Distinguished Majors Program
The Biology Distinguished Majors Program
The Biology Distinguished Majors program is a research oriented program allowing the opportunity to conduct a significant body of independent research culminating in a formal written thesis and oral presentation at the end of the spring semester. Students participate in a weekly seminar where they discuss recent advances in biology, attend biology seminars and interact with seminar speakers, explore the philosophy and practice of science, and learn skills in oral and written research presentation. Students may choose research mentors from the Biology faculty, from selected laboratories in the UVA Medical Center, or from other laboratories conducting biologically related research.
Eligibility and Application Process for the Biology DMP 2026-2027
Applications to the Biology DMP must be made by the end of a student's third year. Applications will be reviewed and acceptances made on a rolling basis beginning mid-April (exact date TBD) and continuing through to August (exact date TBD). No applications will be accepted after August.
- Application to the Biology Distinguished Majors Program occurs at the end of the 3rd year. Earlier application may be made in exceptional cases.
- Applicants should have a serious commitment to research, and have completed at least one semester of Biology Independent Study (Biol 4910 or 4920) prior to application. Research potential is a major consideration for admission to this program. For students initiating a research project during the summer prior to their fourth year, application at the end of the summer will be considered.
- Applicants should have an overall grade point average of 3.400 in Biology after completion of at least three semesters of 3000 or above Biology including at least one Biology Core course (Biol 3000, 3010, 3020).
- An overall GPA of 3.400 is required by UVA for graduation with distinction.
Applications for the DMP should be emailed to the Director of the Distinguished Majors Program, Professor Barry Condron. The application package should include a 2-3 page research statement (including a description of both the candidate's research experience and of the proposed research project), a CV, and an unofficial transcript. In addition, the candidate's research mentor must email a separate letter of support directly to Professor Condron. Finally, please include a brief statement (1 paragraph) of your career aspirations. This is not taken into account when accepting students to the DMP. Rather, it is a way for us to learn the future goals of our potential students so that we can plan activities for the subsequent year that align with our students' ambitions.
If you have questions, please contact Professor Barry Condron.
REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETING THE DISTINGUISHED MAJOR IN BIOLOGY
1. Demonstrated evidence of a serious commitment to research, shown by prior completion of, and exceptional performance in, at least one semester of Biology Independent Research, BIOL 4910 or BIOL 4920. Distinguished Major candidates conducting independent research in the Biology department should enroll in BIOL4920 using the faculty mentor's instructor number. Candidates working with faculty members outside of Biology should enroll in BIOL4910 using the instructor number of the Director of Biology Independent Research (Professor Mike Wormington). Grading will be determined by the Director of Independent Research based on the recommendation of the student's research mentor.
2. All DMP candidates must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.400 overall in the University. DMP candidates pursuing a B.A. degree must attain a minimum 3.400 GPA in the 24 credit hours presented for the B.A. degree, exclusive of grades in the Fall and Spring DMP seminars, BIOL 4810 and 4820. DMP candidates pursuing a B.S. degree must attain a 3.400 GPA in the 35 credit hours presented for the B.S. degree.
3. Completion of 28 credit hours of Biology courses (or approved equivalent) at or above the 3000 level for the BA/DMP; completion of 35 such credit hours for the BS/DMP.
4. Successful completion of BIOL 4810 (2 credits) /4820 (2 credits), Seminar in Biological Research.
5. Completion of a written DMP Thesis and an oral presentation of the research project at the Richard D. Katz Undergraduate Biology Symposium. The Katz Symposium is held at the end of the Spring term and gives DMP candidates an opportunity to present their research findings to Biology students and faculty. The DMP thesis and Katz Symposium presentations will be evaluated by the Undergraduate Committee. On the basis of these evaluations the Undergraduate Committee will recommend to the Chairman and Faculty of the Biology Department that one of the following degrees be awarded:
- without distinction
- with distinction
- with high distinction, or
- with highest distinction
The decision of the Biology faculty regarding each candidate will be forwarded to the Committee on Special Programs and to the University Registrar at least ten days before commencement. Students will be notified of their degree status by email prior to commencement.
DISTINGUISHED MAJOR PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Professor Barry Condron, Director
The Katz Symposium, a department of Biology tradition for showcasing undergraduate research, and awards are generously endowed by Biology alumnus Richard D. Katz ‘79.
