Getting Started

The School of Natural Sciences offers several courses designed to introduce first-year students to research happening on campus and in Houston, including in the Medical Center. 

Learn more about our freshman research courses. 

There are many research opportunities for Natural Sciences undergrads on and off campus, and there are many different ways to find a research opportunity. Many Natural Sciences departments advertise research and job opportunities on mailing lists for undergraduate students, but you don't have to wait for opportunities to be advertised — if you have an idea of the type of research you are interested in, department websites are great sources of information on faculty research topics. 

You've found a few groups that you are interested in learning more about. You may be wondering how to reach out to faculty members.

Here are some tips for contacting a potential advisor.

All departments in Natural Sciences offer courses that give credit for undergraduate research, although each department has a different process and requirements for enrolling. 

Learn more about registering for research course credit.

Summer is a great time to participate in research at Rice or elsewhere since you will have uninterrupted time without the distraction of a full course load.

Learn more about opportunities to participate in research during the summer.