Most scientists are not allowed to work on research projects until they are in graduate school. This is like not allowing anyone to play basketball until they have first memorized and recited all the rules of the game to everyone’s satisfaction! Why not just shoot some baskets and learn from there?
Research is the fun part about studying biology — ask any professor! Several of our core classes require a research project meaning students can begin conducting experiments as soon as their second semester of classes. Students are given the option of choosing their research topic, which range anywhere from bioprospecting for medicinal products from microbes and plants to the development of a biodiesel production system from algae. They are guided by their professor throughout the duration of the project, allowing them to ask questions as needed and to gain insight on how scientists get their answers to research questions.
This biotechnology course (BITC1471) is a career-builder for students trying to figure out what they want to do in the life sciences, and it is a unique opportunity to directly learn how science works in the laboratory. Aside from gaining valuable hands-on experience, students will also have the opportunity to continue their undergraduate research at the University of Texas at Austin while they finish their bachelor’s degree if they wish. ACC and the University of Texas at Austin have an agreement that ACC students who take BITC1471 are permitted to join UT students participating in the Freshman Research Initiative at the Texas Institute for Discovery Education in Science upon transfer to UT-Austin.
The best way to learn basketball is to get out on the court and shoot some hoops, and the best way to learn biology is to get into the laboratory and start asking questions.
Offered spring semesters at RRC. BITC1471.