Research & hands-on learning

Research opportunities

The best way to get involved in research within the Faculty of Science is to connect with a faculty member whose research interests you.

• start by looking at the general research areas on the various departmental websites to identify areas you may be interested in, and faculty who work in those areas
• learn more about the projects a faculty member is working on by visiting their individual research website
• after you have identified a few faculty members you would be interested in working with, reach out via email to share your interest and ask about opportunities to contribute

Your unit adviser may also be able to help you identify research opportunities. 

Research experience courses

Research experience courses are offered by Biochemistry & Microbiology and Chemistry to provide students in second year and above the opportunity to gain research experience by volunteering in a lab. Courses may be for-credit or not-for-credit, depending on what you sign up for, and will show up on your transcript. Students are generally expected to work about 6 hours per week in the lab. 

Directed studies

Directed studies courses offer the opportunity to work individually with a faculty member to study a topic not typically offered and earn credit. Directed studies often takes the form of an independent research project, although not always. If you are interested in this option, begin by speaking to research adviser in your area of interest.

Research awards

A number of different awards exist to provide monetary support for students to participate in research. This funding ranges from supporting a full-time summer research experience to support for a year-long research project to funding for an international research experience or conference presentation. 

Honours

The honours programs provide an opportunity for qualified senior undergraduates learn about their area of study in more depth. Honours programs often involve more upper-level course work, and in all departments except Mathematics & Statistics, honours students will undertake a research project, working closely with a research supervisor. The honours program is recommended for students considering postgraduate work in their subject.

For more information, visit your department website and contact your department's Honours adviser. 

Field schools

Field schools are a great way to get concentrated hands-on learning, while earning credits towards your degree.

• Earth Science Field School (EOS 300)
• Advanced Field Geology (EOS 400) 
• Oceanographic Field School (EOS 401)
• Advanced Topics in Biology: Introduction to Field Techniques in Marine Biology (BIOL 470)

Students in certain programs may also have opportunities to participate in field schools offered outside the Faculty of Science.

Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

A unique research facility on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) offers undegraduate courses in coastal and marine sciences that qualify for credit towards a UVic degree. Students can take summer courses or participate in the fall program. 

Co-op

Co-op programs allow students to alternate working in their field of study for government, industry and academic employers. It's a great way to get valuable experience, make connections with employers and earn some decent money to pay tuition. Every field in science has a co-op program with connections to local, regional, national and international employers.

Here you'll be challenged to learn in new and dynamic ways. It's a great opportunity to sample areas within your field and explore your career options before you graduate.

International exchange

An international exchange allows you to study at a different institution for a term or two, providing an opportunity to travel and experience the world while continuing your studies. UVic has more than 100 partnerships with institutions in 33 countries around the world, from Europe to the South Pacific.