BISC 290 (Introduction to Biological Research) is a 2-unit introductory course for students interested in learning about biological research. It uses a brief interest and enrollment request form; a faculty research sponsor or formal research proposal is not needed to apply. BISC 490 (Directed Research) is faculty-sponsored research for academic credit and retains its separate application requirements. Review the course-specific instructions and FAQ before applying.

Before You Apply

BISC 290 and BISC 490 have different eligibility, application, and course requirements. Review the instructions and FAQ for your intended course before submitting a request.

BISC 290/490 Application Instructions

Compare BISC 290 introductory enrollment and prerequisite-waiver requests with BISC 490 sponsored research, required materials, and deadlines.

BISC 290/490 Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about BISC 290 eligibility and waivers, BISC 490 faculty sponsors, grading, and end-of-semester requirements.

BISC 490 Application Coversheet

BISC 490 applicants must download, complete, and sign the application coversheet and include it with their supporting materials. BISC 290 applicants do not need a coversheet; use the BISC 290 interest form in the submission section below.

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 (BISC 490 Only)

This calculator is for BISC 490 applicants. Transfer courses may satisfy applicable course requirements, but use TR for transferred grades and do not include them when recalculating the science GPA. Include a current STARS report with your application. BISC 290 students provide their cumulative USC GPA and STARS report through the new interest form; no science GPA calculation is required.

Download Science GPA Calculator

For BISC 490 applications only: download the science GPA calculation spreadsheet.

Submit Your Application

BISC 290 – Introduction to Biological Research (2 units): Complete the brief online interest and enrollment request, including academic information, a current STARS report, and any request for a prerequisite waiver. Good academic standing is expected, but there is no published 3.0 GPA cutoff or sophomore-standing restriction for the revised BISC 290 process. A faculty sponsor, coversheet, research proposal, journal article, and science GPA calculation are not required to apply.

BISC 290 application period: Spring 2027
Current status: OPEN

BISC 490 – Directed Research: Combine the completed signed coversheet, research proposal, references, relevant article title page, STARS report, and any required sponsor CV into one PDF. Submit through the existing BISC 490 online form, not by email. Late applications are not accepted.

BISC 490 application period: Spring 2027
Closes: Friday of week 1 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific
Current status: OPEN

BISC 290 Interest & Enrollment Request

Submit the brief BISC 290 interest and enrollment request, including your current STARS report and a prerequisite waiver request if needed. No faculty sponsor or research proposal is required.

BISC 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

BISC 290 requests are reviewed for good academic standing and completion of prerequisites or any requested waiver. BISC 490 applications are reviewed for eligibility, faculty sponsorship, complete supporting materials, and a qualifying research proposal. Approval is not automatic. Approved students will receive registration and any required D-clearance instructions; submitting a form does not enroll you. Submit a new request or application for each semester in which you seek course credit.

Final Research Report Submission

BISC 490: Submit your written final research report to your faculty research sponsor and upload a copy through the form below by the last day of classes. Your sponsor submits your final grade to the Life Sciences Hub by the last day of examinations.

BISC 290: End-of-semester assignments and whether a separate final research report is required for the revised introductory course are being confirmed with the instructor. Follow the instructor’s directions; use the report upload form for BISC 290 only if directed.

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

BISC 290/490 Final Research Report Upload

BISC 490 students: submit the written final report to your sponsor and the Life Sciences Hub. BISC 290 students should follow instructor guidance about any report requirement.

Explore Research Opportunities

BISC 490 applicants seeking a faculty research sponsor can explore laboratories and research areas across the Biological Sciences departments and beyond. BISC 290 students may also explore these resources, although a sponsor is not required to apply for the introductory course.

Research Opportunities

Find faculty interests and available undergraduate research resources.

Before You Continue

Please review the BISC 490 application requirements before proceeding.

  • Confirm you meet the course eligibility and GPA requirements.
  • Complete the appropriate 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