Faculty of Arts & Science
Biochemistry

Research experience – for pay or course credit!

Calling all students – do you want to work in a Chemistry or Biochemistry research lab next summer?? As a student it is a great way to find out what research is really like, get to know your professors and get hands-on research experience. You can get paid for doing research or get course credit!

Faculty members are looking for students for next summer.

Visit the prof that you are interested in working with NOW, as many grant application deadlines are in JANUARY. These grants can fund your research experience (you get paid to do research) and can help pay for your next year of university.

For more information visit our the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Research Experience webpage or the Biochemistry Research Experience webpage. For a list of Chem & Bchm faculty members, see our Research webpage.

The Department of Biological Sciences Research webpage lists their professors, who may be accepting students to work on research projects.

Other ways to do research:

Independent Study
Honours Thesis
Applied Study
Co-op Education
iGEM
Graduate Studies

Independent Study (IS) (2^nd year or higher)

You can do research in an area that really interests you and get course credit for it.
Independent Study information

IS may be taken for credit inside or outside of the student’s major subject or in an interdisciplinary mode. The course for which credit is earned is an individual study under the supervision of an instructor. Independent studies are offered at the 2000, 3000 and 4000 level and should not duplicate the contents of existing courses.

In Chemistry and Biochemistry, an IS usually involves project in which you contribute to a professor’s research. You’ll be contributing to the advancement of science, learning valuable career skills and having fun doing it.

Admission criteria - consent of the instructor, who agrees to guide the Study, and by approval of the Department and the Dean. Enrollment may be during a regular semester or Summer session. For full details see the UofL Calendar.

Honours Thesis (4^th year)

If you are a motivated student, in you can opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Prerequisites: 4^th year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30. Contact the Department or a faculty member for more information or for full details see the UofL Calendar.

An Honours Thesis is a great springboard into Graduate Studies. It also sets students apart when applying for other programs such as Medicine.

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Applied Studies (2^nd year and up)

An opportunity for students to gain University course credit for volunteer or employment experience. Students must have at least 2^nd year status and a work or volunteer placement related to their academic program. Contact the Coordinator of Applied Studies for specific information or an application form (AH154; tel 403-382-7154).

Co-operative Education & Internships (1^st year and up)

Co-operative Education/Internship Programs formally integrate a student’s academic and career studies on campus with relevant and productive work experience in industry, business or government or here at the university. It is an enrichment of the student’s academic program and in the intellectual, personal and professional development of the student.

Admission criteria includes a minimum 1^st year standing and GPA & academic standing. For a full list see the UofL Calendar or contact the Office of Co-operative Education/Internship Programs (AH154; tel 403-382-7154) email artsci.coop@uleth.ca.

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iGEM – Course # IDST3200A  Genetically Engineered Machines (1^st year and up)

This class is an interdisciplinary approach combining the field of synthetic biology with other disciplines such as computational modelling, design, ethics, management (small business development), and new media, It provides a case-driven learning environment, emphasizing basic training in state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. You will be working with and constructing novel genetic building blocks (biobricks). The team will be organized along the lines of a technology start-up company. Along with developing a genetically engineered machine, students will be involved in developing business/marketing plans and fundraising.

The learning environment supports the UofL’s involvement in the International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) competition. This year the team was the top team in Canada, and made it to the top eight per cent of all teams competing at the International Genetically Engineered Machines competition in Boston, Massachusetts, which wrapped up Monday, Nov. 7, 2011.

The team presented their research about a petrochemical-eating bacteria their group designed and how it could be used to help clean up water in tailings ponds – a byproduct of the bitumen refining process in which water that cannot be recycled is deposited into large ponds to settle.

For more information about iGEM check out the iGEM team page or contact HJ Wieden at hj.wieden@uleth.ca .

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Graduate Studies

If you are thinking about Grad School and are not sure what it involves, visit the Chem or Bchm professor who does research that you are interested in. He/she can answer your questions about Graduate Studies and opportunities available to you with a MSc or PhD.

Funding is provided from the School of Graduate Studies and from your supervisor. Click here for information on Graduate Studies in Chem or Bchm .