Undergraduate Student Research

Imagine being involved in leading-edge research into affordable solar energy, or the development of new materials that fight bacteria. You can enhance your educational experience by getting involved with high-level research projects being conducted by your own professors.

As an engineering student at a research-intensive university like the U of A, you are at a distinct advantage. Many engineering professors are not only dedicated teachers, but also world-leading researchers. As an undergraduate engineering student you have opportunities to take on research-based courses for credit. You'll be required to work with a professor on a project, and may have to submit a report for a final grade.

Getting hands-on experience conducting research means drawing on all of your coursework and putting it into practice in a research setting. Conducting research means applying the lessons you've learned in the classroom and going beyond what's in your textbooks. It means being part of new discoveries.

Looking for undergraduate research opportunities?

As a student in the Faculty of Engineering, you have access to two funding programs that support undergraduate research in our faculty members' research labs.

The Dean's Research Awards support a 40-hour research project over the course of one or two academic terms. Participants (over 50 to 100 per year) receive a $1,000 bursary and compete for the K. Sabol Memorial Award.

The NSERC USRA Awards support a 16-week full-time, intensive research project. These awards can be held in the summer (traditional) or in a non-academic term (co-op).