Of primary importance to the MBRS-RISE Programs is the hands-on laboratory research experience in a UTSA or UTHSCSA laboratory.  Students work in the laboratory, preferably on their own research projects, the complexity of which depends on student level and experience.  They are responsible for this project and progress from learning techniques to having intimate knowledge and understanding of the science and ideas underlying their work.  In the process, they develop a relationship with a research mentor who will be instrumental in writing recommendation letter needed for graduate school or beyond admission.  Students are integral members of the laboratory, participating in laboratory meetings and performing routine laboratory responsibilities as assigned by their mentor.  

MBRS-RISE participants also take various classes, generally held in the MBRS-RISE Communication Technology Laboratory and Classroom (Tech Lab).  RISE, MARC, and other student and faculty researchers have free access to this laboratory, where they can work not only on their projects, but also in any schoolwork that they need to get done.  We encourage students to use these facilities for study groups and to create and practice any presentations that they may have to give.  By doing so, they also gain experience in the use of state-of-the-art presentation and instructional equipment.  

The RISE and MARC program offers classes for both undergraduate and graduate students.  Undergraduate courses include the RISE/MARC Colloquium and Research Career Development.  Graduate courses include the RISE Seminar and Survival Skills for Scientists. 

Survival Skills Course (Bio 5972):  The Survival Skills course, taught by Dr. Gail Taylor, provides a semester of intensive professional development activities for Doctoral students.  Activities are designed to will enhance their ability to understand and present their research and operate professionally in a scientific environment.

Grant Writing for Doctoral Students:  All RISE Doctoral students will participate in a grant writing course, at the end of which they will submit a grant to a national granting agency, the NIH or NSF. 

Research Careers Development (Bio 4953):  In this course, undergraduate students learn about career paths available in the Biosciences, how to successfully find and apply to graduate programs, explore various career paths, and learn basic research ethics. 

MBRS-RISE Symposium Course (Bio 4972):  The MBRS-RISE Symposium course has two components:  the colloquium and seminar.   The colloquium focuses on instruction in basic skills such as CV creation, evaluation of possible graduate schools, and poster presentation.  Five times per semester, the second hour of the course will feature a RISE sponsored speaker, with whom students may meet and network.  Lunch with the speaker generally follows.  Several of these speakers have been requested by RISE students or are past RISE students themselves.   Shown is Dr. Y. Meriah Arias, past RISE student and now with the California Environmental Protection Agency.   

Following the seminar,  students have the opportunity have an informal lunch with the seminar speaker.  These lunches allow vital networking opportunities for our students.