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 I
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. The writing requirement can be satisfied at the discretion of the research mentor by the completion and submission of a proposal to complete a Senior Thesis in Natural Resources (FANR 4990R). A minimum of three contact hours per week (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)
Course Objectives
The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources offers a sequence of three courses designed for undergraduate students interested in conducting research under the direction of a faculty member and potentially leading to the completion of a Senior Thesis (FANR 4990R). This first course is meant for students beginning a research project. The expected learning outcomes for a student in a first course in directed research are: 1. To pose and test hypotheses drawn from concepts in natural resources ecology, economics, social sciences, and management. 2. To utilize foundational principles of natural resources ecology and management in planning and executing a research project. 3. To be able to carry out basic research techniques and methods. 4. To conduct research according to the highest ethical standards. 5. Demonstrate how a research program is organized and carried out. 6. Engage in professional communication through written and verbal participation in laboratory, academic, or professional meetings or conferences. 7. If appropriate, the student may write and submit a proposal to complete a Senior Thesis in Natural Resources (FANR 4990R).
Topical Outline
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. As such, there is no set topical outline. Instead, faculty mentor and student should develop their own work plan and determine course requirements and grading procedures (individualized syllabus). A minimum requirement is that the student present results in writing and through presentations in meetings with peers and faculty and that they will receive feedback from their papers or presentations.