As an important part of a student-centered research university, the Biology Department provides instruction on research and offers its undergraduates opportunities to participate in research. Undergraduate research is important for anyone who is thinking about pursuing graduate work in the biological sciences. An application for graduate school can be greatly enhanced if you can demonstrate an interest in and an ability to conduct research. Because of the close relationship between biological research and human health, undergraduate research experience can also greatly benefit applications to professional health science programs, such as medical school.

Research with Biology Faculty Members

If you are interested in undertaking a research project with a Biology faculty member, we urge you to view our online faculty research interest profiles. Students hold the primary responsibility for initiating research participation with our faculty, so you should directly contact and talk with faculty about the opportunities they can offer to sponsor your research.

On these two lists, you may be able to identify one or more faculty members who have ongoing projects in an area of Biology that you find especially interesting. Once you have identified one or more faculty members, you should schedule an appointment with each person to explore in more detail the possibility of him/her sponsoring your research interests. You should discuss with each faculty member what they would expect of you in terms of time commitments and the possible projects in which you could become involved. The faculty will let you know about availability of space in their laboratories—we encourage all Biology majors to participate in research, but space within some research programs may be limited.

We strongly recommend that students initiate their research programs as early as possible in their academic career (sophomore year) to gain the most out of their research experience. Academic credit may be received for your research by registering for BIO 460 (see below for more information).

If you are interested in a research project with someone outside the Biology Department, please contact the Undergraduate Academic Support Coordinator (biougrad@syr.edu) for a list of other people who may be willing to sponsor your research.

BIO 460: Research in Biology

Students participating in a faculty member's research program can also receive Biology credit for their efforts. This advanced level of undergraduate research can begin as early as the sophomore year and may be repeated for credit in subsequent semesters. Interested students should meet with their faculty sponsor to discuss registration for BIO 460: Research in Biology. The registration process requires submission of a Proposal for BIO 460 petition to the Undergraduate Academic Support Coordinator (biougrad@syr.edu) and department approval. Research can also be done through the Biology Distinction Program.