Opportunities for research through independent study are available for the motivated student.

Research Opportunities

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program

Students can apply to the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) for other opportunities. Faculty from various departments within the College of Letters & Science have designed research projects in which students can participate. Consult the website for further information on the program and enrollment.

List of IB Projects through URAP

Undergraduate Research at Berkeley

Consult this website for a comprehensive listing of undergraduate research, funding, and other opportunities at Cal.

 

Independent Study

A student can accumulate up to a maximum of 16 units of Independent Study towards the bachelor's degree.

Enrollment in Independent Study is restricted to 4 units in a given semester. Check with the College of Letters & Science for further restrictions.

• Freshmen and sophomores with a GPA of 3.4 or higher, are eligible to pursue IB 99, Independent Study for 13 units.
• Juniors and seniors who have completed at least 60 units and a GPA of at least 2.0 may pursue IB 199, IB 198, or IB 197.
  • IB 198 is Independent Study conducted in a group. This course may be repeated for credit and can be taken of a pass/no pass basis.
  • IB 197 is Independent Study conducted in an off-campus location.
• The student must seek a faculty sponsor to supervise the Independent Study.

Choosing a Faculty Sponsor
To gain approval for doing research for credit, students should contact the faculty member with similar research interests to sponsor the project. Consult the Faculty Research Interests guide.

To Register for Independent Study

1. Contact an IB Faculty member to sponsor you
2. Complete an application for Independent Study
3. Return the completed application to the Undergraduate Student Services Office
4. The Undergraduate Student Services Office will provide you with a course control number to enable you to register for the units.

 

Other Opportunities

• Biology Scholars Program
• McNair Scholars Program

Summer Research Opportunities Program for Minority Undergraduates

A program of the Graduate Division which was established to promote access to graduate education among undergraduates who have been educationally or economically disadvantaged.

The program offers internships in the biological sciences for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Consult their website for program details.

Career Center

The Career Center maintains an Internship Directory and provides workshops and seminars on finding internships.

 

Volunteering

Health-Related Volunteer Positions:

• The Student Health Services in the Tang Center runs the Health Promotion Services, which coordinates a wide range of educational and outreach activities.
  
• Contact the Berkeley Free Clinic for volunteer opportunities. They are always seeking assistance.
  
• Check local hospitals and clinics. Contact agencies like the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association for opportunites.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities:

• Cal Corps
• Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program
• YWCA at Berkeley
• Berkeley Natural History Museums
• Check other programs and departments across campus, such as the School of Education, School of Public Health, and Berkeley Optometry

 

Teaching and Tutoring

Undergraduate Student Instructor (UGSI)
Students interested in assisting in a course they have already taken may enroll in units as an undergraduate instructor.

Upon instructor approval, the student can sign up for IB 194 (UGSI for IB courses). Application forms are available in the Undergraduate Student Affairs Office, 2033 VLSB.

Tutor for credit in local schools
Check the bulletin board on the first floor of Tolman Hall outside the School of Education Student Services Office for listings.

College of Letters & Science

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program

Undergraduate Research at Berkeley