Undergraduate Research in BioSciences
Research is highly encouraged for all students at Rice University as it is an essential job skill for those planning to continue in graduate programs in the sciences or seeking employment in research fields. Rice students in the biosciences can participate in a wide variety of research projects both on- and off-campus. Students may receive Biosciences credit for research through the internship course BIOS 299, undergraduate research courses BIOS 310 and NEUR 310, and the honors research courses programs in Biosciences and Neurosciences (BIOS 401/402/411/412, NEUR 401/402).
Click this link for tips on finding and succeeding in research opportunities and information on registering for BIOS 299, BIOS 310, and NEUR 310. For information on Biosciences Honors Research view this document.
Members of the Rice community interested in viewing advising resources and receiving regular biosciences research opportunity postings should enroll in the BioSciences Opportunities Canvas site.
Undergraduate Summer Fellowships
The Department of Biosciences offers undergraduate fellowships for summer research for declared Biosciences majors who are performing research in laboratories in Biosciences. (The department only supports research experiences within the department. For students pursuing research experiences in other departments or institutions, they should seek funding sources within those departments or institutions.)
Depending on the availability of funds, the Biosciences Department offers Schroepfer Fellowships, Spurlino Fellowships, and Biosciences Summer Research Fellowships.
The fellowship pays $5000 for a research internship for ten weeks, commonly starting the Tuesday after Memorial Day. These fellowships require a letter from a nominating faculty research advisor who is a member of the Department of Biosciences.
Program Eligibility and Application Requirements
Students who wish to be considered for the application must be currently enrolled at Rice University and in good academic standing. BIOS and NEUR majors who have completed 2 or more semesters of BIOS 310 or NEUR 310 research are eligible. The application requires a nomination letter from a nominating faculty research advisor who is a member of the Department of Biosciences, therefore we strongly encourage you to connect with a BIOS research advisor ahead of time.
When you are ready, you will need to prepare the following application materials:
- Research plan – one page (250-500 words) outlining the specific topic you will study, a description of what you will be doing, and a discussion of what you hope to learn. This is also where you should indicate your preferred research advisor(s)
- Resume/CV
- Unofficial transcript
- Remind your research advisor to submit your nomination letter (the application is not eligible for consideration without the nomination letter from a Biosciences faculty member)
When you are ready to submit your application materials, please proceed to the Natural Sciences Fellowship Application Portal to begin your submission.
The deadline to apply is April 1st.
BioSciences Summer Research Course for Local High School Students
This 7-week course is for high school rising juniors and seniors to conduct scientific research in the laboratories of Rice faculty in Biosciences. Students will engage in full time research and will be mentored by experienced researchers under the supervision of Rice faculty. Participating students will also receive formal instruction on the basics of scientific research and receive 3 hours of Rice University course credit.
Application Process:
- Complete the department BIOS 110 Application.
- Upon departmental approval, enroll as a visiting student (tuition and fees will apply)
Application Timeline:
- Applications open: January 1st
- Application deadline: March 15th (no applications accepted after this date)