CUREs

The College of Integrative Science's CURE program is a key component of our goals to allow students to pursue and experience varied modes of inquiry, to increase access to hands-on, real world research, and to promote connections between the life and physical sciences and the social sciences, arts and humanities. This integrative and interdisciplinary emphasis on research in education will lead to a new generation of scientists who will think broadly and develop creative solutions to the challenges facing humanity. 

What is a CURE course?

• Defined as a course with a Course-based undergraduate research experience
• Curriculum-integrated research: Students engage in authentic research as part of a regular course.
• Accessible to all: Unlike traditional research apprenticeships, CUREs are designed to include students regardless of prior experience.
• Collaborative learning: Often involves teamwork, peer feedback, and shared inquiry.

Core Features

• Authenticity: Involves real-world research questions and data.
• Discovery: Students generate novel findings and investigate questions with outcomes unknown to both students and instructor.
• Scientific practices: Emphasizes skills like data analysis, literature review, and experimental design including replication as part of the process.
• Iteration: Students refine methods, analyze data, and revise hypotheses—just like professional researchers.
• Collaboration: Encourages teamwork and peer learning.
• Communication: Promotes students disseminating findings through writing and presentation of posters, papers, or seminars.
• Broad Relevance: Research topics often have real-world or community significance that contribute to scientific knowledge or community needs.

Why are CURE courses so important?

• Promotes equity: Expands access to research experiences for all students.
• Boosts engagement: Increases student motivation and interest in STEM fields.
• Improves retention: Linked to higher persistence of undergraduate students in science majors.
• Develops critical thinking: Encourages deeper analysis and problem-solving.
• Builds confidence: Helps students see themselves as future scientists and researchers.