Undergraduate Student Research

Why should I get involved in research?

Being involved in research projects can be very personally rewarding, valuable in getting jobs, and often critical in getting into graduate school. If you do a good job, you may achieve one or more of the following:

• great practical experience to supplement course material
• experience working as part of a team on complex projects
• more detailed letters of recommendation from faculty for graduate schools and jobs
• experience in job skills such as data analysis, collaboration, writing, and planning
• recognition of your efforts in print in the acknowledgements section of a research paper
• possibly even more acknowledgement as a co-author on a professional publication
• opportunity to write an Honor's thesis based on a research project
• earn Independent Study credits

Research Opportunities in the Department of integrative biology

Aside from teaching, college professors spend the bulk of their time doing research, which means gathering the information — the kind that ultimately appears in the scholarly journals and the textbooks you read. All of the UC Denver Biology faculty members are involved in research. In addition, graduate students in our master's program are involved in research that is part of their degree program.

There are three types of opportunities for you as an undergraduate biology major:

1. assisting in studies done by faculty and graduate students — this could include activities such as library research, preparing research materials, collecting data, entering data, typing, data analysis, etc.
2. collaborating as a partner in projects with faculty and/or graduate students
3. conducting research of your own, under the supervision of a faculty member.

How do I learn about research opportunities in the department?

• Talk with faculty members (your own and others) and ask them what they are working on. They will be happy to share some of their work with you so you can read up.
• Take courses from faculty who are doing the kind of research you find interesting. This is a good way to get to know faculty and for them to get to know your skills and knowledge in their field.
• Complete the biology core courses as soon as possible. This is often necessary to get involved in more than a minimal way.
• Come to colloquia, talks, and other functions sponsored by the department.
• Talk to graduate students in the department.
• Volunteer your services.
• Think about the kind of research you would like to do and talk to a faculty member about it.
• Talk to the Center for Internships (at the Career Center) to see what kinds of research internships are available.

I can get money to do my own research?

YES! Research grants are available to undergraduates through the University's Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Projects are either designed around the activities of a faculty member or designed independently by a student or team of students and endorsed by a faculty sponsor.

Participation in UROP is an intense educational experience that will introduce you to the process of research, including writing a proposal, preparing a budget, conducting research, analyzing data, and bringing the project to closure in the form of a written abstract and presentation, demonstration or performance.  Approximately 20-30 awards are available through UROP each year.

UROP makes awards just once a year — in the Spring — giving students a full year to complete their research. Grant funds can be used to purchase supplies and equipment, travel to field sites, cover lab fees, pay yourself a small stipend for the hours invested, and other related expenses.

Details on the application process are available on the UROP site.

Honors and Recognition

The Department of Integrative Biology recognizes research as a critical component of academic achievement. Students who excel in both course work and research will be recognized as Biology Research Scholars.

Explore More About Undergraduate Research

The Web Guide to Research for Undergraduates (WebGURU) is an interactive web-based tool intended to assist undergraduates as they navigate the hurdles of an undergraduate research experience.