Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research in BioSciences

Research is highly encouraged for all students at Rice University and 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 have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of research projects both on- and off-campus. Freshman can elect to participate in a Freshman Seminar in Local Biology (BIOS 118 for focus in Biochemistry & Cell Biology or BIOS 119 for focus in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology) as an introduction to undergraduate research at Rice. Students may receive BioSciences credit for such research through the courses BIOS 310 and the honors research courses BIOS 401/402.

Those interested in receiving regular biosciences research opportunity postings should enroll in the BioSciences Opportunities Canvas site.

See these detailed instructions on finding and succeeding in research opportunities.

Students who have secured a research position in a Biosciences laboratory over the summer may be eligible to participate in the department training program, the Biosciences Summer Research Institute. The deadline to apply for Summer 2023 will be April 23, 2023. Secure the approval of your research advisor before submitting the linked application.

BioSciences Summer Research Course for Local High School Students

This 7-week course is for high school 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 5 hours of Rice University course credit. Interested students must first complete the department application: BIOS 110 Application. After department approval, students will be required to enroll as a visiting student; tuition and fees will apply.