Every semester, Biological Sciences seeks exceptional students to become undergraduate teaching assistants.

The primary goal of an undergraduate teaching assistant (UTA) is to enhance student learning by assisting the primary course instructor. When UTAs are matched with a course, they are supervised by the courses’s instructor or lab/discussion coordinator. They are expected to be familiar with the course’s content, to communicate regularly with course faculty, to complete tasks-assigned, and to engage students in a professional manner. 

Responsibilities

A UTA’s responsibilities will vary and depend on the BSCI course they’re matched with. Duties may include teaching lab or discussion sections, facilitating in-class learning activities, holding review sessions for students, in addition to grading exams, papers, worksheets, and problem sets. A full list of BSCI courses that are accepting UTAs is included on the ELMS page for the UTA Program—see the red button at the bottom of the webpage.

Commitment & Stipend

UTAs can expect to work on average 8-10 hours per week, depending on the BSCI course. First-time lab and discussion UTAs are required to enroll in BSCI279P, a 1-credit professional development seminar. Generally, UTAs are paid a stipend; however, some lab and discussion courses offer the option of receiving 3 credits (BSCI359) in lieu of payment. For details, refer to the ELMS page for the UTA program.

Questions? Email:

Danielle Adams, Ph.D.

Assistant Director for Curriculum & Instruction | email: dadams37@umd.edu