Knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology is generated by doing research to understand organisms at the molecular level. By studying the structures, functions, dynamics, and interactions of biological molecules, researchers generate insights about how living things function and contribute to the development of medicines, food, and fuel, among other biological innovations. Students who major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are a part of this because conducting research is built into the BCMB major. BCMB majors complete 8 credits of research (4 credits each for BCMB 4960R and BCMB 4970R), usually by joining a faculty member’s lab, to carry out independent research and prepare a journal-style manuscript describing their results. BCMB majors can also choose to complete this requirement through these alternatives: Vertically Integrated Projects Research (VIPR 3602, 3603, 4602, 4603) Research on Bioprocess Technology (BCMB 4030L) Honors students may elect to complete BCMB 4990H as an Honors Thesis. Standard Research Courses Students who major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are required to complete 8 credits of research. Most BCMB majors meet this requirement by doing internship-style research in a faculty member’s lab, earning 4 credits of research each semester over two semesters (BCMB 4960R and 4970R). BCMB 4960R requires little or no previous laboratory experience, but completing some coursework in both biology and chemistry is recommended. For instructions on how to approach faculty about doing research with them, click here. For more details about this experience, see 4960R Complete Description Spring 2026. Once you have identified a faculty member to advise you in research and confirmed plans with them, register by clicking here. As part of this requirement, students are expected to write two journal article-style research reports, one for BCMB 4960R and another for BCMB 4970R. For instructions on how to approach writing the report, click here. Vertically Integrated Projects Research Teams BCMB majors may choose to complete their research requirement as part of an undergraduate research team. The overarching goal of Vertically Integrated Projects Research (VIPR) is for students to engage in team-based research in faculty labs in collaboration with other undergraduate researchers, faculty mentors, graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and faculty collaborators. Students can learn more about the research teams led by BCMB faculty on the VIPR website. VIPR credits that count toward the BCMB research requirement include: VIPR 3602 – 2 credits VIPR 3603 – 3 credits VIPR 4602 – 2 credits VIPR 4603 – 3 credits BCMB majors starting research with a VIPR team should register for VIPR 3602 or 3603. Those continuing with their team in subsequent semesters should register for VIPR 4602 or 4603. Each of these credits can be completed multiple times if students choose to do additional research. BCMB majors can fulfill their 8 credit research requirement by completing combinations of VIPR 3000 and 4000 level credits. BCMB majors who participate in team-based research are still expected to write two journal article-style research reports, one after completing 4 credits of research and the other after completing 8 credits of research. For instructions on how to approach writing the report, click here. Independent Research on Bioprocess Technology In place of BCMB 4960R, BCMB majors may initially apply to enroll in BCMB 4030L (4 credits), Independent Research on Bioprocess Technology. This is a one semester course that can be completed once and count toward meeting the BCMB research requirement. After successful completion of BCMB4030L, the student then takes one (or more) semesters of BCMB 4960R/4970R in the laboratory of a faculty member and carries out a new independent research project. This course is designed for students intending to pursue careers in industry research. This course is not appropriate for those with pre-health intentions. Interested students should email Dr. Jeff Rapp (jrapp@uga.edu) with a description of their career plans in order to be considered for this course.
