Undergraduate Research at TRU 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 Application and admission

What is research? Answering a question about how the world works Original - No one else knows the answer! Hands on work - lab and/or field Will involve: Library work for background- what is already known? Experimental design - how to answer the question Analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results Asking an interesting researchable question

Why would I want to become involved with research? Interest in a specific project Active learning/ semi-independent Challenging / exciting Experience research before committing to a Masters or Ph D program Resume building One on one interaction with faculty

What options do I have for incorporating research into my degree? Directed Studies Honours Programs (Biology, Chemical Biology, NRS) BIOL/CHEM/PHYS generally one semester project BIOL/CHBI/NRSC Honours Thesis BIOL/CHBI/NRSC BIOL/CHBI/NRSC Honours Seminars Included in 120 credits required for graduation 126 credits required for graduation

Options for Research: admission requirements -“A course designed to allow students to undertake an investigation on a specific topic as agreed upon by the faculty member and the student. Permission of the supervisor and co- supervisor required.” - generally B or better in most appropriate prerequisite course - application to departmental committee, including proposal with outline of costs Directed Study

Options for Research: admission requirements Honours Program - GPA of at least 3.0 (3.33 for NRS) - at least B- in all required Majors and English courses in years 1-3 of the program - Permission of supervisor and co-supervisor - Application to departmental committee, including proposal with outline of costs - BIOL/CHBI/NRSC or equivalent

Options for Research: evaluation Directed Studies Evaluation Based on: written report poster presentation lab/field skills Specific results of the study are not as important as the student’s initiative, effort, and creativity in carrying out the project and the quality of written report and poster presentation.

Options for Research: evaluation Honours Program Specific results of the study are not as important as the student’s initiative, effort, and creativity in carrying out the project and the quality of written report, oral defense and poster presentation. Evaluation based on: written proposal written thesis and oral defense poster presentation lab/field skills participation in seminar activities

Honours vs 448? The Honours advantage: BSc (Hons) - more prestige - more favorably regarded for entrance/scholarships to grad school - more independence with research project - more recognition for hard work Downside: - more work expected (research, oral defense) - more credits = more time - more credits = more expensive - more stringent entrance requirements

Finding a Supervisor and Research Project Talk to potential supervisors: - your professors, Department Faculty- (see Department Web sites for research interests) - personal contacts with other qualified people (Ministries, Wildlife Park, Employers) (co-supervision with faculty member required) Attend TRU Science Seminars (Thurs. 12:30, S373) and/or Environmental Studies Seminar (Mon. 12:30) and/or Introduction to Research Seminar (Thurs. 12:30)

Finding a Supervisor and Research Project Remember: -Supervisors can only take a limited number of students; they are looking for the individuals who will do the best job, or will get the most out of the project. -There is a formal application process for all Honours Programs and some Directed Studies (Biology).

New Seminar Course BIOL/CHBI/NRSC 398- Introduction to Research (Winter scheduled Thurs 12:30-1:20, S373) -Open to 3rd year students contemplating a research project. Required for Honours programs. -The goal is to prepare students for writing a research proposal for a 4th year research project. - The seminar will focus on formulation of a research hypothesis and production of a research proposal.

New Seminar Course BIOL/CHBI/NRSC 398- Introduction to Research - Presentations by faculty and current Honours students on their research interests- -overlaps Science seminar series -“Social” evening to meet potential supervisors and talk with current students - attend Honours talks and poster session in March

Things to do before the project starts (3rd year): Find a supervisor and agree on a project Apply for admission (by April 15) Plan your courses in consultation with B.Sc. Advisor Complete research proposal, animal care or human ethics protocols Enroll in BIOL/CHBI/NRSC 398

Timelines- 3rd year Students (Biology Department) April 15Student to submit request for Honours/Directed Studies to Eric Littley, with preliminary research proposal By May 1 Departmental committee meets to review applications and decide on tentative acceptance; final acceptance by May 30 May 15Final Research proposal submitted, with list of materials, equipment, space, supplies needed, and a budget - Supervisor takes initiative on generating realistic budget and other requirements. - Supplies/space/resources requirements to be reviewed by the supervisor with the appropriate lab faculty - Department will cover research costs of an average of $150 per student, in addition covering the cost of producing the poster.

Timelines Second year students - Start talking to potential supervisors and attending seminars - For Honours, plan last two years to fit in 126 credits

Sources of funding CUEF- Comprehensive University Enhancement Fund see NSERC/SSHRC/CIHR- 16 week undergraduate fellowships availble for students working for grantholders Supervisor’s grants Co-op workterms

Interested? Register for BIOL/CHBI/NRSC 398- (Science students see Eric Littley; NRS Students see Gary Hunt) 1st meeting will be Thurs. Jan 19 12:30- 1:20 pm Room TBA Questions? See Mairi MacKay