BISC 290 (Introduction to Biological Research) and BISC 490 (Directed Research) offer eligible students the opportunity to pursue faculty-supervised biological research for academic credit. Review the shared instructions and FAQ before you apply; each course has its own application coversheet.

Before You Apply

Read the application instructions for the full requirements and research proposal guidance. The FAQ addresses common questions about eligibility, research, approval, and grades.

BISC 290/490 Application Instructions

Course prerequisites, faculty sponsors, research proposal, required attachments, file naming, and submission deadline.

BISC 290/490 Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to nine common questions, including eligibility, qualifying projects and final reports.

Choose Your Application Form

Download the one-page application coversheet for your intended course. Review the Application Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions before applying, and include the completed, signed coversheet with your supporting materials in one PDF.

BISC 290 Application Coversheet (PDF)

Download the updated one-page BISC 290 coversheet. Complete and sign it, then include it with your research proposal and other required attachments.

BISC 490 Application Coversheet (PDF)

Download the updated one-page BISC 490 coversheet. Complete and sign it, then include it with your research proposal and other required attachments.

Science GPA Calculator

Transfer coursework may satisfy listed course requirements, but mark its grade as TR and do not include transferred grades in the science GPA recalculation. Include your current STARS report in the application.

Download Science GPA Calculator

Download the spreadsheet to help with the science GPA portion of your application.

Submit Your Completed Application

Combine your signed application, at-least-one-page double-spaced research proposal, reference list, relevant article title page, STARS report, and any required faculty sponsor CV into one PDF. Applications are accepted only through the online form, not by email. We encourage early submission; to treat all applicants equitably, late applications are not accepted.

Application period: Spring 2027
Opens: TBD
Closes: Friday of week 1, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific
Current Status: CLOSED

BISC 290/490 Application Upload

Submit your complete signed PDF during the published application window. Filename: Last Name, First Name (SponsorLastName)_SemesterYear.pdf.

After Your Application Is Reviewed

The application is checked for eligibility and completion, and qualifying proposals are reviewed for approval. This is not a competitive selection process for applicants who meet the stated requirements. Approved students receive an email with D-clearance instructions and can register for the course. A new application is required for each semester of research-for-credit enrollment, even when you continue working with the same sponsor.

Final Research Report Submission

By the last day of classes, you must give your written final research report to your faculty sponsor and submit a copy through the form below for Life Sciences Hub tracking. Your sponsor submits your final grade to Linda Bazilian by the last day of exams. Both steps are required to complete the grading process.

Report submission period: Fall 2026
Deadline: Last day of classes
Current Status: CLOSED

BISC 290/490 Final Research Report Upload

Submit your written final report to the Life Sciences Hub and provide the same report to your faculty sponsor by the last day of classes.

Explore Research Opportunities

Still looking for a faculty sponsor? Explore laboratories and research areas across the four Biological Sciences departments and beyond.

Research Opportunities

Find faculty interests and available undergraduate research resources.

Before You Continue

Please review the BISC 290/490 application requirements before proceeding.

  • Confirm you meet the course eligibility and GPA requirements.
  • Complete the appropriate BISC 290 or BISC 490 coversheet and obtain all required signatures.
  • Include your research proposal (at least one full double-spaced page), references, a relevant journal article title page, your STARS report, and your sponsor’s CV if required.
  • Submit all required documents together as one PDF. Applications are due by 12:00 p.m. Pacific on Friday of week one; late applications cannot be accepted.
Read Application Instructions