Getting Started Guide for Undergraduate BIO Research
How Do I Get Started?
Stony Brook's Introductory Biology courses provide foundations in 3 major areas of biology: Neurobiology & Physiology, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, and Ecology & Evolution. Please see the Life Science Department structure in the outline below.
Faculty sponsors are assigned research course sections in BIO 486, BIO 487, or BIO 489 based on their main area of interest. Once you have identified your area of interest, investigate faculty that are conducting research in that area. Please see the Faculty Research Advisors here for more information on potential undergraduate research advisors.
How Do I Contact a Researcher?
When you are ready, contact the faculty members on your list via e-mail one at a time. Introduce yourself in the e-mail; describe the courses you have taken, your grades, your GPA, your major, why and when you’re interested in working with them and request an appointment. If you haven’t received a response to your e-mail in about 2 weeks, follow up with the faculty member and ask if he/she has had the opportunity to consider your request and whether you can set up a meeting. Don’t get discouraged if you are turned down. That’s why you have a list with several names on it. Bring your unofficial transcript and details of any special courses you have taken and any special activities or jobs of interest to your meeting with a potential faculty sponsor.
Will I Need a Project?
Once a faculty sponsor is interested in having you work in his/her lab, you’ll discuss and design a research project with your sponsor.
Will I Get BIO Major Credit?
You can apply up to 4 credits of biology independent research from BIO 486, BIO 487, or BIO 489 towards your BIO BS major, or 2 credits towards your minor. Two consecutive semesters of independent biology research, for a total of at least 4 credits, can replace one upper division laboratory course for the BIO BS.
How Do I Register?
Follow the instructions for BIO research registration forms to register for Bio 486, 487 or 489. The registration form must approved prior to the beginning of the second week of classes each semester.