COMPLETE YOUR REQUIRED SAFETY TRAININGS
UCLA Policy 906 : Undergraduate Researcher Laboratory Safety applies to all UCLA undergraduate researchers.
UCLA recognizes that undergraduate students participating in research projects may not have the scientific background, technical knowledge, or practical experience to engage safely in all research activities. As a result, additional safety requirements are necessary for some research activities and other activities that involve highly hazardous materials and/or conditions are prohibited.
Review the policy at your earliest convenience and consult with your lab’s Principal Investigator about what safety trainings you are required to complete prior to beginning your research activities.
APPLY FOR RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Various departments across the university offer research programs that provide academic, financial, and professional support for student researchers. The Undergraduate Research Center – Sciences currently offers ten programs ranging from one quarter to two years, with scholarships ranging from $300-$21,000 per student. The URC-Sciences awards $800,000+ in undergraduate research scholarships annually! Browse our current programs under the “Programs and Scholarships” tab in the main menu bar.
Other departments you should check with for research programs and scholarships are:
- Your major’s department
- Your faculty mentor’s department (if different from your major’s department)
- Your advising unit (AAP, CAC, Honors, Athletics, Engineering)
- UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Center for Scholarships & Scholar Enrichment (formerly Scholarship Resource Center)
ENROLL IN AN SRP-99 COURSE TO RECEIVE COURSE CREDIT
The Student Research Program (SRP) assists undergraduates in formalizing their research experience and joining the university research community. Enrolling in an SRP-99 course allows undergraduates to receive university credit for engaging in research experiences under the supervision of a UCLA faculty. SRP-99 courses are particularly suited for entry-level research experiences for lower-division and first-quarter transfer students.
All SRP-99 courses are administered by the Undergraduate Research Centers. For more information, visit the SRP-99 webpage.
ENROLL IN AN UPPER DIVISION RESEARCH COURSE
Many departments offer upper division tutorial courses. Upper-division tutorials (numbered 196–199) offer advanced opportunities for research through faculty-supervised apprenticeships as well as honors research, directed research, and senior projects. Courses are structured by the instructor and student at the time they are initiated and are open to juniors (with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average in the major field) and seniors.
These courses are considered a “next step” in undergraduate research. It is very common for juniors and seniors to enroll in these courses after completing one to three quarters of SRP-99 with their faculty mentor.
Upper division tutorial courses are administered by academic departments, not the Undergraduate Research Centers. Specific course rules, grading, policies, and prerequisites vary by department. For more information on these courses, contact a department counselor or Student Affairs Officer (SAO) in your faculty mentor’s department.
LEARNING-ALIGNED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (LAEP)
The Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) is an academic year research work study program for students in all majors to work with UCLA Faculty. LAEP is a state-funded work study program for California residents with financial need. Each position is fully funded through work study and does not require financial support by the faculty. Students can check their LAEP eligibility through UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships. After joining a lab, eligible students should notify their faculty that they are eligible for LAEP funding. The faculty will then initiate the process to hire the student. Students conducting research in the David Geffen School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, and School of Nursing are not eligible for LAEP funding.
REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH A UCLA HEALTH SCIENCES FACULTY OR STAFF
The UCLA Health Sciences Volunteer Program provides on-boarding and clearances for invited students and other eligible individuals to participate in laboratory-based assignments, clinical research/quality improvement projects, administrative projects, and/or educational endeavored volunteer programs.
All students working with a UCLA Health Sciences Faculty or Staff are required to register. The Health Sciences Volunteer Program does not recruit students for research opportunities. Students must be invited by a Health Sciences Faculty or Staff prior to registration and participation in research activities.
JOIN A STUDENT RESEARCH ORGANIZATION/CLUB
Visit the Student Organizations, Leadership, & Engagement (SOLE) website. There are over one hundred registered student organizations involved in research!