NSCI 120: Introductory Scientific Research Challenges

Students in NSCI 120 solve client-based problems that require the discovery or application of scientific knowledge, specifically in the fields of biology and chemistry. Students work in interdisciplinary teams and are involved in shaping their project and implementing the scientific method to find solutions.

BIOC 112: Introductory Biological Research Challenges

Teams of students work on investigative, client-based projects with opportunities to design experiments, analyze data and communicate their findings. This course is recommended for students interested in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology major who have very limited practical laboratory experience.

BIOC 118: Freshman Seminar in Local Biology Research (BCB)

In this 7-week seminar course, freshmen prospective biologists receive an introduction to the excitement of research at Rice and the Medical Center to provide the context with which to think about facts presented in biosciences textbooks. Small groups meet weekly with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher to explore a published research article by a local lab, gaining background information about the subject and exposure to the research techniques. In the final session, the group tours the lab that produced the feature article. This course meets in the second half of the semester and features research in the program of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

EBIO 119: Freshman Biology Seminar (EEB)

In this 5-week seminar course, freshmen prospective biologists receive an introduction to the excitement of research at Rice and the Medical Center to provide the context with which to think about facts presented in biosciences textbooks. Small groups meet weekly with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher to explore a published research article by a local lab, gaining background information about the subject and exposure to the research techniques. In the final session, the group tours the lab that produced the feature article. This course meets in the first half of the semester and features research in the program of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

ESCI 114: Discoveries in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences Seminar

This seminar course provides an overview of exciting discoveries, research and recent advances in earth, environmental and planetary sciences, facilitated through discussions with graduate students and faculty, as well as laboratory visits and demonstrations.

CHEM 110: Freshman Chemistry Seminar

This half-semester course introduces freshmen to chemical research at Rice and in Houston. The course is offered both semesters. Some of the same material is covered in both semesters, although the fall course emphasizes material for students interested in the PhD track towards academic and industrial chemistry careers while the spring semester places greater emphasis on research in the Texas Medical Center for students who plan to pursue the health professions.

ENST 117: Freshman Environmental Seminar

This 7-week seminar course, introduces freshmen prospective environmental science researchers to the excitement of research at Rice and in the broader Houston area and provides context with which to think about facts presented in textbooks. Small groups meet weekly with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher to explore a published research article by a local team of researchers, gaining background information about the subject and exposure to the research techniques. In the final session, the group will tour the lab that produced the feature article.