Program Structure

Lab Rotations

MBURP students are required to do two laboratory rotations over the course of the Spring Semester. Laboratory rotations permit students to gain familiarity with several different laboratories, not only to learn concepts and techniques, but also to select a laboratory to continue their research following completion of the program.

6-week rotations with faculty members in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology fields
~5-10 hours/week working on a research project
Learn about various experimental techniques and data analysis

Workshops

MBURP students are also required to attend 2 professional development workshops on topics such as:

Reading scientific papers
Careers in STEM
Applying for a UROP

Applying for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Once students have officially joined a lab, they will begin working on a research project. They will apply to fund this project through the University of Minnesota's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and present their findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Application

The application will require a 1-2 page personal statement. We encourage students to include information regarding:

Scientific interests
Career goals
Personal life experiences and how these have shaped you into the individual you are.
How your personal experiences have influenced your goals and academic journey.

Students will also be required to submit their unofficial transcript demonstrating current enrollment or completion of BIOL 1951, CHEM 1081.

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for MBURP?

All first-and-second year students are welcome to apply with preference given to first-generation students.

Do I qualify as a first-generation student?

Undergraduate students are considered first-generation college students if neither parent has completed a 4-year college or university degree. More information on who will be considered a first-generation applicant can be found here.

When is the application deadline?

Applications will open in the fall and be due December 16th.

Is there a GPA requirement for MBURP?

There is no minimum GPA. A GPA of 3.0 or higher from undergraduate coursework is recommended, but all applications that qualify in other requirements will be considered.

When do I get a faculty mentor?

First, MBURP participants will complete rotations in laboratories through the Spring semester during which they will work with different mentors. After these 2 rotations end in May, participants will choose which of these mentors they would like to continue working with.

How long are the lab rotations?

Each rotation will last 6 weeks.

When are the lab rotations?

The lab rotations occur during Spring Semester.

Will the rotations occur during Spring Break?

No, MBURP students are not required to go to lab during Spring Break.

How many hours per week will I work in the lab during my rotations?

MBURP participants are expected to work a maximum of 10 hours each week during their rotations in each lab.

How will the funds be delivered?

Payment is sent as a scholarship to your student financial aid account.

Can I apply for MBURP if I have already joined a lab?

No, MBURP is designed to assist students who do not have any research experience.

Can I receive academic credits for participating in MBURP?

No. Students may not receive any credits for directed research while participating in MBURP. You may earn academic credit after completing MBURP.

Information for Students