Special Studies: Undergraduate Research

(2,3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Taught at a host institution. SCI 30010 Introduction to Scientific Research at UCD; This module introduces students to the principles of scientific research through attachment to an active research group in the College of Science. Students will become active members of a research group and work under the direction of the group's Principal Investigator. Students will learn about the research focus of the group and conduct independent research into the scientific literature of relevance to the group's activity. They will shadow a member of the research team in the laboratory and master one basic and one advanced laboratory skill. Based on the research activity of the research group, students will learn about developing a research hypothesis and designing experiments to test the hypothesis. Using data generated by themselves and/or the group, students will learn how to analyse the research data and, where appropriate, how to determine whether the differences between control and test data are significantly different from each other. Students will also learn how to write a scientific abstract and a scientific report as well how to make a scientific presentation. IC Galway description: The Scientific Research Experience module is a 3-(Notre Dame) credit module, in which students can undertake hands-on tasks to gain expertise in experimental observations and analytical techniques using contemporary technologies and approaches. Students are required to conduct at least 8-10 hours of practical work per week over the semester, meet regularly with their faculty mentors, and complete any relevant health and safety and/or ethics training. Students will receive a grade based on the completion of the required research commitment, quality of discussions with mentors, and assessment of a background paper and final report describing the research experience.