Department of Biology
Last updated:7/27/2006 |
Independent Research 395
One of the Rochester Advantages is the opportunity for undergraduates to gain hands-on experience doing modern biomedical research for college credit. This situation is a direct consequence of the fact that, in addition to being an outstanding undergraduate institution, the U of R is also a major research university with strong, active graduate programs. These two educational components are not separated from one another; rather they are integrated into a unified whole, as in a complex higher organism. Regulations Governing Independent Research STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Independent studies must be approved by the end of the third week of the semester. A student may earn no more than 4 credit hours from independent study courses each semester. An independent research project is usually an exciting learning experience. However, it requires considerable time in order to have any chance for success. It is expected that students will devote a minimum of 10 hours per week (on the average) to their project. In order to receive a grade and get credit for the effort, it is required that a student write a term paper describing the work. This paper will be evaluated by the sponsor; a copy is to be submitted to the UPBM office by the student or the sponsor before the student receives a final grade. INSTRUCTOR ELIGIBILITY The person who consents to supervise an independent study project must be a full-time member of the faculty at the University of Rochester. Faculty rules allow students to take no more than 8 credits of independent study with the same instructor; however, it is possible to petition the Dean of the College of Arts and Science to have that rule waived in order to have time to finish a project. FOUR-CREDIT LIMITATION The faculty rules restrict students to one four-credit independent study course per semester. How to Register for Independent Research FORMS Forms are available from the UPBM office (402F Hutchison Hall) or from Academic Support. They are to be completed by the student and her/his research advisor. When the form is completely filled out, it should be turned in to the UPBM office. The signature of the UPBM Director is required for registration to be completed. (The UPBM office will send the signed forms to Academic Support.) COURSE DESIGNATION AND TITLE The 395 number is to be used only for hands-on wet lab work done in a biological science laboratory on River Campus or at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. The 395 number is not to be used for a clinical study nor for a reading course. The three-letter designation before 395 indicates the department in which the research is being done. The student and the instructor should determine an appropriate course title. This title will appear on the student's transcript as the official title of the course. GHOST COURSE When registering for a semester during which the intent is to do an independent research project but for which arrangements with a sponsor have not been completed, students should register for a ghost course to maintain full-time status. The ghost course will automatically be removed when the 395 registration is completed. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION The deadline for registration is two weeks after the start of the semester. Begin planning early! The faculty is within its rights to decline to supervise a student if registration comes too late after the beginning of classes. Similarly, any request for an exception to the policies noted above may be denied, leaving you with an incomplete program. |