Opportunities for
Undergraduate Research
Faculty in the Biology Department conduct research on a variety of subjects. Many opportunities for Undergraduate Research exist and students can enroll in research courses and earn credit. Opportunities in undergraduate research may also provide financial incentives ranging from tuition scholarships to paid positions. We encourage students to browse the department's web site to discover more about each faculty and their areas of expertise. Students should contact faculty directly to discuss research projects and opportunities.
Research Guide
- Why do Research?
- Strategies for getting involved
- Faculty Expectations
Why do Research?
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin serves Texas and the nation as a public research and teaching university. Researchers at UTPB are leaders in a variety of fields, and as an undergraduate at UTPB, you can become a part of this exciting community of discovery, creativity, and innovation. Participation in undergraduate research can benefit you educationally, professionally, and personally.
Educational Benefits include:
Working with a faculty mentor
Learning about issues, methods, and leaders in your chosen field
Applying concepts from your courses to real life situations
Furthering your creative achievement
Sharpening your problem-solving skills
Positioning yourself for summer research and internship opportunities
Professional Benefits include:
Exploring potential careers
Enhancing your professional communication skills
Collaborating with others and working effectively as part of a team
Preparing for graduate or professional school
Personal Benefits include:
Growing as a critical and independent thinker
Building confidence
Enhancing your awareness of ethical issues
Strategies for getting involved.
Below is a list of tips for becoming involved in research. These strategies will be MOST useful if you begin planning early in your college career.
1. Explore your interests. Visit different courses or labs to learn about a topic. Read papers by your professors or go talk to them and students currently working in their labs.
2. Investigate current research at UTPB. Our department website features brief descriptions of faculty research interests. Individual faculty members’ websites often describe research projects in greater detail.
3. Take appropriate courses. Pursuing relevant coursework is one of the best ways to prepare for your research experience. Some professors prefer to work with a student who has taken one of their courses. For help identifying appropriate courses, consult your academic advisor and talk with students who are currently involved in research that interests you.
4. Take advantage of undergraduate research initiatives. A variety of programs exist to support undergraduate research on campus. UTPB is part of the UT system Alliance called LSAMP, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, which provides scholarships for students to work in campus labs or other University of Texas campuses.
5. Approach faculty with respect. Before you approach a professor, do your homework: read her or his website and find out about recent publications. If possible, interview other students who have worked with the professor. When you introduce yourself, be specific about your interests, qualifications, and expectations. DO NOT send a general e-mail to a whole list of professors.
Expectations
Faculty expectations vary according to discipline and faculty preferences. The following list outlines some expectations. Discuss with your faculty mentor what their expectations are when you meet them.
1. Commitment to Learning. Successful undergraduates demonstrate a genuine desire to expand their own knowledge. Your intellectual curiosity may be your most important asset.
2. Self-motivation. Successful undergraduates demonstrate the ability to work independently. Your supervisor should not have to prompt you to show up for work or finish a project.
3. Good Communication Skills. It is your responsibility to report progress and seek guidance when you need it. If you encounter a problem or make a mistake, discuss it with your faculty supervisor right away.
4. Time Commitment. Some professors may require that you work regular hours each week or that you commit to multiple semesters of work. Be sure to discuss expectations about time and procedures for recording the hours you work.
5. Research Ethics. Whether you are working with human subjects or dealing with original documents, it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with the ethical conventions in your field. Information about research ethics is available through The University of Texas at Austin Revised Handbook of Operating Procedures.
6. Coursework. Some professors may prefer to work with students who have completed a specific course or courses. If possible, interview other students who have worked with this professor and ask them what they think is important to know in the lab.
7. Course credit. You may pursue course credit for your research experience. If you register for independent study or research hours, you should inform yourself about the requirements and talk to your advisor about them.
Sources: EUREKA! UT-Austin Online information for Undergraduate Research
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