Undergraduate Research at UCC

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Undergraduate Research at UCC

• What is research ?

Why would I want to do it?
What options do I have for incorporating research
into my degree?
How do I find a supervisor and a project?
Timelines
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What is research?
Answering a question about how the world works
Original - No one else knows the answer
Will involve
Library work - what is already known?
Experimental design - how to answer the question
Hands on work
lab
field
Analysis, interpretation, and presentation of
results
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Why would I want to become involved with research?
Interest in biology and specific project
Active learning/ semi-independent
Challenging/exciting
One on one interaction with faculty
Experience research before committing to a
Masters or Ph D program
Resume building
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What options do I have for incorporating research
into my degree?
Directed Studies
Honours Program
Biology 448-3 directed study project
Biology 499-6 Honours Thesis
Biology 498-2 Honours Seminar
Included in 120 credits required for graduation
In addition to 120 credits required for
graduation
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Options for Research admission requirements
Directed Study B or better in most appropriate pr
erequisite course
Honours Program GPA of 3 or better at least B-
in all biology courses and all required English
courses
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Options for Research evaluation

• Directed Studies
• Evaluation Based on
• written report
• poster presentation
• lab/field skills

• Honours Program
• Evaluation based on
• written proposal and
• final thesis
• thesis seminar and defense
• poster presentation
• lab/field skills

In both options, the specific results of the
study are not as important as the students
initiative, effort, and creativity in carrying
out the project.
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Finding a Supervisor and Research Project
List of potential supervisors and the types of
projects they supervise
Personal contacts with other qualified
people (co-supervision with faculty member
required)
Talk to supervisors you are interested in working
with
Supervisors are limited in the number of
students they can take on they are looking for
the individuals who will do the best job, or will
get the most out of the project.
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Things to do before the project starts
Find a supervisor and agree on a project
Apply for admission
Complete animal care or human ethics protocols
Develop a research schedule
Plan your courses in consultation with B.Sc.
Advisor
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Timelines
Third year students
Second year students
Act now! Have supervisor sign admission form
before registering
Start contacting potential supervisors next fall
Animal care protocols due before Christmas
For Honours, plan last two years to fit in 128
credits
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Poster Day 2003
Thursday Mar. 27, 12-2 pm 2nd floor hallway
Come and see the results of this years Directed
Study Projects
Talk to students who have participated in research