Although Columbia University does not currently offer undergraduate degrees in computational biology or systems biology, opportunities exist for talented and motivated undergraduate students to spend a summer working in a Department of Systems Biology laboratory. Particularly if you are considering going to graduate school, working in a lab is a great way to get hands-on experience doing research, and to learn more about scientific fields that interest you. You do not need to be a Columbia University student to participate in our summer programs; students come from other colleges in New York City and from other parts of the country to do internships with us.

The Columbia University Department of Systems Biology has relationships with two programs that are designed to provide research opportunities for undergraduates. Follow the links to learn more about them, and how to apply.

ICBP Summer Internship Program

Columbia University’s Center for Multiscale Analysis of Genomic and Cellular Networks (MAGNet) is one of 12 National Centers for Cancer Systems Biology, and we participate in the NCI Integrated Cancer Biology Program’s (ICBP) Summer Internship Program. This program offers opportunities for college sophomores, juniors, and seniors to spend a summer working in laboratories doing cancer research.

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Cancer Systems Biology Brochure

The ICBP has created a brochure that details the research interests of the various Centers for Cancer Systems Biology, gives examples of key publications, and provides links to systems biology-related resources on the web. If you are interested in systems biology, it’s a great resource to start learning about some programs in the field. 

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Summer Program for Under-Represented Students (SPURS)

SPURS is a program based at Columbia University that awards fellowships to undergraduates from diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, giving the opportunity to spend a summer working in a Columbia laboratory. Students gain knowledge about biology and biomedical research, as well as valuable experience designing experiments, making presentations and posters, and participating in journal clubs and seminars.

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