INTRODUCTION
Although Independent Research (395) courses are not typical lecture hall experiences they are still considered a (usually 4-credit) course that requires defined objectives and criteria for evaluation as all other regular credit-bearing courses.
### 395 COURSE DESIGNATIONS
The 395 designation is to be used only for hands-on, bench work type research that is typically conducted in a laboratory on River Campus or at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. The 395-course designation is not to be used for clinical study or reading courses.
The three-letter designation before 395 indicates the department in which the research is being done, i.e.:
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BIO 395: Research courses instructed by Biology Department Faculty
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BCH: Research courses instructed by Biochemistry Department Faculty
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IND 395: Research courses instructed by Medical Center Faculty
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MBI 395: Research courses instructed by Microbiology & Immunology Department Faculty
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NSC 395: Research courses instructed by Neuroscience Department faculty
Students planning on using a 395 course to satisfy an upper-level writing requirement should add a “W” next to the course number and department designation. i.e.: BIO 395W.
GETTING STARTED
Begin planning early in case there are any contingencies. A faculty member/mentor may decline to sponsor a research course, especially if the request is submitted too late after the beginning of classes. Similarly, any request for an exception to the policies may be denied.
FINDING A RESEARCH MENTOR
The key to finding research mentors is to network with faculty and major advisors. For resources to help students connect with mentors in their area of interest visit: Independent Research (395) Course Resources.
Some Undergraduate students that are already employed in a lab may choose to register an Independent Research (395) course with their lab head as long as the lab manager is a faculty member, and payment is not received for work that is related to the course.
* Note on Instructor Eligibility: Research mentors that consent to instructing an Independent Research (395) course must be a full-time member of the teaching faculty at the University of Rochester; including visiting professors.
REGISTERING AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (395) COURSE
In order to register an Independent Research (395) course two forms need to be filled out and submitted to the UPBM Office:
The research sponsor and the student should both agree on the course details and fill out the IS and independent research course registration form together.
* Engineering Students please note that IS forms require signature of the department chair.
DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION OF INDEPENDENT STUDY (IS) FORMS
- Four-credit courses deadline for submission: end of 3rd week
- Three-credit courses deadline for submission: end of 5th week
- Two credit courses deadline for submission: end of 7th week
*Note on Late Submission: Should forms be submitted after the respective deadlines; research mentors will need to initial next to the course work start date to verify that the course has already begun.
ANTICIPATED WORKLOAD
A 395 course is usually an exciting learning experience; however, it requires considerable time in order to have any chance for success. Students are expected to devote a minimum of ten hours per week (on the average) to an independent research course.
GRADING
Independent Research (395) courses cannot be taken on a pass/fail basis: Only a letter grade may be assigned to the course.
FINAL REPORT REQUIREMENT
All 395 courses require submission of a final report. A copy of the final reports needs to be sent to the UPBM Office by the last day of exams of the current semester. The final report is intended to be a summary of research done over the course of the semester. Length, content, and format of the final report are at the mentor’s discretion. Please note that even if the research produces inconclusive results or is unfinished, a summary that reports results thus far is still required.
395W / UPPERLEVEL WRITING COURSES
Students who are planning to use the 395 courses to satisfy an upper-level writing (ULW) requirement must register the course as a 395W. Be sure to note the ‘W’ on the IS form. Final reports on 395W courses must undergo at least one re-write prior to final submission.
CREDIT REGULATIONS
Students can take no more than eight credits of 395 courses from the same faculty member. Additionally, Students can take no more than four credits of a 395 course per semester without petitioning for an exception.
PETITIONING
If you believe your situation warrants an exception to any of the above faculty policies; A petition explaining the rationale for your proposal should be submitted to Academic Support along with the IS form.
INCOMPLETES
Students will not be allowed to register for another 395 course until work from the previous semester is completed. Should a student not be able to complete the work for a 395 course before the end a semester, an incomplete contract will need to be submitted to the UPBM office.