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School of Biological Sciences School of Biological Sciences
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Gain Experience

Experiential learning opportunities help develop a students skills outside the classroom. We encourage students to delve into areas that are of interest to them and that will complement their academic experiences. 

Abroad

The School of Biological Sciences encourages its students to take advantage of the diverse study abroad opportunities available through the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP), UC San Diego’s Global Seminars (GS), and UC San Diego’s Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP).

Learn more about studying abroad

Internships

Internships allow students to gaining hands-on experiences in real world settings and to learn directly from professionals. These experiences also help student evaluate the professional environments they can see themselves working in after graduation.

Learn more about the Biology Research Internship Program

Research

Research programs within the division allow students to share in on and off-campus lab experiences. Students have an opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects that provide significant contributions to the field. Many of the programs listed below allow students to receive academic credit. Learn more about the benefits of participating and view application deadlines on the research for academic credit page.

Science Communication

There are two exciting opportunities for undergraduate students to develop their scientific and communication skills by producing materials intended to enhance scientific understanding to a wide variety of audiences. 

Participation in these programs is by application. Undergraduate students at any level are welcome to apply. See below for more details. 

BioClock Studio

Students accepted to participate in the BioClock Studio will engage in an innovative course in which undergraduate students, drawn from diverse disciplines across the arts and the sciences, work collaboratively to develop their scientific and communication skills and produce creative educational materials. Students in the BioClock Studio will work with faculty to enhance scientific understanding among different audiences, including the general public, clinicians and researchers outside of circadian biology, and students' academic peers.

Saltman Quarterly

The  Saltman Quarterly Program (SQ) conveys the excitement of science and increases the awareness of and pride in the contributions of undergraduates to biological research in the School of Biological Sciences, UC San Diego and the greater San Diego community. The program started with its cornerstone publication, the Saltman Quarterly Research Journal, and now includes Under the Scope: Proceedings of the Annual Biological Sciences Research Showcase, SQ Online, SQ Insider, and many forms of community outreach. There are opportunities to write, edit, and review both scholarly articles and popular features, get feedback from faculty, and learn what it takes to produce complex and beautifully designed publications and to become effective science communicators in the digital age.

Teaching

Teaching is an invaluable experience. It develops communication and leadership skills, and provides an opportunity to better understand how people learn. Being an undergraduate instructional apprentice allows undergraduates to get to know and work with faculty outside the classroom settings.

Learn more about teaching

UCSD Resources Outside the School of Biological Sciences

The do/bio Center would like to highlight a few key resource centers on campus that provide structured research programs and experiential learning tools. Many of these programs help develop professional skills that are needed in any workforce environment.