Experiential Learning Opportunities for Biology Students
Click on a topic below for links to experiential learning opportunities and support resources.
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 Computational Biology and Bioinformatics information and affiliated faculty members information and affiliated faculty members
Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology information and affiliated faculty members
Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology information and 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
AAMC MD-PhD focused 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
UT Health Program
Princeton University SURP in Molecular and Quantitative & Computational Biology
UT Southwestern SURP 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
CNS Strategies for Getting Involved in Undergraduate Research
CNS Summer Research Opportunities Resources
CNS Funding for Undergraduate Research
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 College of Natural Sciences offers weekly drop-in advising/consultation each week in Painter Hall 3.04 for students who would like to discuss strategies for getting involved in experiential learning activities and connecting with CNS and campus resources. The list below is a sample of opportunities and is not exhaustive.
- Opportunities
CNS Career Services Search Tools for Jobs and Internships
HireUTexas
RISE Research Internships in Science and Engineering
USAJOBS - Site for Federal Employment Listings
Built in ATX Job Forum
- Resources
CNS Career Services Guide for Biology
CNS Course Credit Options for Internships
Study Abroad
MNS 352D: Field Experience in Marine BotanyMNS 352D: Field Experience in Marine Botany
Study Abroad by Major Guides - Biology
Entrepreneurship
CNS students can engage in entrepreneurial activities both in and out of the classroom. The College of Natural Sciences offers weekly drop-in advising/consultation for CNS students seeking opportunities.
CNS Inventors Program
Startup Science
Bridging Disciplines Programs - Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship Resources Across Campus
UT Startup Ecosystem
Other Activities
Science Sprints
If you're interested in "doing science" and are looking for a shorter-term way to be involved, try out a Science Sprint! Science Sprints are one-day intensive, fun events bringing interdisciplinary teams of 10-25 undergraduates together to work on a meaningful science problem. All CNS majors are welcome.
Science Sprint Topics and Registration Information
iGEM
The International Genetically Engineered Machine competition (iGEM) is the premiere undergraduate Synthetic Biology competition.
UT Austin's iGEM team information
