Research Opportunities
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Independent Research: B M B 496
As a university, Penn State has a vigorous and extensive research enterprise. Faculty are awarded grants by government and private agencies to conduct research in the many academic disciplines within the university structure. Undergraduates who qualify are invited to participate in the on-going research programs of BMB faculty. Typically, between 70 and 80 students are engaged in undergraduate research (496) during the Fall and Spring semesters. Most of these students are juniors and seniors. Participation in undergraduate research requires that an application be submitted which is reviewed by faculty members selected by the student.
Applications must be submitted by the 8th week of classes for 496 positions to be filled the following semester. The deadline for admission to summer and fall semester positions will be the eighth week of the preceding Spring semester.
Hear what students say about their research experiences:
Communities of Practice: B M B 488
B M B 488 Communities of Practice in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology(2 per semester/maximum of 16) The course combines laboratory research in a community of practice and a seminar on topics in science, ethics, and society. Prerequisite: MICRB 201 & 202
Section 001: Antibiotics: Development and Resistance
Is a new experimental course that integrates primary research in antibiotic discovery with a student-driven seminar investigating scientific, societal, and ethical issues associated with antibiotic development and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Participation in section 001 of B M B 488 is application based. Applications are taken the start of every semester.
- Detailed Course Information
- Applications - Fall 2013 semester is full. Applications for Spring 2014 will be accepted in October.
Hear what a student says about this course experience:
Section 002: Genetic Control of Organogenesis
The goal of section 002 of B M B 488 is to provide authentic research experiences to students who are entering the major and to engage students in a community of practice, a group of scientists with varying levels of experience working toward a shared scientific objective. The scientific objective is to identify genes that direct morphogenesis of biological tubes by using RNAi and DIC microscopy to screen a selection of candidate genes for those with defects in morphogenesis of the C. elegans vulva. Students interested in section 002 should contact Dr. Wendy Hanna-Rose.
