This summer Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers students the chance to take credit courses and academic short courses reflecting the ground-breaking research being conducted in our state of-the-art facilities. Summer camps and pre-college programs allow today’s youth — and tomorrow’s leaders — to explore and begin to develop their passions and interests. Find out where you fit in!
“I’ve been involved in research at RPI since my freshman year, working in a lab in the biology department. It’s great because I get the opportunity to learn, firsthand, techniques that are only taught in upper-level or graduate courses.”
Experience the satisfaction of taking new ideas, make them work, and discover something unknown.
Getting Started With Undergraduate Research
Students get involved in undergraduate student a few different ways.
Through undergraduate research programs
Through fellowships and grants
Through class
Approaching individual faculty members
You may chose one or more of these approaches. Let's talk a bit more about each.
Undergraduate Research Programs
Otherwise known as the URP, Rensselaer's Undergraduate Research Program is a campus-wide approach to research. Students can research for class credit or for funding.
Fellowship and Grants
Here are some of the specific undergraduate fellowships and grants available through the School of Science.
Cancer Cell Biology
Biomedical Research
Physical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Geology
Research in Class
All the science departments have undergraduate classes that focus on research.
Astr 2940 and 4940: Special Projects in Astronomy
Bcbp 2900: Research in Biochemistry/Biophysics
Bcbp 4990: Senior Research Thesis
Biol 2900: Research in Biology
Biol 2980: Biomedical Research
Biol 4060: Cancer Cell Research
Biol 4070: Principles of Research Culminating Experience
Biol 4080: Principles of Research
Biol 4990: Senior Research Thesis
Chem 2940: Special Projects in Chemistry
Chem 2950: Undergraduate Research
Chem 4950: Senior Experience
Chem 4990: Senior Thesis
Csci 4960: Topics in Computer Science
Erth 4960: Topics in Geology
Math 2960 and 4960: Topics in Mathematics
Math 4590: Senior Research
Math 4980: Undergraduate Project in Mathematics
Phys 2940: Special Projects in Physics
Phys 2990: Thesis
Phys 4370: Research Participation
Individual Faculty Members
Students can also familiarize themselves with the research done in their department by talking to individual faculty members. Many faculty members accept undergraduates in their labs. Students should talk to their professors and advisors about the research opportunities available to them.
