Undergraduate Research & Internships

The Biology Department's purpose in offering undergraduate research is to allow students to gain experience using the scientific method to solve problems of scientific importance. This experience includes acquiring technical skills, reading and evaluating articles in the scientific literature that are relevant to the project being undertaken, designing and conducting experiments, learning to evaluate experimental data in relation to existing knowledge, and expanding skills in communicating results of research both orally and in writing. Biol 2901 offers research experiences to students who have completed less than 60 units of credit at the time of enrollment, whereas Biol 4950 provides research experiences in a similar format to students who have completed at least 60 units of credit at the time of enrollment. Biol 4950 and Biol 4951 are the same course; each prospective research mentor has an assigned section number in either Biol 4950 or Biol 4950. The following information regarding Biol 4950 applies equally to Biol 4951. A student may take only one of these course numbers per semester, with credit not to exceed 3 units per semester.

Students in Biology Independent Research conduct projects with defined goals. Often the goals may not be achievable in one semester. Students should have the opportunity to read relevant scientific literature and to receive help evaluating such past research efforts. Students present periodic oral reports on their research progress to the mentor's research group. Working full time in the summer significantly enhances the value of the research experience. In this circumstance, students are usually supported by fellowships or the mentor's research funds.

Students normally enroll for 3 units of credit. Students should expect to work 9-12 hours/week performing research to earn 3 units. Preparation for lab, data reduction and reading usually require additional time at home. (In this sense at least, the introduction to research is realistic.) Students are cautioned, however, not to become so absorbed in their research that coursework is neglected. Single-minded concentration on research is the norm when working in the lab full time in summers.

Students find or are referred to active and productive laboratories, ones in which good work is done and then published. Often, but not invariably, mentors with a productive scientific history will have research grants that allow them to gather a critical mass of post-docs and graduate students who make a crucial contribution to the intellectual life of the research group. However, students are advised to avoid laboratories that are so large that the undergraduate might get lost in the shuffle.

Enrollment may be processed at any time but preferably prior to the start of the semester in which the work will be done. Reduced credit can be obtained for work started within the semester if approved by Professor Smith. Extra time should be allowed for approval of any proposed work involving pathogens; such approval must be completed before the student begins work.

Enrollment Details