The paper describes the organization of undergraduate student research activities based on the model of mentorship. The authors explain how the mentoring model can be used for developing primary research skills and competencies. The range of skills required for effective participation in scientific research is determined. The authors propose some principles of constructing the model of mentorship. The functions of main participants of the scientific researchjunior students, students-mentors, and teachersare discussed. The paper describes the mentor training programme offered at the Ural State University of Economics (Ekaterinburg, Russia). The efficiency of the mentoring model is exemplified by the interdisciplinary research project combining analytical chemistry and IT. The conclusion is made that the mentoring model could be adopted for planning and organizing scientific research in different areas of studies and in various educational institutions.