Getting started in research

I. How to find research opportunities

A. Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)

https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/index.php

1. The OUR has lots of helpful information in getting started in research and also offers an in-person Getting Started in Research Workshop.

2. Steps to find a research opportunity

a. Identify your research interests (OUR pdf handout)

b. How to find a faculty mentor (OUR pdf handout)

1. Browse Faculty Research Database 

2. Browse Biology research web page

c. Read about the research interests of potential faculty mentors

1. Identify primary science literature using PubMed and Web of Science (handout) that potential faculty members have published

d. How to contact a faculty mentor about possible research opportunities (OUR pdf handout)

1. Send email to faculty member

2. Meet with faculty member

II. Types of Research Opportunities

A. There are several different ways to engage in research. Some students volunteer to work in a lab. Others receive academic credit (Biol 399: Independent Study) for their work in the lab. Doing an independent study for course credit involves a more formal arrangement between the student and faculty mentor and involves filling out an Undergraduate Independent Study Contract (handout). Other students receive grants that fund the student to work in the lab or are paid to work in the lab by the grant of the research mentor.

1. Undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences enrolled in a 3-credit hour independent study are eligible for the Undergraduate Research Enhancement Program (UREP).

a. up to $1,000 per student toward materials and supplies

III. Research Funding

A. Info on OUR web page

https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/apply_for_funding/index.php

B. Magellan Funding for all campuses and majors

1. Magellan Scholar: up to $3,000 available to students working with a mentor on any scholarly, research, or creative project

2. Magellan Mini-Grants: up to $1,000 for students working under the guidance of a UofSC faculty, staff or community member on any scholarly, research, or creative project

3. Magellan Voyager: up to $500 for students to travel and share their research at events such as poster sessions, presentations, performances, and screenings

C. Magellan Funding for community-specific individuals

1. Capstone Scholars and Fellows (Magellan Apprentice): up to $1,000 for Capstone Scholars and Capstone Fellows working under the guidance of a UofSC faculty, staff or community member on any scholarly, research, or creative project

2. Early Researchers (Magellan Journey): no mentor or project needed to apply; awardees will work under the guidance of a UofSC faculty; Student eligibility varies by program, includes first- and second-year TRiO Opportunity Scholars, students underrepresented in research, Capstone Scholars, SC Honors College students and Transfer students

3. Galen Health Fellows (Magellan Galen): up to $1,000 for Galen Health Fellows pursuing research, scholarly, and creative activities with a health focus

4. Green Quad and Sustainable Carolina Community (Sustainable Magellan): up to $500 for Green Quad researchers working under the guidance of a UofSC faculty, staff or community member on any scholarly, research, or creative project focusing on a sustainable topic or issue

5. Maxcy Community (Magellan Navigator): up to $1,000 for Maxcy students working under the guidance of a UofSC faculty, staff or community member on any scholarly, research, or creative project

6. Minority STEM Students (SC-AMP): up to $4,000 for underrepresented minority students in STEM majors working with a mentor on a summer research project or funding available for summer research projects abroad

7. Preston Community (Magellan Explorer): up to $500 for current and former Preston residents working under the guidance of a UofSC faculty, staff or community member on any scholarly, research, or creative project

8. Rhodos Fellows (Rhodos Maker Magellan): up to $1,000 for Rhodes Fellows pursuing creative, scholarly, and research activities related to the Rhodos mission in information, design, and computing

9. TRiO Scholars (Magellan Guarantee): up to $1,500 for students and $500 for faculty mentors to support any scholarly, research, or creative project