Undergraduate Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to participate in undergraduate research but there are no openings in the BMB Department. Is there anything else I can do?

Faculty in other departments and colleges, like Agricultural Sciences and HHD, commonly have research projects in molecular biology. Students from the BMB Department are well-received by these faculty. It may even be possible to register for BMB/Micrb 496 when conducting research in the labs of certain faculty who have a joint appointment in BMB. Otherwise, students register for research in the department of the researcher with whom they are working.

Does the BMB Department have scholarships to award to undergraduates?

The BMB Department awards about 10 department scholarships to its undergraduate students each year. In addition, the Eberly College of Science has a number of awards that circulate to designated departments within the College. Typically, BMB has about 6 of these awards to confer on a yearly basis. Students should think of these as awards, rather than scholarships, as the monies for each award come from the proceeds of endowments established by donors and, in many cases, carry restrictions for potential recipients (particular major, class standing, financial need, etc.).

How do I apply for departmental awards?

There is no application process. Rather, a department committee reviews all students who qualify for the various awards. Award recipients are generally selected at the end of each spring semester and are notified of their selection sometime during the summer months.

I would like to do research in the summer. Is any financial support available?

The BMB Department currently has 3-4 awards that are designated for the support of students who are undertaking research during the summer. These awards are highly competitive, and there is an application process. Interested students should contact the BMB Department office shortly after spring break to obtain application forms.