Michael Butcher

Public Instructor Information

Instructor Title: Professor of Zoology
Instructor Professional Qualifications:

Postdoctoral Fellow (Bone Biomechanics), Clemson University
Ph.D., Zoology (Muscle Biomechanics), University of Calgary/Florida State University
M.S., Biology (Functional Morphology), Wake Forest University

Instructor Office Location: 4013 Ward Beecher Science Hall; Laboratory 4011 WBSH
Instructor Office Phone: x2195

Private Instructor Information

Course Description

6991. Research Methods for Thesis . Discussion and demonstration of current methods and concepts related to research in biological sciences and writing of a graduate thesis proposal. Not applicable for students enrolled in the nonthesis or biology education options. Prereq.: Permission of instructor. May be repeated once. 3 s.h.

Research Methods is an independent study course that is only for Thesis graduate students. This course is repeated once for a total of 6 s.h. During the two-semester sequence of Research Methods, the student will be required to write a complete Thesis Research Proposal (i.e., Prospectus: Introduction, Specific Aims, Hypotheses, and Material and Methods sections), obtain approval of the Thesis Research Proposal from all members of their Faculty Advisory Committee, and perform an oral presentation of this proposal to their Faculty Advisory Committee.

Course Readings

Group	Title	Author	ISBN
Optional

There is no textbook for this course.

Research Methods requires graduate students to read primary literature. It is expected that a minimum of 20-25 research articles will be used to complete their Thesis Research Proposal.

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.

Additional Course Materials

Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

How to Succeed in This Course

Attendance Expectations

Late Work Submission Policy

Additional Course Expectations

Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

Assignments/Assessments

Grading and Grading Scale

University Policies

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of	Proposed Topic	Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24	Syllabus Review Course Expectations Deadlines Discussion
8/31		Proposal Outline
9/14		Formatted References List
10/5	Course Meeting 2 First Draft Discussion	Complete First Draft of Proposal
10/12		Complete First Draft of Introduction
11/2	Course Meeting 3 Revised Proposal Discussion	Final Proposal: Approval By Advisor
11/9		Final Proposal: Submit To Committee
11/23		Oral Presentation
11/30	Course Meeting 4 Final Introduction Discussion	Final Approved Introduction

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.

BIOL 6991 01: Research Methods for Thesis