FAQ Index
- How many oppoprtunites are there to apply each year?
- Is UROP a vacation program?
- Is anyone from any university eligible to apply?
- I am not studying biomedical sciences - can I still apply?
- How much time would I have to make available for UROP?
- What are the hours of work?
- How long do the placements last?
- Is UROP looking for participants with exceptional academic results or is interest in research more crucial?
- Does the participant choose the research area or laboratory they wish to work in?
- How can I find out more about the types of projects offered through the program?
- Are outlines of projects available?
- Can I hold another part-time job as well as UROP?
- If successful would I be working at The Bio21 Cluster ?
- I am an international participant, would I need to obtain a work visa?
- Are study abroad and exchange participants eligible to apply?
- When does the placement start ?
- Who do I contact if I have a question ?
How many oppoprtunites are there to apply each year?
There are two intakes of new participants into the UROP scheme each year to coincide with the winter and summer recesses in July and December, respectively. Applications are received a few months before each intake, i.e. in April and September, respectively.
Is UROP a vacation program?
No. While participants commence their placement during either the winter or summer vacation periods and can work during subsequent vacation periods, UROP continues during the academic semester. Participants who complete their degrees at the end of the academic year are not be eligible to apply for the December intake.
Is anyone from any university eligible to apply?
Bio21 Cluster manages UROP in Victoria only. Participants from any Victorian Tertiary Institution is eligible to apply as long as they are undergraduates from second year onwards.
I am not studying biomedical sciences - can I still apply?
Yes, there are a variety of skills required in biomedical research and various projects are offered, this includes mathematics, statistics and computing. The applicant would have to demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing biomedical research or a related field.
How much time would I have to make available for UROP?
During semester the required commitment is approximately 8 hours a week, arranged around the participants university timetable. During the university recess periods, UROP participants usually work full-time for at least some of the vacation. Participants are not expected to work during swot-vac and exam periods.
What are the hours of work?
Most laboratories require attendance during usual daytime business hours in order for appropriate supervision to occur.
How long do the placements last?
After appointment, there is a probation period of 3 months. Assuming the probation period is successfully completed, the minimum expected duration of the UROP placement is 6 months, inclusive of the probation period. Participants may continue in the UROP scheme while they are undergraduates, as long as their academic performance is maintained to a satisfactory standard. Participants are not eligible for UROP once they commence an Honours year. Sometimes circumstances arise in the laboratory or with the participant that may mean the position may be terminated. In this case, at least two weeks notice must be given by either party.
Is UROP looking for participants with exceptional academic results or is interest in research more crucial?
Entry into the scheme is very competitive. Academic marks are certainly taken into account but we are looking for participants who demonstrate a flair and real passion for scientific research and who will benefit the most from exposure to actual novel research.
Does the participant choose the research area or laboratory they wish to work in?
Participants may indicate a particular interest in a research area or laboratory in their application or at interview. Every attempt is made to match participants to projects that will interest them or will complement their course but no guarantee can be made that a participant will be placed in a particular laboratory.
How can I find out more about the types of projects offered through the program?
There is a wide variety of projects included in the UROP scheme including basic biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and signal transduction, physiology and bioinformatics. Supervisors are not required to specify a particular project for a UROP placement, rather they describe their areas of research interest. The selection of projects differs with each intake as different supervisors offer projects each time.
Are outlines of projects available?
A variety of projects are offered in each round and they are different each time. Participants who get through the selection process are matched to relevant projects according to their expressed interests or subject major where possible. In the future, examples of projects completed by UROP participants will be able to be viewed on the Bio21 Cluster website.
You can also make contact with present and past UROP participants on the Facebook page
Can I hold another part-time job as well as UROP?
UROP was conceived because it was recognised that participants often need to work part-time to support themselves throughout their studies. UROP Participants are therefore paid as casual employees. As long as the time commitments of UROP can be met, participants may hold another part-time job. However, it is a condition of the UROP placement that the participant’s academic standards be maintained. If coursework standards decline as a result of too much outside work, participants may be required to terminate their UROP placement.
If successful would I be working at The Bio21 Cluster ?
No. The Bio21 Cluster only acts to administer the UROP scheme. No research is conducted at our premises and we are not part of the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute. All placements are made in the participating institutions and university laboratories and the participant's employment contract is with the organisation in which they are placed.
I am an international participant, would I need to obtain a work visa?
Often, international participants are given a visa that allows them to study only. However, international participants are entitled to work part-time. If you have a study-only visa, it will be necessary to have it altered. Information on visas is available from the Department of Immigration or from your university.
Are study abroad and exchange participants eligible to apply?
The participants tenure in the scheme is expected to be at least six months so the exchange would have to be a long enough duration. They would have to be here to apply when the round is open and to attend an interview if successful. Out of session interviews will not be conducted. Many participants go on to do postgraduate work after their UROP placement so being able to stay on would be looked upon favourably.
When does the placement start ?
The actual timing of the placement is negotiated between the supervisor and the participant based on both parties availability allowing for 2 weeks full time employment in the winter vacation and 4 weeks full time employment over the summer vacation.
Who do I contact if I have a question ?
The UROP Administrator, Debbie Dorfan on 90355132 or the UROP Program Manager, Dr Michelle Zajac on 83442199 or send an email to UROP-Bio21@unimelb.edu.au