Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)

About

Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) is a four-week intensive training program at the University of Chicago designed to immerse students in the professional research environment of molecular and cell biology. The program utilizes a project-based approach, transitioning from foundational laboratory techniques to advanced applications in genetics, developmental biology, and cancer biology. Students spend the majority of their time "at the bench" in the lab, supplemented by lectures that provide necessary background context for their experiments. Beyond technical skills, participants focus on scientific communication through weekly writing assignments and the maintenance of a detailed lab notebook. The curriculum includes reading original research articles and attending weekly seminars led by University research faculty. The experience culminates in a research forum where students present the findings of their independent projects to their peers and instructors. By the end of the session, students gain the technical proficiency and confidence required to work effectively in a professional research laboratory.

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