<p>1) Though I cannot speak for bioengineering specifically, I have never heard of a department that did not have a large number of on-campus research opportunities. That is one of the main perks of attending a large research institution like UMD-- there are so many professors with labs, the chances are nearly endless.</p>
<p>2) The process is rather simple. You choose a group of professors whose work seems interesting, you send them emails, and you hope for a response. The most difficult aspect is that it is all on you. Help is available from advisers, but in the end the process is up to the student.</p>
<p>3) It depends on what sort of commitment you decide to make. In the chemistry department, one credit requires 5 hours per week. In other departments it is different.</p>
<p>4) Research is not limited to any group of students. However, it is simply more difficult to demonstrate as a freshman that you are qualified to take on a research position (enough lab science classes, previous experience, etc). There is nothing stopping you from trying to get a position at any time, but you are more likely to be successful after accumulating a little experience.</p>