Course Descriptions

Prerequisites/Requirements

Declared Biological Sciences Major or by Special Permission of the Instructor; Open to other Life Sciences Majors by permission

Cumulative GPA of 2.0 minimum; 3.0 recommended

Student must have secured a Life Sciences Internship for the semester

Course Description

The Internship in the Life Sciences is a 3 credit course, offered through the Division of Life Sciences for students from SAS and SEBS majoring in Biological Sciences or other Life Science majors (with permission) that accompanies participation in a Life Sciences based internship to enable students to receive degree credit. Students must complete either the specific hour requirement of their formal internship program or if not designated by their internship, a minimum of 112 hours during either the summer session (minimum 8 weeks) or regular semester, to earn 3 credits.  A professional at the internship site and the course administrator supervise the internship. Students are also required to complete online asynchronous academic assignments throughout the semester to earn credit.

This purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop experience and knowledge regarding the expectations, qualifications, competencies and responsibilities of professionals working within the life sciences through an internship experience with academic component. Students will integrate knowledge from their life science coursework to the internship experience, develop new skills, and reflect on their learning experience.

Registration Process and Course Policies

Deadline to Register: Third Friday of Each Semester 

Step 1: Identify and Secure an Internship

1. Find opportunities that align with your academic interests and career goals within the life sciences industry
2. Search for positions using:
   • Handshake
   • Indeed.com
   • Rutgers Office of Career Exploration and Success resources (https://careers.rutgers.edu/)
3. Consult with Dr. Carr-Schmid to confirm the internship will count for course credit
4. Interview with the potential Internship Supervisor and clarify:
   • Internship role and responsibilities
   • Tasks and time commitment
   • Internship schedule  (must be able to fulfill minimum of 112 hours over course of semester)
5. Establish learning objectives - Work with your supervisor to develop three clear learning objectives and gather relevant background information. For research projects, students can submit a 1 page research proposal in lieu of learning objectives.
6. Verify requirements - Ensure you understand all expectations before committing, including the minimum 112-hour requirement (or other designated time requirement for formal internships)
7. Special Circumstances: 
   • International students must contact Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services before beginning any internship to obtain appropriate authorization for off-campus work

Step 2: Complete the Internship Agreement

1. Gather required information - You'll need your Internship Supervisor's work-related contact details
2. Initiate the DocuSign PowerForm using the posted link (see below)
3. Complete your section - Fill out all areas designated for the Student Intern
4. Notify your supervisor - The form will route to them  once the Student Intern section is completed . Please also send an email to them upon completion, so they can look for it in their junk or "other" email folders if it is not in their inbox.
5. Await approval - The form will route to your Internship Supervisor, then to the Course Instructor for final approval

Step 3: Register for the Course

1. Receive your SPN - Once all parties sign the DocuSign form, you'll automatically receive  the completed copy which will contain a Special Permission Number to register.
2. Register for the course using your SPN. 
3. Late registration - If approval occurs after the drop-add period, contact an Academic Advising  from your school for assistance. Please either  use  live chat feature at either sasundergrad.rutgers.edu (SAS) or sebs.rutgers.edu (SEBS) for assistance. 
4. Access Canvas - Once registered, visit the course site to review assignments, deadlines, and additional information

Additional Important Policies for the Internship

Professional Conduct Requirements

• Student Interns represent Rutgers University professionally at all times
• Students are required to uphold standards outlined in the Rutgers Student Code of Conduct

Course Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 112 hours during the semester (unless a formal internship specifies additional hours which is denoted in the DocuSign contract)
• Students must be registered for the course to receive credit; retroactive credit not given for previous internships
• Complete all weekly online assignments
• Authorize your Internship Supervisor to release midpoint and endpoint performance evaluations to the Course Instructor
• Students may not take two different internship courses for the same internship simultaneously

Required Notifications to Course Instructor

Student Interns are requires to notify the Course Instructor immediately if:

• Your internship position, supervisor, or other significant aspects change from the original agreement
• The internship environment becomes unhealthy or unsafe
• Illegal behavior or activities occur, including sexual harassment
• You experience illegal discrimination, fraud, or safety code violations
• You are unable to complete course requirements 

Consequences of  Policy Violations

Violations of these provisions or any Rutgers policies during the Internship may result in:

• Loss of academic credit for the internship
• Loss of eligibility for future internships
• Referral to the Rutgers Office of Student Conduct

Internship Agreement Link

Internship in the Life Sciences  Contract Docusign Powerform

Course Syllabus

119:205 Syllabus 2026 (accessible)

Course Site

Canvas

Course Satisfies Learning Goals

I. To acquire the appropriate factual and conceptual knowledge that provides students with a foundation to further their education and career in the areas of life science or health science. Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge (ex. identify, define, explain…) of the concepts, practices and principles that comprise the biological sciences.

IV. To develop critical thinking and problems solving skills appropriate to prepare students to evaluate, synthesize and generate knowledge that provides them with a competitive advantage to adapt to an evolving, global, and knowledge based society. Students will be able to demonstrate application of higher order thinking (ex. classify diagnosis, evaluate, synthesize, hypothesize…). Students will develop an understanding of not only the connections within biology but also the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines.

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

Grade based on completion of a range of assignments, including weekly journal entries, informational interview, resume development, and final reflection paper. There are no examinations. Successful completion of the course requires feedback from site supervisor on student performance.

Course Materials

Selected lecture material will be made available on the website.

Course Closed?

Special permission number required to enroll. Please contact Dr. Carr-Schmid for project review before applying and to answer questions.  Please see guidelines and instructions above.

Faculty

Course Administrator:

Anne Carr-Schmid, Ph.D.

Office Location: Nelson Laboratories B112, Busch Campus

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.