Experiential Learning

Four walls can’t contain an entire education. That’s why, at Richmond, most students extend their educations by participating in experiential learning opportunities. They’re the chance to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world, either via research, an internship or studying abroad.

Internships

Most biology students want to see firsthand how their love of science will translate into a rewarding career. Internships are an excellent vehicle to do just that. There are many internships available to biology majors through the department’s referral program. Infinitely more are available to students who proactively seek out experiences that will affirm their interests and goals. Recent biology majors at Richmond have completed OB/GYN observations, newborn nursery observations, emergency room observations, and interned with large animal veterinary clinics and the National Resource Research Center.

Students can take Biology 388 to receive credit for their internship experience. To receive credit, the student must work a minimum of 70 hours per semester and meet weekly with the biology internship advisor. At those meetings, additional readings and papers may be assigned. For credit to be considered, all students must submit an internship proposal, and upon completion of the internship, they must write a biological research paper related to their work experience. Students who would like to complete an internship should contact the department’s internship advisor early, and be sure that they have read the internship guidelines. Students can also always opt to complete an internship without receiving university credit.

To research biological internships you might enjoy, visit the Career Development Center.

Study Abroad

Many science students worry that studying abroad will make it difficult to fulfill all their science requirements and graduate with their class. The University of Richmond prides itself on helping students find study abroad programs that allow them to experience another culture while still taking classes that meet the requirements of their academic major. Many biology majors choose to take advantage of the study abroad programs offered through the Pre-Health Studies Program since they were specifically developed for students who didn’t want to fall behind in the sciences while studying overseas.

For information on studying abroad, visit the Office of International Education.