Microbiology & Cell Science

Supervised Research

Turn your academic curiosity into hands-on research experience

MCB 4911 – Supervised Undergraduate Research at the University of Florida

Gain hands-on microbiology research experience while building the skills and expertise that set University of Florida students apart. Microbiology and Cell Science majors with a UF GPA of 3.0 or higher can register for MCB 4911: Supervised Undergraduate Research to work in state-of-the-art laboratories, receive direct mentorship from UF faculty, and contribute to active research in human health, agricultural biotechnology, environmental microbiology, molecular biology and other areas of applied microbiology. Undergraduate research provides practical laboratory experience, strengthens graduate school and professional school applications, and prepares students for careers in microbiology, biotechnology, life sciences, clinical research and other science-related fields.

Career-Focused Training and Networking

Students can also enroll in MCB 4090 / 6095 Careers for Impact in Microbiology and Cell Science, a course that supports life science career development and professional networking. The course teaches students how to create standout LinkedIn profiles, develop resumes and CVs, prepare tailored application packages, and master interview strategies. Students gain training in leadership skills, work-life balance and career planning. These skills complement undergraduate research experience and provide a competitive edge for graduate certificates in microbiology, M.S. or Ph.D. pathways, and careers in biotechnology, clinical microbiology and research-focused industries.

Finding and Contacting Your Research Mentor

Start by exploring UF Microbiology and Cell Science faculty profiles and research areas to identify labs aligned with your scientific interests. Contact professors via email to introduce yourself, highlight relevant courses or lab experience, and express enthusiasm for their research. Schedule a visit during office hours or over Zoom to discuss opportunities.

Students can also review faculty listings in related departments such as Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Zoology, Horticultural Sciences, Environmental Engineering and Food Science to find labs with complementary research projects. If your first-choice lab cannot accommodate you, ask faculty for referrals to other labs conducting similar research. UF offers one of the largest undergraduate microbiology programs in the United States and provides access to a wide network of faculty mentors, research labs, and online microbiology courses that expand learning beyond the campus laboratory.

Preparing for Success in Undergraduate Research

Faculty may review transcripts to confirm academic preparation. Undergraduate research typically requires a year or more to complete meaningful projects. Sustained participation helps students develop laboratory techniques, critical thinking, data analysis, scientific communication, and project management skills. These competencies are essential for graduate study, professional school, and careers in biotechnology, microbiology research, life sciences and clinical laboratory science.

Best Practices for Contacting Potential Research Mentors

Review lab publications and research goals to understand the focus of the group
Introduce yourself concisely in emails including your major, relevant coursework, and interest in the lab’s projects
Show enthusiasm for the research and mention prior experience with peer-reviewed literature or lab courses
Schedule a meeting to discuss opportunities and ask how to get involved
Avoid generic emails, typos, and overly long messages. Demonstrate curiosity, preparation and attention to detail

MCB 4911 Credit Hours and Registration

Fall and Spring Semesters: 0–3 credits, 1 credit equals 3 hours per week in the lab. Maximum recommended 2 credits per semester for extended engagement
Summer C: 1 credit equals 4 hours per week, maximum 2 credits
Summer A or B: 1 credit equals 6 hours per week, maximum 1 credit per session
Students may register for 0 credit during summer. Fees apply for 1 credit hour
A maximum of 6 undergraduate research credits is allowed for MCB 4911 or equivalent courses from other departments such as BMS 4905, CHM 4905, ZOO 4905, or IDH 4905

Registration Requirements

Must be a Microbiology and Cell Science major
Complete the MCB 4911 Supervised Research Form with your mentor and submit it to the departmental academic advisor before the last day of registration
Registration cannot be processed without the completed form

Next Steps

Engaging in MCB 4911 provides a foundation for graduate certificates in microbiology, M.S. or Ph.D. programs. Undergraduate research at UF equips students with hands-on lab experience, specialized knowledge, and mentorship that help them stand out in biotechnology, clinical microbiology, life sciences and research careers. Explore departmental course offering, research opportunities at UF microbiology and online microbiology courses to advance your academic and professional journey.

Reporting Your Final Grade

Beginning Summer A 2014, students enrolled in research courses will receive S/U grades. Final grades are determined by your lab mentor. At the end of each semester, the department academic advisor will email your mentor to report the final S/U grade. This system ensures consistent evaluation and reflects the University of Florida’s standards for undergraduate research.

Research Opportunities – Mentor Lists

Opportunities for undergraduate research are available through the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science as well as other programs across the University of Florida. Students can explore hands-on laboratory experiences that develop practical skills, strengthen graduate and professional school applications, and prepare for careers in microbiology, biotechnology, life sciences, and clinical research.

Registration Forms

MCB 4915

This course is restricted to Microbiology and Cell Science majors enrolled in the CALS Honors Program only. All policies, expectations, and procedures are identical to MCB 4911 except for the course number and form.

MCB 6905

This course and its registration form are restricted to Microbiology and Cell Science majors enrolled in the Combined Degree Program as well as graduate students in Microbiology and Cell Science. Policies and procedures are consistent with MCB 4911, with the exception of the course number and form.

Policies for MCB 4905 – Individual Study

MCB 4905 allows students to pursue a specialized topic outside of supervised research. Learning objectives are customized to the student’s chosen area of study.

Credit Hours: 1–3 credits. Students are expected to devote a minimum of three hours per week of actual work for each credit in which they are enrolled
Students may enroll in a total of 6 credit hours of MCB 4905 during their undergraduate study at UF
Time expectations and requirements should be discussed with the faculty adviser and documented on the MCB 4905 Individual Study Contract Form
The final letter grade is assigned by the individual study supervisor. The department academic advisor will contact the supervisor via email to report the final grade

These courses provide structured pathways for undergraduates to gain hands-on laboratory experience, develop specialized skills, and contribute to meaningful research projects. Participation strengthens applications for graduate certificates, M.S. or Ph.D. programs, and prepares students for careers in microbiology, biotechnology, life sciences, and clinical research.