UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science (COMPASS)
The UCLA COMPASS Research Training Program is designed to prepare undergraduate students (both continuing UCLA students and transfer students) for careers in regenerative medicine with a commitment to addressing the workforce and healthcare needs of California’s varied demographics. By combining hands-on research opportunities with foundational coursework in stem cell biology, and strategic and structured research and mentorship experiences, this program provides students the opportunity to explore a variety of ways in which their research skills can be applied towards improving human health through career paths in stem cell research. COMPASS is a statewide initiative funded by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).
Biomedical Research Minor (BRM)
BRM was designed to make laboratory research a core part of the scientific curriculum as early as the first year of college. Independent research is complemented by coursework that develops important skills such as critical thinking, analysis of research literature and data presentation. In addition, an ethics and social science component trains students to recognize the political, social and philosophical issues facing science today. The UCLA Minor in Biomedical Research was made possible by generous support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. First year students are encouraged to apply!
UCLA Pre-Medical Enrichment Program (PREP)
UCLA PREP aims to provide premedical students that experienced any form of social, economic, or educational disadvantage with the means to strengthen their ability and readiness to study medicine. Full participation in the PREP program allows participants to enhance their chances of being accepted to medical school and succeeding once there.
UCLA Sports Medicine Internship Program (SMIP)
SMIP is a professional development program designed to provide undergraduate students interested in sports medicine a unique opportunity to work first hand with UCLA Sports Medicine staff, physicians, and student-athletes. The SMIP provides an interactive work experience that includes a comprehensive education program and exposure to athletic injuries, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic rehabilitation, injury prevention, and observation of team physicians. Student interns will learn how to recognize, evaluate, and effectively treat a wide variety of athletic injuries including non-orthopedic issues. With supervision from certified athletic trainers, physicians, and physical therapists, the student intern will gain knowledge of treatment concepts and rehabilitation philosophies designed to fit the needs of the UCLA student-athletes. This internship is suited for those interested in athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, or other health related careers.