BIOL UN2600 - Introductory Independent Biological Research

Introduction to the course

BIOL UN2600 -Independent study is an opportunity for full-time undergraduates in the College, SEAS and GS interested in laboratory research to share in the work of an ongoing research program in our Department or in a comparable laboratory elsewhere in the university. Projects should address a specific biological problem. Clinical projects are not allowed. While most projects are laboratory-based, computational projects that address specific biological issues are allowed. Laboratories and projects are approved at the beginning of the course after review of registration materials, but Prof. Prywes can be consulted beforehand.

This course differs from UN3500 in that it does not have prerequisites, does not require attendance at recitations, is graded P-D-F, and is graded solely by the sponsoring lab head.  In addition, only 3 credits is allowed, which corresponds to 12 hours or more in the lab per week.

The grade is based on regular attendance in the laboratory, a demonstrable understanding of the underlying question being asked by the research, and a clear report on the work accomplished. The grade is determined by the lab sponsor.

A. Finding a Research Sponsor

Lab heads may be contacted at the Morningside, Manhattanville and Medical School campuses. Research should address a specific biological problem. Clinical, behavioral and engineering research is generally not allowed.

B. How to Register (3 steps)

You must complete the following steps to register for UN2600. Note that you have to register with the Registrar, as for any other class, AND you have to register with the Department, which requires completion of ALL THREE STUDENT TASKS, listed below, in a timely manner.

1. University registration. Register for UN2600 with the Registrar.  Register for UN2600 with the Registrar. Only 3 credits is offered which corresponds to 12 hours or more lab work per week
2. Departmental registration. Fill out the online questionnaire indicating your lab head and project title. (Tuesday, Sept. 15 for Fall 2026; Jan. 26 for Spring 2027). No late registration will be accepted.
3. Sponsor’s Approval Letter.  Make sure your sponsor has sent an approval letter to Ellie Siddens (see below) by the deadline for departmental registration (Tuesday, Sept. 15 for Fall 2026; Jan. 26 for Spring 2027).

C. Sponsor's Approval Letter

Ask your sponsor to write a letter by email to Ellie Siddens ([email protected]), 1) confirming that s/he will supervise your work in their lab, 2) describing in a brief paragraph the work you will be doing, and 3) that they understand that they are taking on the responsibility of mentoring you and that they will provide a grade for your overall performance during finals period. The deadline is the same as for on-line registration (see dates in Courseworks). Note that the sponsor must be a faculty member, not a postdoctoral fellow or research associate, though a lab member may be designated for day-to-day supervision during the semester.

D. Sponsor's Grade

Your sponsor submits a grade for the semester, based on your laboratory work and any other assignments they provide.

All grades are Pass/Fail for this course. 

E. Academic Credit for UN2600 

UN2600 cannot be used to fulfill an elective or laboratory requirement for the biology major. UN2600 can count towards the 124 points needed for graduation.

F. Salaried Work is Not Allowed

Note that one cannot receive academic credit for salaried lab work, nor for unpaid work that was done before you registered for UN2600.

G. Lab safety. 

Research laboratories contain equipment and chemicals that can be dangerous if used improperly. If you are working with radiation or animals, you will be required to complete specific training by the university. You should take seriously the risks involved in laboratory research and make yourself aware of proper laboratory procedures. It's a good idea to read through one of the on-line manuals of laboratory safety that may be found on the Laboratory Safety page at the SURF site.