Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry

The opportunity to participate in research represents an important part of the undergraduate experience at a major research university such as The Ohio State University.  For more general information on undergraduate research as information on Forums for presenting their work, Research Funding Opportunities, Resources, and Networks between Faculty and Students with similar research interests, see the website for the Undergraduate Research Office.

Several exciting research opportunities are available for both OSU as well as non-OSU students and for Biochemistry majors and non-majors are available within the Department of Biochemistry.  Information on various programs is available below: 

EARLY EXPERIENCE PROGRAM:

As a way to assist primarily first and second year students enrolled at The Ohio State University to choose a major, two new Honors courses have been developed as part of the University's "Early Experience Program".  These courses, designated Biochemistry H200 and H201, expose some of our brightest students to the “hot” and emerging research areas and topics in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology.  Biochemistry H200, offered during Winter Quarter,  includes presentations on research trends and subjects by many of the faculty in the Department and includes “excursions” to research labs, instrument facilities here at Ohio State, Battelle Memorial Research Institute, and other interesting places for the students to get to know.  Biochemistry H201, which is offered during Spring Quarter provides students with the opportunity to become engaged in individual research experiences in some of our laboratories. For more information, contact Prof. Jennifer Ottesen at ottesen.1@osu.edu.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH and INDEPENDENT STUDIES PROGRAMS:

The faculty of the Department of Biochemistry encourage undergraduates, particularly Biochemistry majors, to conduct at least one quarter of independent studies (Biochemistry 693) or undergraduate research (Biochemistry 699). An "Independent Studies" activity is more flexible and could include an arranged learning experience in a special topic in biochemistry, an extensive research paper, or other independent learning activities beyond a normal classroom-based course setting. "Undergradute Research" involves the student's active participation in a research experience in a faculty member's laboratory. Usually, the student is assigned his or her own small research project and then conducts laboratory experiments which address a specific scientific question. Students learn how to design experiments, obtain scientific data, and to interpret that data in a way to provide answers to the research question. A research experience is a great way to interact closely with some of the top research scientists in the world. Past participants have uniformly commented on how research makes the classroom material much more relevant and more meaningful.  It also is an excellent way to prepare for graduate school, professional school, or getting a biochemistry-related job directly after graduation.  Because a faculty member gets to know you and your capabilities much better than from a classroom setting alone, stronger and more personalized letters of recommendation often result.

HONORS RESEARCH AND THE SENIOR HONORS THESIS:

Advanced majors have the option to enroll in Biochemistry H783, which involves a written thesis. To find out more about this program, contact the Undergraduate Honors Advisor.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES (REU) PROGRAM:

The Departments of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at the Ohio State University will host a Research Experience for Undergraduates sponsored by The National Science Foundation during the summer.  This program is intended primarily  for students not currently enrolled at The Ohio State University but for those interested in conducting research during the summer at this university. The official program dates are June 9 through August 8th, 2008. The application deadline is March 1, 2008. For further information see NSF REU Program at The Ohio State University

SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAM:

The Department provides an intensive summer research experience for highly qualified biochemistry majors enrolled at The Ohio State University called the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP).  This ten-week research experience also includes a handsome stipend. Applications are accepted beginning March 1st for the following summer program with a deadline of April 15th.