Undergraduate Research

Many students gain experience in faculty research through special-study courses such as independent study, special problems, or honors thesis. These courses involve independent study and research under the supervision of a faculty member and can vary in length of credit depending on the amount of time needed for the project. 

Many degree programs in COSAM require that students complete special problems as part of the curriculum. Most programs limit the number of special-problems-course hours that can be counted toward satisfaction of the major requirement. Research programs provide you with independence, peer interaction, teamwork, real-life problem solving, use of your basic sciences knowledge, and an opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member. Typically, students start a project early in their academic careers. The experience is extremely valuable particularly if you are planning on attending graduate school. 

Professional Email Etiquette

What to include: 

In the subject line – state a brief purpose for emailing the faculty member of interest 

Generalized from an email to an AU professor 

Subject:  Possible undergraduate research opportunities 

Dear Professor X, 

I am a Junior majoring in Biomedical Sciences and I am writing to ask about opportunities for undergraduate research in your lab beginning in Fall 2025. I have conducted undergraduate research on (topic) with (names) in (program or class). (Expression of interest in the topic). I would like to continue a path of research on (topic) and would ultimately allow me to (career goal). I am especially interested in your previous work on (describe a paper or talk). 

I have attached my CV to this e-mail, but if there is additional information that I have not included that you would like, I would be happy to provide it to you. Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Your Name 
Email address  

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Genetics Research Option:  

I am a second-semester sophomore majoring in Genetics, with a deep interest in heretics and their role in infectious diseases. I have been particularly inspired by your research on [specific research topic or paper] and would like to explore the potential of genetics in understanding and combating infectious diseases. I am eager to gain research experience and contribute to the advancements in this field, aiming to pursue graduate studies in the same. 

I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss potential research opportunities in your lab. Would you be available to meet sometime this week or next to discuss your research? I am confident that my dedication, combined with your mentorship, will allow me to develop a strong foundation in genetics research. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your lab. 

Microlbiology Resume Example

PreHealth Resume Example

Math Resume Example

Biology CV Example

Fall 2024 COSAM Undergraduate Research Resume

HOW DO I ACCESS THE CAREER FAIR+ PLATFORM?

Sign up for Career Fair+ at CareerFairPlus.com or by downloading the app in the App Store or Google Play Store. You can launch your account and search research information in a browser on your laptop/desktop or on the mobile app. We encourage you to utilize the CF+ app on your smart device during the fair experience.

 

THE CF+ PROFILE REQUIRES ME TO ENTER MY GPA. WHAT IF I AM A FRESHMAN OR TRANSFER STUDENT WITHOUT AN AUBURN GPA YET?

Freshmen: If you have not yet completed a semester at Auburn, you do not have an Auburn GPA. Use your high school GPA as it will match the GPA shown on your resume and is the best current representation of your academic performance.

Transfer Students: If you have not completed a semester at Auburn yet, you do not have an Auburn GPA. Use the cumulative GPA from your previous institution as it will match the GPA shown on your resume and is the best current representation of your academic performance.

 

HOW CAN I SHARE MY RESUME WITH RESEARCH FACULTY OF INTEREST?

For this event, you will be able to access each lab availability in CF+ and hit the "Resume Drop" button on each faculty of interest research opportunity. In doing so, the resume you have as part of your CF+ will be shared with the faculty you have selected. Need help developing or refining your resume? Schedule an appointment with a COSAM Career Coach prior to.

 

HOW CAN I FIND RESEARCH BASED ON OPPORTUNITY TYPES OR REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS?

  • College | Select any AU college of interest for research
  • COSAM Dept | Select any COSAM department
  • Department | Select any department across campus for research
  • Start Date | Available semester to start research
  • Positions |  Paid vs Academic Credit
  • Classification | Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior