How To Get Research Experience

The major laboratory course for students in Honors Specialization modules offered by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Includes an independent research project supervised by a faculty member; lectures on laboratory safety, biosafety, use of animals in research, scientific integrity; scientific communication (two seminars and a written report).

Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 4483E, Anatomy and Cell Biology 4480E

Prerequisite(s): Microbiology and Immunology 3610F and 3620G with a mark in each of at least 70%, or the former Microbiology and Immunology 3600G with a mark of at least 70%. Enrolment is limited and is available only to students in Year 4 of the Honors Specializations in Microbiology and Immunology and Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity. Students in the Honors Specialization in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity require only one of the following half-courses with a mark of at least 70% as the prerequisite: Biochemistry 3380G, Microbiology and Immunology 3610F or 3620G (or the former Microbiology and Immunology 3600G).
syllabus: 4970E,

Extra Information: 15 hours per week, 1.5 course

The award stipend, provided by the Dean, is $4,500 for a 16-week term, May-August (specific dates to be determined by the faculty member and student). In addition, students receive a minimum of $3,000 matching stipend provided by their Supervisor (faculty member).

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) enable undergraduate students to gain valuable research experience under the supervision of a full-time faculty member.

The award stipend provided by NSERC is $6,000 for a 16-week term, May-August (specific dates to be determined by the faculty member and student). In addition, students receive a minimum of $2,400 supplement, provided by their Supervisor (faculty member).

For frequently asked questions, please visit the NSERC USRA website.

Many BMSc students express an interest in volunteering in research laboratories. At this point, there is no formalized process or best practice in place for finding volunteer positions. Most researchers looking for student volunteers will post the position in Western Connect.

Approaching a researcher directly is similar to applying for a job. Be courteous and well-informed about the "job" or research being performed in the lab. Having an unofficial transcript and a short essay on why you would like to volunteer on hand shows initiative, which may also help when acquiring a volunteer position.

Western’s Work Study program offers an opportunity for students to work part-time on campus in jobs that accommodate their studies. The objectives of the Work Study program are: to assist students in financial need with a regular source of income, offer students training and experience that will assist them in further studies and their eventual entrance into the workforce, and to help staff and faculty. Financial need is determined in a manner similar to the Canada and Ontario Student Loans assessment. It involves assessing the costs of the program the student is registered in, based on advice from our students, and the resources available to them.

Visit the Office of the Registrar for Work Study specific information.