Research Opportunity Program

PSYCO 299 is a new course in the Department of Psychology that offers undergraduate students the opportunity to experience original research methods, engage in discussions of scientific research (i.e. attend lab meetings; read and discuss primary literature) and experience the research environment in the department (i.e. attend seminars). The goal of this course is to help students develop long–term relationships with faculty who may act as mentors during the remainder of their undergraduate years.

The program is completely voluntary for professors and serves to enhance the fundamental connection between teaching and research in the Department of Psychology. Faculty members and adjunct faculty members in the Department of Psychology will develop and supervise the PSYCO 299 projects. These projects may not be supervised by faculty outside of Psychology. If the research experience has been positive for the student, the professor may make a recommendation for the student to enroll in a second term. Alternatively, the student may wish to gain research experience in a different laboratory and may choose to apply for a PSYCO 299 project under the supervision of a different faculty member.

1. PSYCO 299 is a credit/no–credit course (course weight 1.5 units) that would be normally taken in addition to a full course load after the completion of 30 credits (e.g. after first year) but not more that 60 credits (e.g. after second year). Credit may be obtained twice (for a total course weight of 3.0 units).


2. Eligible students must be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.5 or higher) and must have completed the 100 or 200 level pre–requisites for the specific project under consideration. In most cases this will be at least PSYCO 104 and PSYCO 105. Additional pre–requisites and co–requisites are listed with each project.


3. PSYCO 299 projects will be posted to the PSYCO 299 — Research Opportunity Program web site by February 15th each year. Students should review the projects and associated web sites where applicable.


4. To apply for a PSYCO 299 project, students should complete the application form by March 15th and submit to the Associate Chair, Undergraduate, in Psychology at either BSP-222A or to the Psychology Department in BSP-217. The full application package must include
   • A completed PSYCO 299 application form
   • Resume
   • Letter of Reference


5. Application does not guarantee a position. Short–listed candidates may be contacted by the sponsoring faculty member for an interview. The final decision for placement is the responsibility of the faculty member.


6. Successful applicants will be contacted by the Psychology Associate Chair, Undergraduate by April 15th

1. Student should be willing to commit 3–4 hours a week to this program


2. Each student must keep a journal recording: meetings, progress, what was learned about the project in particular, and the nature of research in general.


3. Student will attend any demonstrations, seminars, or other meetings that the faculty member might require (listed on project form). Student may also be asked to read pertinent background material for lab discussions and/or seminars.


4. Student must meet at least monthly with their supervising faculty member and record the dates and times in their journal.


5. Students must attend a monthly departmental seminar and group discussion with the TOP advisor, which count as their normal duties for that week each month.


6. Student will submit to the faculty member a two–page interim report detailing the research experience by November 1st (Fall term) or March 1st (Winter Term). The faculty member will provide the student with an interim assessment in which she or she must discuss the student's progress to date before the deadline for dropping courses without academic penalty (~November 10th in the Fall term, and March 18th in the Winter term).


7. Student will be required to submit their completed journal and a two–page written report to the faculty member on the last day of classes. This report should include a description of the activites that the student undertook as part of this research experience, including a short critique.


8. The faculty member will provide both the student and the PSYCO 299 Program Advisor (Psychology Associate Chair, Undergraduate) with a complete written assessment of the student's performance in the course by the last day of exams.


9. The faculty member will make a recommendation of credit or no–credit when the complete written assesment is submitted. The PSYCO 299 Program Advisor will make the final determination of grade assignments.


10. If the performance is positive for both the student and the faculty member, the faculty member may make the recommendation for the student to enroll in a second PSYCO 299 in a subsequent term.