 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Research is what drives the generation of new knowledge in the biological sciences. Doing research as an undergraduate student is an excellent way to work on the frontier of the scientific endeavor, and will provide solid research experience that can benefit your future career goals. Undergraduate researchers in the Department of Biology can work on cutting edge research problems and present their results in a number of scientific forums including local, national and international meetings. Additionally, each year many undergraduates publish their results in respected journals, including Texas A&M's Undergraduate Journal of Science, and participate in a Department of Biology Research Competition held each spring semester.
BIOL 291/491 is an independent research course supervised by various faculty members in the department (1-4 credit hours). Different professors have different requirements, but a common guideline is 3 hours per week in the lab for each hour of credit. Based on the information below, students should select their area of interest, download a 291/491 form here or pick up from the Undergraduate Advising Office (107 Butler), and then contact the appropriate professor to schedule a meeting to discuss their options. Upon completion of the form by the supervising professor, the student will return the form to an undergraduate advisor in 107 Butler, who can help determine how it will be used in the student’s degree plan. Up to 8 credit hours may be used as a directed elective. Additional credit hours may be used as general electives.
BIOL 291: For individuals of freshman or sophomore standing.
BIOL 491: For individuals of junior or senior standing.
Opportunities outside of the department
| Labs Available for Independent Research for Fall 2009 | |||
| Faculty | Research Interest | Prerequisites/Requirements | Other information |
|
845-7775 |
Cell and developmental biology of paramecium | Students should have some experience with sterile technique (MICR 351 or equivalent) and basic Mendelian genetics. Students must interview prior to registering. | Students will become experienced in cell culture, individual cell handling, various basic and advanced light microscopic techniques, staining, and data collection and analysis. |
|
847-9239 |
Molecular genetics and genomics of circadian clocks and signaling pathways in fungi. |
Must commit to at least one year of research and must have at least a 3.2 GPA. Each student must have at least 12 hours of time to spend in the lab each semester (this can include nights and weekends too). Students must present a summary of their work in our weekly lab meetings and present a poster at the Biology Undergraduate Research Poster Competition. | |
|
845-2984 |
My lab is developing enzymes for potential bioremediation applications. | Undergraduate researchers have an opportunity to build and screen mutant libraries to identify mutants with novel enzymatic properties. | |
|
845-6626 |
The Carney lab uses the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to identify and characterize genes that regulate reproductive behaviors, particularly genes that function in the nervous system or modulate neural signaling | Undergraduate researchers will be assigned to ongoing research projects in the Carney lab. Students should sign up for 3 hours of research credit and be prepared to spend at least 10 hours in the laboratory each week. |
|
|
845-1625 |
structure and biochemical organization of cells; membrane trafficking. | ||
|
845-7728 |
molecular basis of gene regulation in plants, especially the involvement of chromatin in spatial control of expression and in gene silencing. | Students must be prepared to work 15-20 hr / week (can take up to 3 hr of undergrad credit) | One position would be to learn how Arabidopsis is grown (in planta and in tissue cuture), how to select transgenic plants and detect reporter gene (GUS, GFP) expression. A second would be in an emerging program exploring genes for color and flower morphology in orchids. This will involve orchid tissue culture, gene isolation, transformation and characterization |
|
BSBW 308 |
We study how biological clocks time daily cycles in gene expression, physiology and behavior.l signaling and the regulation of brain development in vertebrates | Undergraduates who can commit at least 12hr/week, plan to attend graduate school, are second semester freshman, sophomores or juniors, and have the drive to finish what they start are welcomed to apply. | |
|
845-9823 |
The Structural Organization of Macromolecules Responsible for Neurotransmitter Secretion During Synaptic Transmission. | I will require a time commitment of at least 10 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters. Those interested in working during the summer are also encouraged to apply. | I am seeking motivated undergraduates to assist with experiments on the structural organization of synaptic vesicle proteins, and the structural physiology of synaptic vesicle release. Work in my laboratory combines biochemistry, electron and light microscopy, and computer science – students with an expertise, background, or interest in any of the above areas are encouraged to apply. I understand that for many students this may be the first time they have worked in a laboratory -the most important criteria I am looking for is a willingness to take the time to learn the techniques. Ultimately, I would like students who are able to take their research and turn it into a senior honors thesis project. |
| Structure and function of the plastid division machinery | |||
|
845-4342 |
