Courses

You will earn 6 research credits over 6 weeks, conducting faculty-supervised, hands-on, directed study research projects with results that will culminate in the preparation of a research paper. You will complete a minimum of 240 hours on research in and out of the laboratory.

Faculty mentors will work closely with you to direct your continued growth and knowledge development in the chosen research topic discipline.

• Make sure your courses transfer back for credit with your home school – this is your responsibility.

Choosing Your Research Project

• Review Project titles and descriptions below.
• List 3 (in order of preference) in your Academic Preferences Form, using GLAS as the course code.
• Program is highly individualized, with limited enrollment.
• You will need to complete a brief Literature Review in consultation with your research supervisor prior to departure before the start of the program. More details here.
• We encourage you to contact Arcadia Abroad Academic Advisors, Leah Cieniawa or Richard Evans II, to discuss your particular research interests further.

Requirements of entry to Life Science Projects:

• Eligible students must have ideally completed 2nd year of the Undergraduate Degree, majoring in a Biological Science. A good grasp of written and verbal English is required. A GPA of 3.0 for American Students or a B grade average equivalent. Students having completed their first year of undergraduate studies may be considered for entry, this will be at the course convenors discretion.
• Background knowledge of microbiological, molecular and microscopy techniques is desirable but not essential, training can be provided.

Requirements of entry to Chemistry projects:

• Majoring in Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Applicants should normally have successfully completed their sophomore year.

Requirements of entry to Psychology projects:

• Eligible students must have ideally completed 2nd year of the Undergraduate Degree, majoring in Psychology.
• Students having completed their first year of undergraduate studies may be considered for entry, this will be at the course convenors discretion.

Summer 2026 Research Projects

Mesophiles and Thermophiles in the Urban Environment.

Supervisor: Dr. Sonya Taylor

Microbes are able to colonize natural environments in which wide ranges of temperature, pH or osmolarity are found. Modern domestic and urban environments can present equally challenging conditions and the ability of microbes to exist in these niches can pose potential health risks. The aim of this project is to identify the specific types of microorganisms in various urban environments and their pathogenicity.  The project will use conventional microbiological techniques to sample from a range of urban environments that present thermal challenge and identify mesophilic and thermophilic organisms able to survive and grow in these conditions. The properties of these bacteria will be analysed and identification will be attempted by sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene. Students on the project will develop skills in microbiology and molecular biology.

Relevant Majors: Biological Sciences

Bacteria in freshwater

Supervisor: Dr. Sonya Taylor

Environmental issues with freshwater bacteria include the proliferation of disease-causing pathogens from human and animal waste, as well as the spread of antibiotic resistance genes into the environment, which poses a long-term public health threat. The aim of this project is to characterise the bacteria of faecal origin in a local watercourse, to establish which indicator organisms are present and determine if any are pathogenic to humans. The properties of these bacteria will be analysed using traditional microbiological methods, including growth on selective and differential media, followed by sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene. Students on the project will develop skills in environmental monitoring, microbiology and molecular biology. 

Relevant Majors: Biological Sciences

Using caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for genetic screens

Supervisor: Dr. Sonya Taylor

The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has become one of the most widely used model organisms for nearly every aspect of biology.  Its fully mapped genome and conserved biological pathways allow for powerful genetic screening approaches. The aim of the project will be to screen populations of C. elegans to identify any phenotypic changes that may be biologically interesting and attempt to further characterise the mutants. This will be achieved using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), a mutagen that induces direct mutations in DNA. In addition, C. elegans is an excellent model organism for the study of addiction to compounds such as alcohol and caffeine, and numerous others, areas that you can also develop and investigate during the project. 

Relevant Majors: Biological Sciences

genetic engineering for agriculture in a changing climate

Supervisor: Dr. Sonya Taylor

Microbes are able to colonize natural environments in which wide ranges of temperature, pH or osmolarity are found. Modern domestic and urban environments can present equally challenging conditions and the ability of microbes to exist in these niches can pose potential health risks. The aim of this project is to identify the specific types of microorganisms in various urban environments and their pathogenicity.  The project will use conventional microbiological techniques to sample from a range of urban environments that present thermal challenge and identify mesophilic and thermophilic organisms able to survive and grow in these conditions. The properties of these bacteria will be analysed and identification will be attempted by sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene. Students on the project will develop skills in microbiology and molecular biology.

Relevant Majors: Biological Sciences

Chemistry projects

Participants in the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Chemistry Research projects collaborate with experienced faculty and fellow scholars. The work provides hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation, data analysis techniques, and experimental design, while cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for professional research. All projects offer an exceptional opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific advancement in the following areas:

• Chemical Biology & Organic Synthesis
• Chemical Photonics
• Complex Chemistry
• Energy Conversion & Storage
• Heterogenous Catalysis
• Functional Molecules & Assemblies

Please indicate your area of interest on your Application materials. There are six total spots available.

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