The Research Option (11 credits; 3+ semesters) provides students with a substantial, in-depth research experience under faculty guidance as they work to design and implement innovative individual research projects. The culmination of the Research Option experience often results in a journal publication or conference presentation, and completion of the program is designated on the student’s transcript/diploma. The Research Option (RO) is open to all undergraduate students, but it is tailor-made for future graduate school students and professional-track students (such as pre-Health students or those interested in Data Science) who are planning a career that involves research after graduation.
The Research Option requires students to complete 9 credit hours of supervised research over multiple semesters. The first 5 credit hours are taken by any combination of neuroscience research for credit (NEUR 2699/4699) or audit-only paid research (NEUR 2698/4698), which are typically taken over 2+ semesters. The last 4 credits should come from taking NEUR 4601 (Neuroscience Thesis Research) – which will be used in place of NEUR 4001 to satisfy the Neuroscience Research-Based Elective Requirement. The first 3 credits of NEUR 2699/4699 can be applied to Neuroscience Electives requirement. Subsequent credit-based courses can count towards general free electives or a student’s breadth/minor (if applicable).
In addition to the above research courses, students pursuing the research option will take LMC 4701 (a 1 credit proposal writing course) and LMC 4702 (a 1 credit thesis writing course), which can be counted as general free electives. LMC 4701 must be taken while completing at least 1 credit of NEUR 2698/2699/4698/4699. LMC 4702 is taken concurrently with NEUR 4601.
Current students interested in pursuing research or the research option should join our Neuroscience Student Research Canvas Page.