Research Experience
Opportunities for BSPS students
The College of Pharmacy is proud to have some of the best scientific researchers in the world. We are the #7 in the nation for research funding.
All BSPS students must complete a research experience with a College of Pharmacy researcher as part of the degree (more details below), but students are also encouraged to pursue research opportunities beyond this requirement.
BSPS Research Requirement Heading link
Study with our researchers in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, or Pharmacy Practice
BSPS students are required to take a total of 3 hours of undergraduate research in a single course, but may earn the credit over multiple semesters. To meet this requirement, students take the Undergraduate Research Experience course in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSCI 300), in Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy (PSOP 300), or in Pharmacy Practice (PMPR 300).
The research experience is conducted under the guidance of a faculty member from one of our three departments. The expectation is that the research projects are presentable at the College of Pharmacy Research Day, the UIC Undergraduate Research Forum, or a local, state, or national forum or meeting.
BSPS students register for the experience through the following steps:
- Students review the current list of participating faculty and their corresponding research interests.
- Students contact the faculty member to inquire about terms of the research project, stated research goals, time commitment, expectations, etc.
- Upon agreement, the student-faculty pairs complete and submit the electronic Independent Study Course form.
- Students register for the appropriate course number (CRN) through Banner.
Other research opportunities for undergraduates Heading link
Students in the BSPS program have many opportunities through UIC and the College of Pharmacy to enhance their research skills and experience.
Undergraduate students who are interested in biomedicine and pharmaceutical sciences research are encouraged to apply to our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program. The SURF program is a 10-week, $5,000 fellowship with a College of Pharmacy faculty mentor that includes lab safety training, research seminars, workshops, career day at a local pharmaceutical company, instructions on how to prepare a scientific presentation, and presentation at a mini-symposium.
UIC undergraduates interested in research are also encouraged to visit UIC Undergraduate Research for the latest opportunities across the university.