Research for Academic Credit
Frequently Asked Questions

In order to apply for academic credit, a project must be identified. While it is understood that the focus of the project may shift, the student must have a project/plan at the time in which the application is submitted.

Per the UC San Diego General Catalog, research “projects are expected to involve primary, experimental/analytical approaches that augment training in basic biology and that echo the curricular focus of the School of Biological Sciences.” Thus, academic credit projects should involve analysis of biological processes or systems at a molecular, biochemical, cellular, organismal, or ecosystem level. For example, clinical projects focusing on patient interviews or assessment of patient symptoms (or analysis of data obtained from prior such interviews/assessments), human behavior, health management, or evaluation of medical devices or procedures fall outside the scope for academic credit in Biological Sciences.

Students should use the Research Experience & Applied Learning (REAL) Portal to search for opportunities, post their profile, and learn more about opportunities to pursue research.

While not limited to working with faculty affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences, students may review Faculty Research Profiles for information about current research areas.

• Students may enroll in BILD 99 a maximum of three (3) times for a maximum of twelve (12) units.
• Students may enroll in BISP 193 a maximum of five (5) times for a maximum of twenty (20) units.
• Students may enroll in BISP 196 a maximum of three (3) times for a maximum of twelve (12) units.
• Students may enroll in BISP 197 a maximum of three (3) times for a maximum of twelve (12) units.
• Students may enroll in BISP 199 a maximum of five (5) times for a maximum of twenty (20) units.

• 2 units = 60 hours of research over the course of the quarter (approximately 6 hours/week).
• 4 units = 120 hours of research over the course of the quarter (approximately 12 hours/week).

During the academic year, there are no additional registration fees associated with participating in research for academic credit courses besides those assessed based on full-time or part-time enrollment status. Please see Registration Fees for more information.

During the summer, fees are assessed per unit. For example, enrollment in a 4-unit BISP 199 course will result in charges for a 4-unit course. Please see Summer Session Tuition and Fees for more information.

There is no university or school policy that prevents an undergraduate student from earning both academic credit and pay for work conducted in the same laboratory, however this may be viewed as double compensation. It is strongly recommended that the tasks/hours for each type of compensation be separately designated, though it is up to the individual lab. This has been managed by:

• designating one project for academic credit and a separate project for pay.
• requiring that the student complete the minimum hours required for academic credit (2 units = 6 hours/week, 4 units = 12 hours/week) first, and then claim any additional hours for pay.

Students who do not meet minimum qualifications for participation at the time of application, but who anticipate doing so with the inclusion of current quarter units/grades, should apply by the stated deadline. Applications that do not meet minimum qualifications will be placed on hold until the end of the current quarter, when cumulative UC unit total and GPA will be re-evaluated. If minimum criteria are met, the application review process will continue. If minimum criteria are not met, the application will be denied.

• Consult with other academic departments and/or the School of Medicine to determine if the project and proposed instructor of record are eligible.
• Volunteer in the lab, if that is an option.
• Academic Internship Program (AIP) may be another option for academic credit.

Students seeking academic credit for an off-campus internship/research experience should consult with the Academic Internship Program for options.

To earn 199 credit through the School of Biological Sciences, students must meet the requirements and submit the online application by the posted deadline. No exceptions will be made to the deadlines or requirements for BISP 199.

A complete application is required for each quarter of participation, even if the student will be working on the same research project in the same lab. Subsequent applications should indicate how the project has progressed or any changes in the research question(s) or plan.