Undergraduate Research
One of the most in-depth experiential opportunities available to Biology students is independent research within a faculty member’s research group.
On-campus Opportunities
Biology students participate in research on-campus during the academic year and in the summer. Funding may exist to support your research; deadlines for funding vary depending on the fellowship/stipend.
Department of Molecular Biosciences list of faculty research areas
Department of Integrative Biology list of faculty
Marine Science Institute list of faculty
Marine Science Institute Research Opportunities
Marine Science Institute Semester by the Sea
Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology affiliated faculty members
Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research information and affiliated faculty members
EUREKA - a searchable database of opportunities and faculty research interests at UT
Off-campus Opportunities
These programs often take place over 8-10 weeks in the summer and many times include a stipend and housing/travel support. They are competitive and require an application. Application deadlines and requirements vary, but are usually due in January or February and require at least one recommendation.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) list of summer programs in Biological Sciences
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) list of summer programs
Cornell Office of Undergraduate Biology list of Summer Research Programs
Pathways to Sciences list of summer programs in Biology
MIT Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) in Biology
Stanford Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Duke University list of Summer Research Opportunities in Bioscience
Clearing House of Opportunities for Undergraduate STEM Students
Princeton University SURP in Molecular and Quantitative & Computational Biology
UT Southwestern SURF in Biomedical Sciences
University of California at Berkeley SURP in Biology
Rosetta Commons Research for Biomolecular Modeling
Resources for Getting Involved and Funding a Research Experience
Internships
The purpose of an internship is to gain valuable skills and experience, explore and refine your career interests, and network with professionals in your field. Also, internships allow you to apply concepts you have learned in the classroom in a real-world, work environment.
CNS Career Services is your college resource for career exploration and internships.
The Office of Experiential Learning offers weekly drop-in advising/consultations over Zoom for students who would like to discuss strategies for getting involved in experiential learning activities and connecting with CNS and campus resources. CNS undergraduates are invited to make an appointment with our team to learn more. The list below is a sample of opportunities and is not exhaustive.
Study Abroad
Study abroad programs provide Biology majors with access to interesting and relevant courses around the world. Immerse yourself in a new culture while earning credits toward your degree.
The Office of Experiential Learning offers weekly drop-in advising/consultations for CNS students seeking opportunities.
MNS 352D: Field Experience in Marine BotanyMNS 352D: Field Experience in Marine Botany
MyCreditAbroad database lists Biology courses abroad with UT course equivalents
CNS Research and Internships Abroad
UT Study Abroad Semester and Summer Internship Programs
Short-term Programs
Semester-long Programs
RISE Research Internships in Science and Engineering
Entrepreneurship
CNS students can engage in entrepreneurial activities both in and out of the classroom. The Office of Experiential Learning offers weekly drop-in advising/consultations for CNS students seeking opportunities.
CNS Inventors Program
Entrepreneurship Resources Across Campus
Bridging Disciplines Programs – Innovation, Creativity & Innovation
Texas Convergent
Other Activities
Fall Undergraduate Research Forum
Coordinated by the Molecular Biosciences Student Association, the Fall Undergraduate Research Forum (FURS) gives students of all levels the opportunity to talk about their research projects.
iGEM
The International Genetically Engineered Machine competition (iGEM) is the premiere undergraduate Synthetic Biology competition.
UT Austin's iGEM team information