COSAM Career Services

Undergraduate Research & Special-Study Courses

Many COSAM students gain research experience through special-study courses, including independent study, special problems and honors thesis courses. These courses allow students to work closely with a faculty member on an independent research project or academic investigation.

Special-study courses are completed under faculty supervision and may vary in credit hours depending on the scope of the project and the time required. Some COSAM degree programs require special problems or similar research-based coursework as part of the curriculum. Students should check with their advisor to understand how many special-study hours may count toward major requirements.

Research experiences help students build independence, collaborate with peers, apply classroom knowledge and solve real-world problems. They also provide valuable one-on-one mentorship with faculty members.

Students who are interested in research are encouraged to begin exploring opportunities early in their academic careers. Undergraduate research is especially valuable for students considering graduate school, professional school or careers that involve scientific inquiry, problem solving or technical communication.

Professional Email Etiquette

What to include:

In the subject line – state a brief purpose for emailing the faculty member of interest

Generalized from an email to an AU professor

Subject:  Possible undergraduate research opportunities

Dear Professor X,

I am a Junior majoring in Biomedical Sciences and I am writing to ask about opportunities for undergraduate research in your lab beginning in Fall 2025. I have conducted undergraduate research on (topic) with (names) in (program or class). (Expression of interest in the topic). I would like to continue a path of research on (topic) and would ultimately allow me to (career goal). I am especially interested in your previous work on (describe a paper or talk).

I have attached my CV to this e-mail, but if there is additional information that I have not included that you would like, I would be happy to provide it to you. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Email address  

I am a second-semester sophomore majoring in Genetics, with a deep interest in heretics and their role in infectious diseases. I have been particularly inspired by your research on [specific research topic or paper] and would like to explore the potential of genetics in understanding and combating infectious diseases. I am eager to gain research experience and contribute to the advancements in this field, aiming to pursue graduate studies in the same.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss potential research opportunities in your lab. Would you be available to meet sometime this week or next to discuss your research? I am confident that my dedication, combined with your mentorship, will allow me to develop a strong foundation in genetics research. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your lab. 

How do I access the Career Fair+ platform?

Sign up for Career Fair+ at CareerFairPlus.com or by downloading the app in the App Store or Google Play Store. You can launch your account and search research information in a browser on your laptop/desktop or on the mobile app. We encourage you to utilize the CF+ app on your smart device during the fair experience.

The CF+ profile requires me to enter my GPA. What if I am a freshman or transfer student without an Auburn GPA yet?

Freshmen: If you have not yet completed a semester at Auburn, you do not have an Auburn GPA. Use your high school GPA as it will match the GPA shown on your resume and is the best current representation of your academic performance.

Transfer students: If you have not completed a semester at Auburn yet, you do not have an Auburn GPA. Use the cumulative GPA from your previous institution as it will match the GPA shown on your resume and is the best current representation of your academic performance.

How can I share my resume with research faculty of interest?

For this event, you will be able to access each lab availability in CF+ and hit the "Resume Drop" button on each faculty of interest research opportunity. In doing so, the resume you have as part of your CF+ will be shared with the faculty you have selected. Need help developing or refining your resume? Schedule an appointment with a COSAM Career Coach prior to.

How can I find research based on opportunity types or required qualifications?

  • College | Select any AU college of interest for research
  • COSAM Dept | Select any COSAM department
  • Department | Select any department across campus for research
  • Start Date | Available semester to start research
  • Positions | Paid vs Academic Credit
  • Classification | Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
Current Research Opportunities
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