Undergraduate Research (UGR) is a three-course series that allows students to get hands-on experience in a field of their choice. This is a student-led class where students have control over what they do, how they do it, and who they work with. Despite there only being three sections in the catalog, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, students have the liberty to choose any field with STEM for their projects. In the fall quarter, the class meets once a week for a seminar where potential mentors discuss their fields of study and projects students could collaborate and to take on. At the end of the quarter, students will pick a project and a mentor they would like to work with. 

The winter quarter is dedicated to creating a proposal for their chosen projects and working out the logistics necessary to complete their projects. Spring quarter is when most students conduct their experiments and work on their projects. Finally, by early June, all results of the experiments will be presented in a final symposium that is open to the public. This is a unique experience that gives students the opportunity to gain  practical experience in a field of research that interests them. Having undergraduate research experience can make an application stand-out when transferring to a four year university, especially for those looking to enter into a graduate program. For those not looking to continue with higher education, student-led courses like these are exceptional for developing soft skills that are required for nearly every workplace.

If any SPSCC students are interested in participating in the 2024-2025 year for UGR, you can enroll now for the fall quarter, or attend the first meeting in the fall quarter (Friday, Sep. 27, 12:40 pm – 3:30 pm, in Building 35- Room 252 unless otherwise stated).