Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE)

CUREs are semester-long undergraduate classes in which students do research in a formal course. Their results add to the scientific body of knowledge. The skills learned apply to research and employment opportunities.

CUREs enable students to be part of the scientific community. Students see how their efforts contribute to scientific knowledge for the greater good. Students who participate in research have higher rates of graduation in science disciplines.

Pima Community College (PCC) and the University of Arizona have collaborated to allow undergraduates in their respective classes to learn DNA barcoding of bee species. The results are added to the Barcode of Life Data System. Here is an overview of the CURE as taught at PCC and a listing of the classes that have been taught so far, with some results.