Research Categories

Behavioral Psychology (BEH)

The systematic investigation of mental phenomena of human and other animals, especially those associated with consciousness, behavior and the problems of adjustment to the environment.

This includes, but is not limited to, projects involving psychology, learning perception, perception problems, and educational testing.

NOTE: Proper IRB forms must be completed and approved before a project in this category may begin.

Biology (BIO)

This category is for the life science projects which do not fall into any other category. This includes, but is not limited to, projects involving human medicine and dentistry. Note Proper certification may be required and approved before projects in this category may begin.

Biochemistry (BC)

The study of chemistry within living organisms with emphasis on the cell processes. This includes, but is not limited to, projects involving blood chemistry, protein chemistry, and plant genetics.

NOTE: Proper IRB forms may be required and must be approved before projects in this category may begin.

Botany (BOT)

The study of plants. This includes, but is not limited to, projects involving plant physiology, plant anatomy, plant pathology, and plant genetics.

Chemistry (CHM)

The study of the composition of matter and how matter can change. This includes, but is not limited to, projects involving physical chemistry, organic chemistry (other than biochemistry), inorganic chemistry, and chemical engineering.

Computer Science (CPS)

The development of computer programs, algorithms, computer languages, and hardware.

If the project deals with the use of computers as a tool to obtain, analyze, or present data, the project should be placed in to category of its major thrust.

Earth and Space (ES)

The study of the earth and extraterrestial bodies and the processes affecting them. This includes, but is not limited to projects involving geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy.

Ecology (EC)

The study of the interactions and relationships of living things to their abiotic enviornment and to each other.

This includes, but is not limited to projects involving pollution, enviornmental alterations, and ecosystem analysis.

NOTE: Proper IRB forms may be required and must be approved before projects in this category may begin.

Engineering (ENG)

Using mathematics, science, and design principles to solve practical problems.  This definition includes the traditional engineering disciplines, such as electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering, but can include forward looking interdisciplinary areas, such as energy engineering, nanoengineering, and data engineering.

Mathematics (MAT)

The study of numbers both pure and applied.

This includes, but is not limited to projects involving algebra, calculus, geometry, statistics, topology, operations research, and number theory.

Microbiology (MIC)

The study of Microorganisms, which are defined as any microscopic organism that comprises either a single cell (unicellular) or cell clusters .

This includes eukaryotes such as fungi and protists , and bacteria and prokaryotes. Viruses and prions, though not strictly classed as living organisms, are also studied.

NOTE: Proper IRB forms must be completed and approved before a project in this category may begin.

Physics (PHY)

The study of matter and motion.

This includes, but is not limited to projects involving the traditional subsets of physics (i.e. statics, dynamics, optics, acoustics, heat and electricity) and applied physics (i.e. mechanical , electrical, and civil engineering).

Zoology (ZOO)

The study of animals. This includes, but is not limited to projects involving animal physiology, ananimal anatomy, animal pathology, and animal genetics.

NOTE: Proper IRB forms must be completed and approved before a project in this category may begin.