Laboratory Experience and Research During a Pandemic 

Most laboratory courses have moved online during the pandemic. The buildings and lab spaces have occupational limits, and you are likely to wonder: How will I be able to get the research experience needed in order to be competitive for graduate school? How will I be able to develop, and demonstrate to a future employer in the industry, the needed skills in laboratory procedures? How do I become ready for medical school applications where research is a significant asset? Should I panic?

First, there is no reason to panic. The Division of Biological Sciences is aware of the situation and its impact on students. We also fully recognize the anxiety it may be causing, on top of all the other ways the pandemic is creating anxiety and uncertainty.

The Division has plans underway to create future opportunities for laboratory experiences that will help students fill in the gaps created by the public health measures taken to stay safe during the pandemic. Currently, some laboratory courses use lab kits delivered to students as part of the course: if you are enrolled in one of those courses, take full advantage of those kits, they provide important laboratory and research skills. But other skills can only be developed in the lab and we are working to create new ways for students to gain the lab and research experiences needed. When conditions allow, students will be informed.

Currently, Independent Research for Academic Credit, provides a way of gaining entry to a laboratory and research experiences. For the purpose of conducting research during the pandemic, focus will be on three central offerings:

• BILD 99 Independent Research, for lower-division students,
• BISP 199 Individual Research for Undergraduates, for upper division students,
• BISP 193 Biology Education Research, for those engaged in Biology science education. Depending upon topic and focus of research, students focusing on Biology Science Education research may be facing fewer disruptions currently.

Visit How to Get Involved in Research During Covid-Times to learn more.