Seminars
During the first half of the program, faculty members offer presentations on their research activities to the REU group. This is an excellent opportunity for the REU participants to learn about what is involved in conducting research in an academic environment. Speakers from several physics fields describe what they do in their labs and offices and detail their unique perspective on what it means to be a physicist.
During the second half of the program, in order to gain experience in presenting their research results (an essential aspect of conducting scientific research), participants have the opportunity to prepare and present a talk about their own research project to the REU group and select faculty. Students also prepare a written report describing their project and results.
Poster Session
At the end of the program, the participants present their research results at two poster sessions - one in the Physics department; the other in the Summer Undergraduate Research Expo. The Expo includes participants from the other REU programs within the University's College of Science and Engineering, as well as representatives from Twin Cities area industries.
Social Outings
A number of events are organized each summer for all REU programs University-wide. In the past, these events have included:
- University-wide orientation followed by bowling and pizza at the Student Union
- Special Workshops
- Major League Baseball game at Target Field
- Science Museum of Minnesota trip including all Exhibits, an Omnitheater feature, and Special Exhibits
- Production at the Guthrie Theater
- Show at the historic Fitzgerald Theater
- End-of-program River Boat Ride on the Mississippi
