Research and work experience allows our undergraduate students to translate their learning to real-world settings, build relationships with scientists at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and beyond, and develop critical professional skills. The department offers a number of opportunities for undergraduate research and work:
- Through the Science Co-op program, which integrates coursework with relevant, supervised, and paid work experience, students may be placed in microbiology and immunology industries for on-the-job learning. By working in academic labs, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, or government, healthcare, and non-profit sectors, students gain hands-on experience in areas such as clinical research, bioinformatics, and microbial testing operations. Former placements include:
- STEMCELL Technologies
- BC Cancer Research Centre
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation
- Directed Studies offers a credit-based opportunity for students to work on a microbiology, immunology, or virology project in a research lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Through directed studies, students gain formal research experience, meet regularly with their faculty research advisor, and communicate their findings in a thesis and oral exam.
- The Work-Learn program supports and subsidizes meaningful part-time work experiences for UBC students. Work-Learn placements provide students flexible opportunities to work in a research lab with hours that complement their class schedule.
- Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) awards provide financial support for students working full-time in a grant-funded research lab during the summer.
- Our Undergraduate Research Opportunities Canvas page provides further information and resources.