Getting Started
Research has always been a big part of the undergraduate experience at Caltech. In fact, today it is one of the main reasons why students choose to come to Caltech. If you are thinking about getting involved in research--it's a great idea!
By participating in research you can:
- explore various research areas and gain a better understanding of your academic field;
- establish important relationships with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students;
- clarify your academic and career interests and add an important experience to your portfolio;
- can improve upon your scientific communication skills;
- learn new research techniques and methodologies;
- and, most of all, possibly make an original contribution to a discipline.
Undergraduate research also support Caltech's broader institutional goals and the goals of our core curriculum.
Institutional Learning Outcomes
The Institute aims for these educational outcomes for undergraduates:
- Graduates can analyze, synthesize, and communicate ideas.
- Graduates demonstrate integrity, personal and professional responsibility, and respect for others.
- Bachelor of Science graduates can identify, analyze, and solve challenging problems within and across science and engineering disciplines.
- Bachelor of Science graduates can apply their analytic skills to other areas of knowledge and understand issues important in our society.
Undergraduate Research Learning Outcomes
Through their participation in undergraduate research, students will be able to:
- Develop a research question, problem, or design;
- Apply basic principles and knowledge found in the literature related to the research question;
- Develop a research proposal to address or resolve a specific research question or problem;
- Apply and evaluate methodology throughout the project;
- Collect, interpret, and critique data to resolve a research question or evaluate a design;
- Communicate research findings; and
- Appreciate what the process of scientific research entails.
Core Curriculum Learning Outcomes
Caltech's core curriculum provides:
Substantive experience in problem solving, collaboration, and communication.
Students will be able to:
- Manage increasing academic challenges while developing resilience and confidence.
- Develop and satisfy their intellectual curiosity.
- Collaborate effectively and ethically, recognizing diverse models of academic collaboration.
- Communicate to a range of audiences through a variety of media.
A broad and rigorous foundation in the sciences.
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of foundational concepts from the sciences.
- Use disciplinary thinking, analytical skills, and a range of methods in the sciences.
- Apply their knowledge and skills to diverse problems within and across disciplines.
Significant study in the humanities and social sciences.
Students will be able to:
- Explore and expand upon learning in fields beyond intended areas of specialization.
- Appreciate and understand the contributions of the humanities, social sciences, and arts to human endeavors.
- Engage in informed analysis of cultural, political, and economic issues.
These are just a few of the reasons why doing research as an undergraduate is so important. We invite you to review the programs we offer, look at our hints for getting started, and use all of the resources provided on this page. You can do it! The first step in getting started is identifying research areas of interest and potential research mentors. The resources on this page are designed to help you get started and navigate the process of finding a mentor.