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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. Biology

Undergraduate Research in Biology

Involvement in undergraduate research can be one of the highlights of your college career, increasing your chances of reaching your career goals and helping you get into graduate and professional schools. Students who have conducted research with biology faculty have traveled globally, have presented their work at local, regional, national, and international meetings, and have led to student co-authored publications in such prestigious journals.

Undergraduate research is not like other courses. Typically, students are working on research projects in which the faculty member has a vested interest, and thus selection is competitive and not guaranteed. Faculty members look for students who are motivated, interested in the subject matter, punctual, and well-organized. Some faculty members look at the students' performance in their biology classes. Many faculty members give preference to students who are staying at Penn State Altoona for four years and/or who are willing to do research for more than one semester. Students who perform undergraduate research in biology typically sign up for Biol 296 or Biol 496 (Independent Study).

To learn more about research opportunities in biology, visit the biology faculty page to examine the research interests of biology faculty members and the qualifications needed for working in their labs. Once you have identified with whom you hope to work, make an appointment with the faculty member to discuss your interests. Keep in mind that opportunities are limited.

Summer research is also a possibility. The Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences offers Summer Undergraduate Research Grants of up to $1500. To obtain one of these grants, students must submit a proposal with a faculty member, usually in March.

The expectations for students that are chosen for undergraduate research vary and should be discussed with the faculty member. In most cases, three to four lab work hours are expected per week for each credit hour.

Undergraduate research is also possible external to Penn State Altoona. Many institutions offer undergraduate research and internship opportunities, especially in the summer. Of special note is Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) opportunities funded by the National Science Foundation. These opportunities can be found at institutions across the country, and admission is competitive.

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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

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See Also

  • Penn State's Biology Minor
  • Health Care Professions Information
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Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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