In their junior year, all majors begin the independent study process with a one semester course that allows them to develop their ideas for their senior independent study thesis project. Through this course, each student learns how use on-line data base searches to locate, read and write about the primary research literature to understand the current limits of knowledge within their chosen field and to develop their own experimentally testable hypotheses. In the senior year, students begin two semesters of Independent Study (I.S.) research. Students apply their understanding of theory and laboratory techniques to investigate the original research questions they posed, and present their findings in a professional talk to the entire Department, poster presentation to the entire campus community, as well as write a substantial thesis that they defend in an oral exam at the end of the year. As the student gains experience the initial advisee-adviser relationship usually becomes one of scientific colleagues interested in a common goal.