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 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 open on April 15th and close on May 20th. 

• Application to the Biology Distinguished Majors Program occurs at the end of the 3rd year.  Earlier application may be made in exceptional cases. 
• Applicants must have a serious commitment to research, and have completed at least one semester of Biology Independent Study (Biol 4910 or 4920) or an equivalent research experience prior to application. Research potential is a major consideration for admission to this program. 
• Prior completion the the Second Writing Requirement is strongly recommended. 
• Applicants must have a cumulative 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). 
• A cumulative GPA of 3.400 is required by UVA for graduation with distinction.

DMP Application Process

Applications for the DMP should be emailed to the Director of the Distinguished Majors Program, Professor Barry Condron (bc4f@virginia.edu). 

The application should include the following:

• A  two-page Statement of Proposed Research, developed in consultation with the candidate's research mentor. This statement should include:
  • The title of the proposed research project at the top of the page
  • The candidate's research experience (one paragraph)
  • The aim(s) of the research
  • The proposed approach
  • The specific lab and the principal investigator with whom the candidate intends to work, including contact information. 
• Curriculum Vitae (one page)
• Unofficial transcript
• Career Aspirations (one paragraph)
• A letter of support from the candidate's research mentor, emailed directly to Prof. Barry Condron, deadline May 20th
  • The candidate should request this letter from their research mentor well in advance of the May 20 deadline.

Career aspirations are not taken into account when accepting students to the DMP. Rather, this portion of the application 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.

How to Submit

• Combine these materials into a single PDF.
• The PDF file name should conform to the following: 'DMP Application_Student Name'
• Email the Application materials to the DMP Director, Barry Condron: bc4f@virginia.edu
• The subject line of the email should be: DMP Application for STUDENT NAME

If you have questions, please contact Professor Barry Condron.

Requirements for Completing the DMP in Biology   

1. Distinguished Major candidates conducting independent research in the Biology department must enroll in BIOL4920 using the faculty mentor's instructor number. Candidates working with faculty members outside of Biology must enroll in BIOL4910, for which there is only one section, managed by the the Director of Undergraduate Research, Dr. Mike Wormington.  Grading will be determined by the Director of Independent Research based on the recommendation of the student's research mentor.
2. Completion of 28 credit hours of Biology courses (or approved equivalent) at or above the 3000 level for the BA/DMP; completion of 38 credit hours for the BS/DMP.
3. Successful completion of BIOL 4810 (2 credits) /4820 (2 credits): Seminar in Biological Research.
4. 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 34 credit hours presented for the B.S. degree, exclusive of grades in the Fall and Spring DMP seminars, BIOL 4810 and 4820, which replace the BS Capstone, BIOL 4840.
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 are evaluated by the faculty.  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:
   • with highest distinction
   • with high distinction
   • with distinction 
   • without distinction
6. 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.

DMP Paths for the BA and the BS

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.

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