Twenty-five American academics and researchers contribute 12 chapters to the first book to present a thorough and unified treatment of science research experiences for undergraduates. Featuring studies of undergraduate science research programs from a variety of institutions around the country, it provides detailed qualitative and quantitative descriptions of the nature and benefits to college students of participating in research; descriptions of the post baccalaureate outcomes of such participation; and faculty and mentors' perspectives on students' gains, gender differences, and drawing students into science. For college faculty, administrators, and program staff in existing programs or in institutions interested in developing such programs, the text serves as both a how-to guide for creating science research programs and for determining their effectiveness. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)