Doubts or Questions?
These are the most common questions asked by freshmen. If you still have doubts, ask us via email or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
Molecular Biology vs. Integrative Biology Concentrations
Many students find some confusion when they start their baccalaureate degree in Biology.
MYTH: A baccalaureate with a concentration in Molecular Biology will be of benefit if you wish to pursue graduate studies in medicine. A concentration in Integrative Biology is for students who wish to study animals and their environment.
FACT: Both concentrations prepare you for different future career options. The area of Cellular-Molecular Biology seeks to understand life through the study of the molecular, structural, and physiological mechanisms that makes cells, the basic units upon which organisms are built, what they are. Students that choose this area will receive a soild preparation in genetics, biochemistry, and cellular biology. On the other hand, the area of Integrative Biology seeks to understand life through the integration of knowledge from multiple levels of biological organization ranging from molecules to ecosystems. Students entering this area will receive a solid preparation in genetics, evolution, the structure and funcion of organisms, and ecology. For more information, click here.
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I'm from another school (faculty) and I wish to transfer to Natural Sciences. What do I do?

MYTH: I want a career related in science therefore I must posess a baccalaureate degree in science.
FACT: The society of the XXI century is global and competitive. This means that any baccalaureate that you posess will help you get into graduate school in the future, of course you must complete any pre-requisite courses in science that is mandated by the graduate school that you wish to apply. This does NOT only apply to STEM careers.
What is Capstone?
Capstone is a year long course (3cred) where students of the Interdisciplinary Science Program draft a scientific proposal and then follow up with the experimentation. The class foments critcal thinking and a rigorous analysis of the scientific method. The class provides the liberty of letting the student choose their topic of interest and does not necessarily need to be in the natural sciences. In the past students have realized projects in the areas of social science, education, humanities among others. The only requiste for choosing the topic is that the student must demonstrate how society would benefit from the findings of the experiment.
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What kind of opporunities are available for freshmen students?
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The university is the perfect moment to expand your horizons. Today, not many companies hire students without prior experience. This means that starting freshmen year of college, and if possible during highschool, you should start having experiences in different settings. For example: if you wish to be a future physician, you must have the experience of participating in an internship oriented towards medical school like SMDEP. The Summer Medical and Dental Educational Program (SMDEP) allows minority freshmen and sophmore undergraduates participate in a mock medical school setting. For more information click here. There also exists research experiences such as Existen también experiencias de AMGEN SCHOLARS, The Leadership Alliance and programs like MARC and RISE.
If you wish to do some research during your years in college, do a web search on these programs. It's a great networing opportunity with professors and students from around the United States. Start from your freshmen summer and when you graduate you'll have multiple field experiences.
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I feel lost in my science classes and I don't understand the professor. Do you offer any tutoring services?
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YES! Natural Science classes may seem tough but not to worry because UPR-CRES has a FREE tutoring service. The tutors are undergraduate students that have passed the class with A or B. They are in constant communication with at least 1 professor of the course in order to provide a more complete tutoring. Visit this page for more information.