Experiential Learning Opportunities

Building experience and knowledge

Participating in undergraduate research is a valuable experience for students, regardless of the career paths you are contemplating.

There are many opportunities to get involved:

  • You can decide to volunteer in one of our research groups. As a volunteer you have the flexibility to schedule your work around your other commitments while getting to know research and people of the hosting lab and building first research skills.

  • You may elect to enrol in an experiential learning class or independent research project course, such as PHYL 3600. With a little more time commitment, you can earn credit points for your research efforts.

  • You can carry out your Honours Research in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics. Our faculty have successfully mentored students enrolled in several undergraduate programs including, but not limited to, Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, Biology, and Biochemistry.

  • You may want to apply for an undergraduate research award to carry out paid research during the summer: Tri-council Undergraduate Student Research Awards: students can apply online for these awards as per the attached guidelines [PDF – 163 KB]. All applications will be received by the Medicine Research Development Office.  The deadline for submission is January 26th, 2024, before 11:59pm.

Finding a Supervisor

Regardless of your involvement, the first step you need to take is to find a supervisor who is interested in overseeing your work. Below, you will find a list of faculty members in the department of Physiology & Biophysics who welcome inquiries from undergraduate students. Based on your interests, you can email a potential supervisor and discuss whether a suitable opportunity is available.

View Potential Supervisors [PDF - 100 KB]

Contacting Your Potential Supervisor

Want to make a good first impression? Please see below for some handy tips on how to best go about crafting your first e-mail. 

How to Contact a Potential Supervisor - First E-mail Tips and Tricks [PDF - 133 KB]