Biology Research/ Special Studies

The Biology Department highly encourages students to conduct research during their undergraduate career. Undergraduates can enroll in special studies courses (BIOL299, 495, 497, and 597) which offer the opportunity for undergraduates to work alongside SDSU faculty and their students while earning credit toward their degree. Undergraduates also can conduct research within other departments at SDSU, or even off campus, with approval from the Biology Vice Chair. 

For each research experience, you are required to have a lab/faculty sponsor to participate. Information on finding a lab/faculty sponsor can be found here Links to an external site..

Some things to keep in mind:

  1. The maximum units of Biol 299 that can be applied to your degree is 4 units, these units are not applicable to upper division major requirements. 
  2. The maximum units between Biol 495 and/or 497 that can be applied to your major is 6 units.
  3. 1 unit of Biol 495 or 497 is equivalent to approximately 50 hours per semester in the lab (i.e. 3 units per semester ~ 9.4hrs of lab work for each of the 16 weeks in the semester).
  4. Only Biology 495 or 497 may be applied to your major (Biology 299 can not be applied to the major but the units count towards the 120 minimum units required for the baccalaureate degree).
  5. Biology 495 and 497 must be taken for a letter grade.

To request approval to enroll in BIOL 299, 495, or 497, please use the imbedded form below or access the enrollment form here Links to an external site.. 

Please note: You will be required to sign into your SDSU Google account to view this form.