Independent Research/Studies Course Enrolment

Independent research and studies courses provide an opportunity to pursue in-depth study or conduct research on a specialized topic under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. These courses are designed for motivated students who want to explore areas of interest that may not be covered in traditional coursework.

Available Courses

For some independent research or studies courses, you can enrol directly into the course during the registration period.

The following courses require departmental consent before you can enrol:

Biochemistry: BCEM 507, BCEM 528, BCEM 530
Biological Sciences: BIOL 507, BIOL 509, BIOL 528, BIOL 530
Chemistry: CHEM 402, CHEM 502
Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology: CMMB 507, CMMB 528, CMMB 530
Computer Science: CPSC 502, CPSC 503
Ecology: ECOL 507, ECOL 528, ECOL 530
Environmental Science: ENSC 504, ENSC 505
Earth Sciences: ERTH 570, ERTH 580
Neuroscience: NEUR 506, NEUR 507
Physics and Astronomy: PHYS 598, PHYS 599
Plant Biology: PLBI 507, PLBI 528, PLBI 530
Science: SCIE 502, SCIE 570
Zoology: ZOOL 507, ZOOL 528, ZOOL 530

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for independent research courses, you must:

Have completed appropriate prerequisite courses (varies by course - check individual course information sheets)
Maintain a satisfactory academic standing
Find a faculty supervisor willing to oversee your project
Meet any additional departmental requirements

Course Information Sheets

BCEM 507, BCEM 528, BCEM 530, BIOL 507, BIOL 509, BIOL 528, BIOL 530, CHEM 402, CHEM 502, CMMB 507, CMMB 528, CMMB 530, CPSC 502, CPSC 503, ECOL 507, ECOL 528, ECOL 530, ENSC 504, ENSC 505, ERTH 570, ERTH 580, NEUR 506, NEUR 507, PHYS 598, PHYS 599, PLBI 507, PLBI 528, PLBI 530, SCIE 502, ZOOL 507, ZOOL 528, ZOOL 530.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Materials

Before contacting potential supervisors:

Review course requirements: Click on your course of interest from this page to access course specific information sheets
Prepare your CV: Include academic background, relevant coursework, research experience, skills, and interests
Bring an unofficial transcript: Your supervisor will need to review this to confirm your eligibility

Step 2: Find a Faculty Supervisor

Research faculty interests: Explore faculty research areas on departmental websites
Contact potential supervisors: Email faculty members whose research aligns with your interests
Include a professional introduction: Attach your CV and unofficial transcript and explain your research interests
Be specific: Mention why you want to work with that particular faculty member

Step 3: Meet with Your Supervisor

Discuss your project: Work together to define research objectives, methodology, and timeline
Review eligibility: Your supervisor will review your unofficial transcript to confirm you meet course requirements
Plan the scope: Ensure the project is appropriate for the course level and can be completed within the term
Establish expectations: Discuss meeting frequency, deadlines, and assessment criteria

Step 4: Complete the Enrolment Process

Supervisor submits the form: Your supervisor will complete and submit the IRC enrolment form
Wait for approval: Both you and your supervisor will receive email confirmation when the form is submitted
Receive enrolment instructions: Once approved, the Undergraduate Science Centre Advisors will email you with instructions on how to enrol through your Student Centre
Enrol in the course: Follow the provided instructions to complete your registration

What to Expect

Time Commitment: Independent research courses typically require 8-10 hours per week of dedicated work, equivalent to other courses of the same credit value.

Project Structure: Many projects are structured to follow the process of scientific research and will typically include:

Literature review and background research
Project planning and methodology development
Data collection and analysis
Regular meetings with your supervisor
Final report or presentation

Assessment: You will typically be evaluated based on:

Quality of research/study conducted
Written reports or presentations
Regular progress and participation
Final project deliverables

Tips for Success

Before You Start:

Find something you are passionate about and work from there
Spend a good amount of time on your CV and letter of intent to stand out among other students
Read recent publications by your potential supervisor to understand their research focus

During Your Project:

Be up to the challenge as research is a large time commitment and you need a lot of drive and the ability to work on a schedule
Maintain regular communication with your supervisor
Keep detailed records of your work and progress
Don't hesitate to ask questions when you need guidance

Questions?

Undergraduate Science Centre: For general academic advising and enrolment support

Department Associate Heads or Program Directors: For program-specific guidance and connection to faculty researchers