BioMentors and Learning Assistants Recruitment

The Biology Departments at UCSB, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, have created 3 undergraduate educational programs that require upper-division students to mentor first and second year pre-biology students in the major. These programs have been demonstrated to help students achieve significantly higher grades in their coursework. Through your help we hope to continue this work!

The three programs are:

 

1. Learning Assistant for BIOME 1 - MCDB 11: 1 hour seminar class for first year pre-biology students that focuses on the science of learning, persistence through academic setbacks and establishment of mentor-led learning communities. In this course, you will act as a mentor to 4-6 eager freshmen who will look to you as a role model. 

Commitment: two hours/week; 50 minute seminar class, 50 minute training each week with the instructors of the course.

 

2. Learning Assistant for MCDB 1A (Section 200): This smaller section of Introductory Biology has 35 student section meetings where you as a learning assistant will circulate and help explain concepts to groups of 4-6 second year pre-biology students. You will work alongside other learning assistants and graduate teaching assistants to help promote effective student learning of main course content.

Commitment: two hours/week; one 50 minute meeting in your chosen discussion section of MCDB 1A, one 50 minute review session of the material to be discussed in section.

 

3. Learning Assistant for MCDB 1B (Section 200): This smaller section of Introductory Biology has 35 student section meetings where you as a learning assistant will circulate and help explain concepts to groups of 4-6 second year pre-biology students. You will work alongside other learning assistants and graduate teaching assistants to help promote effective student learning of main course content.

Commitment: two hours/week; one 50 minute meeting in your chosen discussion section of MCDB 1B, one 50 minute review session of the material to be discussed in section.

 

As a mentor you will receive 1.0 unit of MCDB 183/184 or can use your participation as honors volunteer hours.

Below are the times and days available for the three programs. Please select ALL of the options that you are free for. 

Please submit your current UCSB MAJOR GPA - this is anonymous and only available to project faculty
MCDB 11 BIOME I LA
MCDB 1A Intro Bio LA
MCDB 1B Intro Bio LA
Please describe your motivation for volunteering and what you expect to get out of this experience (2 paragraphs maximum)
(including participation in any of these programs as a student or mentor)