UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Undergraduate Research Centers

The Undergraduate Research Centers (URC) assist students in the humanities and social sciences (2211 Campbell Hall, 310-825-2935) and in the life and physical sciences (2121 Life Sciences, 310-794-4227) by supporting scholarly, critical, and creative research. The centers provide mentoring and tutorials, house the Student Research Program (SRP), and administer stipends and scholarships. They also sponsor student research groups and two student-run publications--the Undergraduate Science Journal and Westwind, A Journal of Undergraduate Research and Writing ; organize campuswide conferences and events; and coordinate the Summer Research Institute (SRI), which promotes a broader and deeper understanding of university research and helps entry-level student researchers define their place in the larger research community. See http://www.college.ucla.
edu/ugresearch/index.html.

Student Research Program

Housed in each Undergraduate Research Center, the Student Research Program offers undergraduates, especially lower division and first-year transfer students, opportunities to become actively involved in the University research community. Working with faculty members on research projects, SRP students gain valuable research training and experience, as well as preparation for advanced undergraduate work and graduate school. Students enroll in Honors Collegium 99 and receive 1 unit of course credit for each 50 hours of research completed during the quarter. See http://www.college.ucla.edu/ugresearch/srp.html.

Research Stipends

Undergraduate Research Development Stipend (URDS) awards are available on a competitive basis and by application for undergraduate students who have financial need and who want to participate in two terms of research through SRP. The commitment to the SRP project is for Winter and Spring Quarters, and stipends are set at $1,000 per term. Applications are accepted during Fall Quarter only, and the deadline for submission of applications is late November.

Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) offers scholarships from foundations, industry, and individual donors to continuing students (junior-level standing and higher) with financial need. Applicants must have a strong commitment to research and must complete an honors thesis or a comprehensive independent studies project during the senior year. Applications are accepted during Spring Quarter only.

Academic Research Courses

All academic departments offer undergraduate research courses that allow students to obtain academic credit for their research experiences. Students enrolled in the courses are often upper division students with Student Research Program experience. Department requirements for credit vary, but all departments require a research proposal to enroll in independent studies and a research report to receive credit when the research project is completed. Senior students working toward honors or highest honors in many majors must complete a two-term (or more) research project that culminates in an honors thesis. Arrangements must be made with a faculty mentor before students can register for the course. See the undergraduate adviser in the department of interest for more information.

Center for Academic and Research Excellence

The Center for Academic and Research Excellence (CARE) provides enrichment opportunities for students majoring in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics who seek careers in scientific research and teaching and whose success through graduate training will increase the numbers of historically underrepresented individuals in academic and technological fields. CARE offers a variety of research opportunities during the academic year and summer that provides students the financial support to dedicate themselves to research. CARE programs, many sponsored by grants through federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), are for UCLA students as well as students from other universities. Offices are in 2121 Life Sciences. See http://www.care.ucla.edu .