Participating in research activities fosters critical thinking skills, prepares students for the workforce and helps them decide whether or not to include research in their academic and professional careers. Lab and field work is an asset for any student and is particularly important for those interested in graduate school.
Opportunities
All biology students are encouraged to participate in the research programs of biology faculty members. Students will learn how the process of science really works and valuable research techniques, and get to know their professors.
Majors are required to complete a research experience as part of their program of study, which can be fulfilled by conducting research on campus under faculty supervision or off campus through our internship program. Lab and field work is an asset for any graduate, and it is particularly important for students interested in graduate school.
Students engaged in research can get academic credit for their work, or they may receive a stipend or support through a number of programs. Many of our students present their research at regional or national conferences and at USD's Creative Collaborations, which is an annual conference showcasing USD student-faculty joint research.
Courses
Students engaged in research can get academic credit for their work, or they may receive a stipend or scholarship support through a number of programs.
BIOL 309
Research Methods
BIOL 490
Research Project
BIOL 491
Science and the Public Domain
BIOL 496
Research
BIOL 498
Research Internship
Paid research opportunities
To conduct research for pay, review the options below and choose an appropriate paid opportunity in consultation with your faculty mentor.
Showcases
Creative Collaborations Undergraduate Research Conference
Creative Collaborations Undergraduate Research Conference (CC URC) showcases undergraduate research, scholarly activities and creative works from all disciplines conducted in partnership with faculty mentors. The high-quality work of our students reflects the intellectual curiosity of our undergraduate students, the outstanding abilities of the research mentors, as well as USD's commitment to academic excellence and experiential learning opportunities.
Many of the students who participate in Creative Collaborations also publish their work in academic journals and present their projects at regional, national and international conferences. Participating in research activities fosters critical thinking skills, prepares students for the 21st century workforce and helps them decide whether or not to include research in their academic and professional careers.
For details on research registration, students should go to the Office of Undergraduate Research.