All Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors are encouraged to become affiliated with a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology laboratory early in their undergraduate career through Undergraduate Biochemistry Research (BMB:3993) and Honors Research Practicum (HONR:3994). These courses lead to an independent course, Advanced Undergraduate Biochemistry Research (BMB:4999), which pairs individual students with faculty advisors, providing the opportunity to conduct research in a specific area of interest. Undergraduate research allows Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors to integrate the knowledge they have gained and to take part in the forefront of research.
Getting Started
The best way to get started in research is to review the research interests of the faculty and then contact faculty via email to discuss the possibility of conducting research with them. You may also indicate your interest in conducting research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology by submitting the application for part-time research.
Introductory Level Research
BMB:3993 - Undergraduate Biochemistry Research
This course may be arranged as a tutorial, or as a commitment to experimental work, depending on the desires of the student and the faculty member that they agree to work with. This course may be taken in any year, and has no prerequisites. Consent of the instructor is required, however. In this course, students will gain experience in an active biochemistry and molecular biology research lab, learning and performing experiments or researching a topic relevant to the current projects in that lab.
URES:3994 - Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects
Independent research or pursuit of a creative project under mentorship of a faculty supervisor.
HONR:3994 - Honors Research Practicum
Honors Students are eligible to do research under the Honors Research Practicum course number before they have satisfied the prerequisites for BMB:4999. For more information, please visit the Honors Program website.
Paid Fellowship - Programs
The Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates (ICRU), offers financial support for University of Iowa undergraduates to conduct research with faculty members. Funding is available for the academic year and summer term.
Senior Level Research
BMB:4999 - Advanced Undergraduate Biochemistry Research
In this course, students pursue independent study and research in areas of interest to them. It is extremely important for students to discuss expectations with their instructor before embarking on a project.
Prerequisites include: BMB:3120, BMB:3130, BMB:3140, and BMB:3150 with grades of B- or better and have previous experience in a research course (such as BMB:3993) or lab practicum (such as a HONR:3994, URES:3994, or a summer internship).
Six semester hours of BMB:4999 are required for all B.S. degree candidates and Honors students.
Please click here for information about finding a research mentor and important deadlines.