Honors Program
Morton Hall 336
The University of
Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL 35899
256.824.6450 |
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Honors Research Project Guidelines
General Information
The idea of doing an "honors project" sounds formidable but, hopefully,
exciting as well. While an honors project does require greater depth and breadth than a typical course-related research project, these
characteristics are the natural outcomes of much that you have already done. Your honors courses with their emphases on writing and critical
thinking are important preparations. Your work in interdisciplinary seminars and in the Forum has prepared you to think broadly and to look
at issues in different disciplinary contexts. You have also reached a point at which you are adequately immersed in your chosen discipline
to recognize particular issues and problems that are intellectually interesting to you. Choosing a topic in which you already have a good
deal of background and experiences will be of great assistance. The work on the project will also be made more pleasant by planning ahead
thus allowing more time for background reading, research, and writing. That is why you are encouraged to start thinking about a project
topic once you have sufficient exposure to a discipline you enjoy. You should also develop a working relationship with a faculty member
in your field of interest.
As a participant in the UAH Honors Program, you are required to complete a scholarly
project during the senior year. The research project is the capstone experience of the Honors Program, and, as such, incorporates and
expresses the Program's commitment to individualized and enriched instruction, independent study, close faculty-student relationships, and
the rigorous development of intellectual skills, including the ability to think critically and to communicate with clarity and style. The
project brings together your honors preparation and your education in a particular discipline or combination of disciplines.
However, some students may wish to develop interdisciplinary projects or a project that
utilizes their co-op experience. Projects are usually in the student's major field of study. In any case, the project should be planned to
serve as a required or elective component of your academic program, major or minor. Discussions with your academic advisor and project
mentor (these may be the same person) and the Director of the Honors Program will help focus the project and tie it to your academic program
of study.
Downloadable Research Project Forms and Information
Project Content:
Since the Honors Program is university wide, there will be considerable
variation in project content and format. Nevertheless, all projects will emphasize analytical thought and be characterized by greater depth
and breadth than is commonly found in undergraduate research reports and other writings. This will require a more thorough understanding and
familiarity of the literature relevant to the topic. Additionally, some preliminary research, experimental and/or library, on the topic will
also be required before the project is commenced. This is why you are encouraged to start thinking about your project early on.
All projects culminate in a scholarly, typed, double-spaced, bound thesis. Again because of
the diverse disciplinary scope of the Honor Program, much variation will exist on how the thesis is presented. Generally the rule-of-thumb
for the written portion of the thesis is to follow the normal format used by the discipline in which you are doing the project. As an
example, a scientific publication varies considerably from that of literature and music. Likewise, an article in biology differs from one in
physics, as a short story varies from an essay. The final written presentation of your work will come from discussions with your project
mentor. Consult a writing guide or style manual to observe the style of writing that is appropriate for the different
disciplines. These guides are available at the bookstore or the library.
Generally the content of the thesis is organized as follows and should contain a semblance
of the following components:
• Abstract must precede all information. This can be what you originally wrote or a modification thereof.
• Introduction or prologue describes the project and contains the objectives and/or statement of the problem.
• Literature review may follow in some cases, depending on the discipline.
• Methods used to perform the project. Structure of this component will vary depending on the discipline.
• Results or Findings.
• Discussion. Do the results answer the questions you originally posed, and how do they compare with the information and knowledge found by other investigators? Textual material, illustrations, and tables may comprise some or all of the results of some of the theses. Arguments are presented and substantiated. NOTE: In some disciplines the results, findings, and discussion can be integrated.
• Conclusions.
• Acknowledgement. The opportunity to thank all that assisted in your project.
• Literature cited, references, or bibliography.
• Placement of graphics. Illustrations and tables can be interspersed within the thesis or arranged immediately following the bibliography, literature cited, or references.
Credit for your Thesis.
The thesis project is usually given course credit in those disciplines
that have a course to cover independent study at the undergraduate level, e.g., courses designated as Research, Special Topics, Technical
Design, Experimental Design, etc. These courses become part of the student's major or minor and the Project Mentors assign the grades. An
A - F letter grade or an S or U can be issued for these independent study courses. Those courses with an A, B, or S will count as Honors
courses. Three to six hours of Honors Research Project courses may count toward the Honors diploma.
Completed Projects.
The original and one copy of the final written draft of the project are
to be bound and delivered to the Honors Program Office during or before final examination week of the fall or spring semesters. The student
encumbers the copying and binding costs. These services are provided inexpensively by Kinko Copy Services. A completed Honor Senior Project
Approval (form 3) must be bound as the first page of the thesis when it is delivered to the Honors Program Office.
An Honors Research Symposium is held at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Honors
students completing their projects will have an opportunity to present their research during this event. The Research Symposium provides an
opportunity for the UAH academic community, faculty advisors and mentors, parents, guests and others to realize the scholarly accomplishments
of the Honors students.
See a listing of research projects.
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