The Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) Biological Honor Society is a national honor society for students interested in biology. The society focuses on undergraduate research and provides opportunities for students interested in research to both participate in research and present their work. The society's objectives are:

• to promote undergraduate research in the biological sciences
• to promote the dissemination of biological knowledge
• to promote scholarship in the biological sciences

The society was founded in 1922 and has over 175,000 members and 430 chapters nationwide. In addition to publishing the BIOS journal which focuses on student research, the society sponsors annual regional and national scientific meetings. A benefit to TriBeta student members is eligibility to apply for research grants from the national office.

The Phi Rho Chapter at UCD

On Friday, April 27, 2007, Tony Schountz, the district director of the Western Region of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Society, installed the Phi Rho Chapter at UCD.

The induction ceremony included a short welcome speech by Dr. Schountz, followed by the lighting of the candles and a recitation of the pledge of the society. The motto of TriBeta, which is inscribed on the shield, is Blepein Basin Biou. It means "to see the foundation of life."

"The biology department is very excited to have been awarded a charter from TriBeta," said Michele Engel, one of the faculty advisors. "We hope to have a vibrant active chapter."

Why join TriBeta? 

Are you interested in research? Do you want to learn more about biology, meet faculty outside of classes, get involved in the community or get research experience? All of these are great reasons to join TriBeta.

How do you join?

In order to be eligible for membership you must have completed one year of general biology (GB I and II or the equivalent) and one 3000 level course while maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or better. We will hold induction ceremonies once a semester.

There is a one-time $50 fee for lifetime membership. The fee goes to the National office and is essentially returned to the students as research grants. In addition, small chapter dues may also be collected. 

As a TriBeta member, you are eligible to apply for research grants once a year from the National office. Grant applications are due in September.

Please fill out an Application Form  and return it to the Phi Rio Chapter mailbox in the UCD Integrative Biology Office (SI 2071). Contact Chapter Advisers, Dr. Amanda Charlesworth or Dr. Hannah Anchordoquy for more information. Please, do not turn in a check until you have been officially notified that you are eligible for membership.

Visit the National TriBeta Web site  for more information about the organization.

Induction:

In order to be inducted you must meet the following requirements:

• an undergraduate major in the biological sciences (can include psychology and other biology-related majors)
• completion of at least one semester of the second year
• completion of at least three biology courses, of which at least one is not an introductory course with the average grade of a "B"
• uphold good academic standing