Course Description
Faculty-supervised independent or collaborative inquiry into
fundamental and applied problems within a discipline that requires
students to gather, analyze, and synthesize and interpret data and
to present results in writing and other relevant communication
formats.
Athena Title
Undergraduate Research III
Non-Traditional Format
These courses belong to a progressive research course sequence
to promote a student's increasing skill development and depth of
inquiry, as well as growing independent research capability. The
courses require the close supervision of a faculty member as the
student undertakes a systematic and in-depth inquiry into
unknown, fundamental, and applied problems. In some cases, the
student will work collaboratively as part of a research team.
The student will have to apply understanding of the discipline
to identify or shape research questions and apply skills and
techniques learned to the research project. Students will gather
data, synthesize relevant literature, analyze, and interpret
data. The student will present results in writing or through
participation in research-group or program meetings and meetings
with their faculty mentor. The student will receive feedback
from the faculty mentor on their research progress and written
or oral presentation of results. A minimum of 45 hours of work
per credit hour per semester is required.
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will formulate and refine research questions grounded in relevant scholarly literature and disciplinary frameworks.
- Students will apply appropriate research methods or theoretical approaches to investigate a problem, demonstrating the ability to gather, organize, and evaluate qualitative or quantitative evidence.
- Students will analyze and synthesize information or data to identify patterns, relationships, or insights relevant to the research question.
- Students will interpret research findings and draw evidence-based conclusions, demonstrating sound reasoning and awareness of limitations or alternative interpretations.
- Students will communicate research processes and findings effectively through written, oral, or visual formats appropriate to the discipline and intended audience.
- Students will engage in scholarly dialogue with mentors and peers, incorporating feedback to refine research, analysis, and presentation of ideas.
Topical Outline
- During the process of completing the research course, students conduct infectious disease research, which involves developing science practice skills and learning about and applying principles related to the responsible and ethical conduct of their particular research project. Students must apply through a sponsoring faculty member to conduct research. Each research experience is an independent collaboration between the faculty member and the student. The faculty mentor and student develop their own work plan and determine specific expectations and milestones (i.e., individualized syllabus). The student receives guidance and feedback on their work during individual and group meetings. The student presents their results in a final journal article style report.
