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Oct 23, 2026
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BIOL 2229 - Independent Summer Research
Credits: 3
Catalog Description
The Independent Research Summer Program (IRSP) is a multidisciplinary initiative where students explore scientific research in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, biochemistry, developmental biology, microbiology, ecology, plant sciences, and/or other fields of student/faculty interest. IRSP includes 1 week of research literature training and orientation conducted by ARCC faculty and 10 weeks of laboratory or field research under the guidance of both a University of Minnesota faculty mentor and an ARCC faculty mentor. Students earn 3 semester credits upon successful completion of their research experience assessed by an oral and/or written presentation of their work. Participating students are highly encouraged to present their work at institutional, regional, or national research showcases or meetings. ARCC is committed to an inclusive and equitable learning environment and encourages students of diverse backgrounds to apply.
Prerequisite(s) (must have a grade of C or better): BIOL 1106 , one other BIOL course, and permission of instructor
Additional fee to student: No
Learner Outcomes
- Search, read, and synthesize the most relevant research data from scientific journal articles pertaining to student research projects.
- Propose a research project hypothesis in collaboration with research mentors, after appropriate relevant scientific literature background analysis and review.
- Demonstrate essential and cutting-edge laboratory or field research skills that allow investigation and production of scientific data designed to address the proposed hypothesis.
- Apply the scientific method in the context of gathered research data to accept or reject the research project hypothesis.
- Engage in meaningful peer review discussions designed to promote student learning through exchange of ideas and presentation of data, collaborating to address potential setbacks and experimental design difficulties.
- Present research data, and/or research articles pertinent to research projects, and/or significant research discoveries to peers and faculty.
- Develop scientific writing skills in the preferred style and format of scientific journals.
- Articulate research project data and findings to wider science and/or non-science audiences through production of a poster or oral presentation.
Major Areas of Course Content
- Scientific literature data searches
- Scientific literature literacy pertinent to current research projects
- Bioethics and practice of starting and maintaining a Laboratory or Field Notebook
- UMN campus (or UMN affiliated partner institution) laboratory or field research site orientation and required safety training
- Review and assessment of research background information, demonstrating the underlying scientific principles of research projects
- Bi-weekly mentorship and advising on research projects and leading data peer-review at a University or affiliated campus/location
- Training in specific scientific research techniques (Ex: PCR, mass spectrometry, etc.) and data analysis relevant to specific research projects by University of Minnesota staff/faculty or ARCC staff/faculty
- Review and assessment of small research thesis papers, posters, and/oral presentations at the conclusion of the research projects
Credit for Prior Learning Options
No credit for prior learning option is available for this course.
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