CMB 499: Research Experience
At Grand Valley State University, research, scholarship, and creative activity are central to our mission as an institution of higher learning. In the Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) program, all majors are required to complete 3 credits of research (CMB 499) or an internship (CMB 490) — with the option to take additional credits if desired.
You can complete your project over one or more semesters, depending on your schedule and interests.
How to Get Started with Research
Getting Started
- You can begin research as early as your first year—many students start in their sophomore or junior year.
- To stay on track, plan to finish at least 2 credits of CMB 499 or 490 before the semester you take your Capstone (CMB 495).
Sharing Your Work
- You’ll showcase your findings during the CMB Undergraduate Research Symposium, held the same semester as your Capstone course.
Choosing a Research Experience
You can:
- Join a faculty research lab at Grand Valley, or
- Apply for a research scholarship or internship at another university, company, or institute.
Your faculty advisor can help you plan, but it’s your responsibility to find a research opportunity—so start exploring early! You’ll find your advisor’s name and email in Banner.
Page last modified April 15, 2026