Anybody know anything about this course?
How does it actually work with the whole project thing?
Thanks!

Hey I am taking Bio 4C09 which is the senior thesis. Bio 4F06 is a smaller project, but similar in structure. I keep hearing that the difference is that 4C09 tests a hypothesis, while 4F06 doesn't necessarily. I just consider it a smaller project, where 4F06 doesn't have to be a full out study/experiment -- it can be a large lit review..? Not sure about this though.

To get into this course, you must print out the permission form from the Biology website (on the left menu, click on Undergraduate Studies>Permission Forms>Bio4C09/4F06). You need to find yourself a supervisor and (maybe?) a co-supervisor who will be willing to watch over a project. I'm not sure if you need a co-supervisor for 4F06. You also do not necessarily have to come up with your own project, but choose supervisors that you are interested in working with based on their research interests, which you can look up on different departmental websites.

For details about the course, check out the course outline for Bio 4C09/4F06 here (click on 400-level course and "Bio 4F06"): http://www.biology.mcmaster. ca/ugrad_cours.htm

How is a thesis anyway? I'm picking my programs soon and theses seem like really, really scary GPA assassins.

Erm...that really depends on how you end up in the project. It is a pretty big time investment, but think of it this way: it is worth 3 units more than a class of the same length (i.e. 6 unit courses), so you are expected to spend more time on it.

There are two ways to look at it: if you do well, your GPA can shoot up because it's worth 9 units. On the other hand, if you do poorly, like you said, it can be a "GPA assassin". BUT I don't think people generally do too poorly unless they don't write very well/get on their prof's nerves/really don't make any effort throughout the term/do a really sloppy job...etc...not getting results does NOT mean you can't get a high mark. Your supervisor will be working you the whole year, so your work ethic (or lack thereof) will show and that can be reflected as part of your mark.