So Many Opportunities
Many of the students in our programs will pursue careers that do not involve conducting research. However, learning how to do research is a great skill and gives you an opportunity to put what you learn in the classroom into practice. It can also provide insight into your passions and what type of careers may be of interest to you.
Research for Credit
Included in the course offerings for biology majors and minors are special opportunities for research experience (BIOL 3994) and internships (BIOL 3996), as well as in-class participation as undergraduate teaching assistants (BIOL 3993). These opportunities are offered if you are in your junior or senior year and require approval of the academic adviser as well as prior arrangement with a sponsoring department faculty member.  You must submit an application for these courses in order to register.  Click on the program you are interested in for directions and the application form.  The Department of Biology faculty sponsor assigns a grade (S/N) for these courses.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Our department is excited to participate in this University of Minnesota program which offers financial awards to full-time undergraduates for research, scholarly, or creative projects undertaken in partnership with a faculty member.
This is a great chance to get a unique educational experience collaborating with a faculty mentor on the design and implementation of a project.
A stipend of $1,400 is available as salary for actual time spent working on a project and an expense allowance is also available for supplies and expenses required by the project.
To apply for a UROP you must be a full-time UMD undergraduate enrolled in a baccalaureate or pre-baccalaureate degree program. Additionally you must be in good academic standing as defined by your college. Individuals on academic probation are not eligible. Adult special students are not eligible.
For more information about the program, deadlines, and application procedures check out the UROP website.
Sample projects
The following represent a small sample of student UPROP projects that have been pursued and subsequently presented:
"Assessing the Effect of Climate Change on Surface Waves Regarding Siscowet Lake Trout Feeding Habits in Lae Superior"
"Variation in Cyanide Production across a Steep Environmental Gradient"
“Does vessel capacity influence leaf out time in woody species?"
“The Effects of FGF Signaling on Anterior Neurulation in Zebrafish"
“Site Affinity of Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) Exposed to Broadband Sound in the Duluth-Superior Harbor"
Biology Undergraduate Research in Science and Technology (BURST)
The Biology Undergraduate Research in Science and Technology (BURST) fellowship program is designed to give qualified UMD Biology/Cell & Molecular Biology majors the opportunity to take part in an in-depth summer research project. For students interested in pursuing further education once they attain their bachelor’s degree, this is an excellent opportunity to experience what in-depth research outside the classroom is like. The BURST program is intended to be an intensive research experience for students who already have some less intensive experience (e.g. UROP, lab volunteering, etc.). Applications are accepted in the early Spring - see our BURST page for full details!