Division of Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences Scholars Program

The Division of Biological Sciences Scholars Program (BSSP) is designed to give students the opportunity to pursue their interests as part of a smaller community of scholars.  The program connects students to the resources of a large university, but also provides an intimate collegiate atmosphere where students work closely with peers and professors in small group settings, research laboratories, and special programs and activities.  The BSSP provides challenging intellectual and leadership opportunities for academically excelling undergraduates majoring in the Biological Sciences.

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Committed to promoting excellence in scholarship, service and leadership among Bio Sciences Scholars and the UCSD community.

BSSP is a learning community dedicated to providing undergraduate students:

  • support for student transition to UCSD and the DoBS
  • exploration of issues and opportunities in the sciences and professions
  • understanding of the diversity of UCSD and the field of science
  • opportunities to enhance leadership skills
  • guidance to resources to assist students on their science journey

Program Components

The Biological Sciences Scholars Program will support students in their transition to campus life and introduce them to campus resources; it will provide opportunities for getting involved in campus activities and events; it will allow students to develop leadership skills; and, it will prepare them for post-graduate opportunities and careers.

  • Special Academic and co-curricular Enrichment and Opportunities
  • Exclusive mentoring and Academic Advising
  • Community Service and Leadership Opportunities
  • Networking and socializing

Eligibility/Criteria

  • Participation in the program is via invitation only. Regents Scholars and high achieving high school students will be given priority.
  • Scholars must maintain a 3.7 GPA to continue with the program.

Specific Program Components

Special Academic and co-curricular enrichment opportunities
Academic Opportunities
Freshman

  • Phage Genomics Research Initiative; an exciting and innovative opportunity for freshmen to acquire hands-on research experience. Not offered 2011-12 due to faculty sabbatical.
  • Volunteer opportunities in faculty labs
  • Biology Honors Seminar (BILD 96): provides an opportunity to meet with Biology faculty and fellow scholars once per week to explore the academic life and educational opportunities in the division and university.
  • Introduction to Research Seminar: develops library research and information literacy skills

Sophomore

  • Research opportunities for lower division students (BILD 99)
  • Applying for competitive scholarships such as Goldwater, Churchill, Rhodes, etc.

Junior

  • Research opportunities for upper division students (BISP 199)
  • Help in identifying labs and apply for senior honors thesis program (BISP 196)

Senior

  • Continue research via the Senior Honors Research Program; graduate with distinction noted on transcript
  • Participation in the annual Spring quarter Biological Sciences Research Showcase
  • Special recognition at the annual Senior Reception  

Co-Currucular Enrichment Opportunities

Mentoring/Advising
Advising will allow students to:

  • explore academic and career goals
  • understand prerequisites, requirements, and expectations of scientific academic programs and careers
  • identify appropriate internship, volunteer, and research opportunities
  • identify valuable resources you can use on your science journey
  • supplement information students receive from other advising professionals

Faculty Mentoring

  • provide academic and career advice
  • provide support and advice with matching students with research labs
  • coaching for becoming a competitive applicant for prestigious scholarships such as Goldwater, Churchill, Rhodes, etc.

Staff Academic Advisor: Andrea O'Donnell

  • provide support and guidance throughout a student's undergraduate career in the Biological Sciences.

Peer Mentoring (under development)

Community Service and Leadership Opportunities

Networking and Socializing Opportunities

  • Connect to the Biological Sciences community; meet the faculty and fellow students via fall reception.
  • Visits to museums
  • Visits to zoo/wild animal park
  • various other opportunities

Calendar of Events 2011-12

Fall 2011:

  • BILD 96- Scholars seminar-Dr. French- Mondays 3:00-5:00pm
  • October 13- Fall reception (12pm-1pm)- Pacific Hall 3500
  • TBA

Winter 2012:

  • BILD 96- Scholar seminar part II (Research opportunities)
  • TBA

Spring 2012:

  • TBA