<p>I was wondering how quickly one can get a teaching/ research assistantship coming into UCSD. Also, how much do these positions pay? Would there be a great different in pay between a TA in the chemistry department v.s. a TA in the ethnomusicology department? Please elaborate on this.</p>
<p>If you're an undergrad, the general consensus is that you have to have completed the course (or equivalent) with an A- or higher, have junior standing, etc. I can answer pretty much any question you have regarding TAing in Chemistry, but you should read this first beforehand: UCSD</a> | Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry -- Academic Programs</p>
<p>All undergraduate TAs (they're officially called "tutors") are paid the same amount across all departments IF they're hired into the "tutor" position.</p>
<p>Now the dogmas of various departments differ: some might make you TA for credit forever and only choose to pay their best and brightest TAs, others will only hire anyone and everyone they can get, and even some more can reach bargaining deals with the specific student to adjust the wage. (for example, I taught a graduate student courseload -- three discussion sections -- as an undergrad, so they paid me 1.5X the undergrad rate rather than giving me the grad student rate)</p>
<p>If you're looking for an paid RA job, there are one of two approaches, since the majority of undergrads research on a volunteer basis:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>work as undergrad minion, doing buffers/ordering/maintenance for a lab. this is a time for them to test your lab skills before committing to training you for research. (so if you're a clumsy one, they can let you go)</p></li>
<li><p>industry</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Ah. How would an undergrad get a volunteer based research position? Also, after volunteering for some time would such a position turn into a paid position? Thanks for the informative responses, by the way.</p>
<p>this is the best site you can get (c'mon, google!)
UCSD</a> Undergraduate Research Site</p>
<p>some of the AEPs are quite good if you want to go through an official program; i know that UC LEADS preps you for graduate studies through seminars, a summer stipend and housing while researching, a poster session, etc. my friends that did that one really liked it.</p>
<p>however, the majority of people who enter research labs do so on their own -- asking professors they've had in class, looking up interests on department websites, etc. my only advice to you is to remember to talk with the STUDENTS (particularly undergrads) already in the lab; it's their opinions that you really want to hear. </p>
<p>this is a point of debate, but i'm of the conviction that [for academic labs at least] most labs aren't entirely keen on hiring brand-spanking new freshmen. even if you're a meticulous and non-clumsy person, if you lack a foundation for the subject, research is going to be pointless. senior students really don't want to lead you through step-by-step calculations when you come across something like "make 1.5L of potassium phosophate dibasic buffered to pH 8.8." </p>
<p>so my advice is to take a few lab classes, bone up on your science and lab skills, and decide if that's really the thing you want to do. no point in wasting your time (and others') if you just want to putz around for awhile.</p>
<p>This is for the Econ dept:</p>
<p>TA: Must have completed 90 units (Jr standing), Must have taken at least 6 upper-div Econ courses, Must have a cumulative 3.5+ GPA. If you qualify, you talk to Dr. Fantino or one of the other heads and they allow you to take a 195 course. Once you complete that, you are assigned to a lower-div Econ course to Tutor/TA. Pay is 12.88(?)/hour and based on an honor system of you logging your hours and having your leading professor sign you off on those.</p>
<p>Research:
Econ199 courses are open with instructor approval--in Layman terms: everyone can do independent research under a professor.</p>
<p>If you're taken a liking to, you may be asked to participate in special research project that usually only involve Grad students and not the undergrad body. Doesn't happen often, as far as I know.</p>