Evolutionary biology, especially focusing on sexual selection and male pregnancy in seahorses and pipefishes. | At first, duties include fish care and observation. Students who stay in the lab usually also work in the molecular lab, where duties include PCR, DNA extractions, RNA work, microsatellite analysis and various other molecular techniques. Students usually need to work a minimum of 9 hours per week to make the experience worthwhile. |
We study evolutionary processes by using a variety of techniques that range from mathematics and computational biology to behavioral studies and molecular biology. |
|
845-7784 |
Cell signaling and the regulation of brain development in the zebrafish | Must commit to 12-15 hours per week in lab for two semesters. | Students will gain experience in molecular genetic methods. While you do not need to have experience beforehand, you must have a good attitude and an eagerness to apply yourself to learn new things. |
|
845-7259 |
Molecular genetics and genomics of morphogenesis and pathogenesis in human fungal pathogens. | Students must have a GPA greater 3.2, have taken some biological science classes, and preferably can make a commitment of at least one year. | We are seeking highly motivated and independent sophomores to work on fungal infectious diseases using molecular genetics and microscopy tools. Students will be trained first and then given an independent research project. |
| Endocrinology of growth and reproduction in fish, focusing on pituitary evolution and the regulation of thyroid function | Students should enroll in Biology 491 and expect to spend at least three hours working in the lab for each hour of enrolled credit. | Projects include care and feeding of fish, blood and tissue sampling,ormone analysis, and molecular biological techniques such as RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and PCR. Introductory chemistry, biochemistry, physiology or endocrinology, flexible hours, and a commitment for at least two semesters are preferred. | |
| Factors that regulate the function and development of synapses in the nervous system of various animal species, as revealed by high-resolution imaging, chemical characterization and experimental manipulation of specific synaptic macromolecules and organelles. | Project will be tailored to student's background and goals, but will it require 12-16hrs/week. | undergraduate majors in any of the biological sciences, chemistry, physics, computer science or mathematics are welcome to apply. | |
|
862-4580 |
Ciliogenesis and Intraflagellar Transport in Chlamydomonas and C. elegans | Preference is for students who can spend an average of at least 12 to 15 hours per week in the lab, and take two consecutive semesters of 491 research. | Students will first get training in general laboratory techniques. After essential skills are developed, students will select independent research projects. |
|
845-4302 |
Through genetic analysis of zebrafish embryos, we study early development of the inner ear and other sensory organs of the head. | Students should expect to spend 15-20 hours per week in the lab and be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed. I ask undergraduate students to commit to working at least 2 semesters. | |
|
458-0914 |
evolutionary genetics of mating behavior in freshwater fish | Undergraduates work on projects ranging from molecular population genetics, to laboratory assays of behavior, to field work in central Mexico. | |
|
845-5905 |
Regulation of gene expression; mechanisms of post-transcriptional control; genome-wide analyses of RNA metabolism | Interview | |
|
845-6046 |
vertebrate paleontology and evolution | Students should sign up for 3 or 4 credit hours of 291/491 (9-12 hours in the lab conducting research) | Each student does an independent research project from beginning to end during the semester that involves sorting, identifying, and studying fossil vertebrate specimens. Past students have presented their research projects at research week and at national scientific meetings. |
|
845-7709 |
Investigation of how metabolites are moved between compartments of a plant cell, the physiological roles of different types of plastids and determinants of leaf size. | A commitment of 8-12 hours per week, usually in 3-4 hour segments is required. Completion of Biol 213 strongly encouraged. |
Duties: Students carry out genetic crosses, harvest seed for segregation analyses, conduct PCR-based genotyping, assist with phenotypic screens of plant mutants, and participate in general lab maintenance. Some students have also been involved in mutant screens, gene cloning projects, enzymatic assays and generation of transgenic plants. |
| angiosperm evolution and systematics; origin and differentiation of domesticated species. | |||
Opportunities Outside the Department ILLINOIS SUMMER NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE The ISNI is an intensive, one week program designed to introduce students to neuroscience research, graduate school and the range of potential careers in neuroscience. The institute is organized and led by the Neuroscience Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, and is held on the UIUC campus. The next ISNI will be held from May 26- 29, 2009. The purpose of this program is to recruit a greater diversity of students into neuroscience. We have accepted students from freshman year to two years out of college, from all backgrounds and areas of the country. We particularly encourage applications from students in underrepresented minority groups, and particularly those in their freshman and sophomore years. More information about the ISNI is on our web site:http://neuroscience.illinois.edu/isni/index.html. |
|||
