Course Description:
This DeCal introduces students to UC Berkeley’s diverse research landscape and provides the tools to navigate academia in a low-pressure setting. Many students feel pressured to get involved in research without fully understanding the various pathways available. This course bridges that gap by exposing students to different research fields—quantitative, wet lab, fieldwork, and more—while offering practical guidance on securing research positions.

Students will network with researchers, hear from guest speakers across disciplines, and gain hands-on experience through workshops on writing cold emails, building research relationships, and landing positions.

Our goal is to make research accessible to all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, by providing the knowledge and connections needed to confidently step into academia.

We highly encourage Freshmen, Sophomores, and Junior transfers to enroll!

Course Grading:
This is a Pass/No Pass course. The guidelines for a Pass grade are:
No more than two unexcused absences
Participation (active engagement in activities and discussions)

✅ Search "Unlocking Research Opportunities" on CalCentral ✅ Look up MCELLBI 98 ✅ Auto-enroll by entering Class Code: 23214 Students will be granted enrollment on a first come, first serve basis.