Independent Study and Thesis
Independent Study
Students enrolling in independent research before their senior year enroll in NSCI 0500. Seniors enroll in NSCI 0700, and seniors who successfully complete at least one term of NSCI 0700 may be able to pursue a final term of senior thesis research (NSCI 0701) described below.
Senior neuroscience students may pursue an honors thesis, a 2-3 semester independent research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Many student-faculty research collaborations culminate in a journal publication, a conference presentation, or a presentation during the Spring Student Symposium.
Funding your research:
Research projects are typically funded through a combination of faculty research grants and internal funds awarded to students. The two main funds open to Neuroscience majors are: 1) Senior Research project Supplement through CTLR, and 2) Neuroscience Program funds.
Details regarding the Senior Research Project Supplement can be found here: SRPS.
Application for Neuroscience Program funding. There is a rolling deadline, meaning you can submit a request at any time during the academic year and your proposal will be promptly reviewed. However, funds are limited, so students should apply as soon as early in the year as possible. All funds must be spent by the last week of Spring Term.
Course Descriptions
NSCI 0500 Independent Research (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Students enrolled in NSCI 500 complete individual research projects involving laboratory or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and approved in advance by a NSCI faculty advisor. (Approval required) (Staff)
NSCI 0700 Senior Research (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Senior NSCI majors who plan to complete a senior thesis should register initially for NSCI 0700. Students enrolled in NSCI 700 complete preparatory work toward a senior thesis, such as researching and writing a thesis proposal as well as, if appropriate, collecting data that will form the basis for a senior thesis. Additional requirements may include participation in weekly meetings with advisors and/or lab groups and attending neuroscience seminars. (Approval required) (Staff)
NSCI 0701 Senior Thesis (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Senior NSCI majors who have completed one or more terms of NSCI 0700, who have a GPA of 3.3 in their major courses, and who plan to complete a senior thesis should register for NSCI 0701 for the final semester of the senior thesis process. Students enrolled in NSCI 0701 write a thesis, give a public presentation of their research, and present an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least two Neuroscience faculty members. Faculty may recommend High honors in Neuroscience after considering the quality of these components of a student’s thesis and the student’s GPA in major courses. Additional requirements may include participation in weekly meetings with advisors and/or lab groups and attending neuroscience seminars. (NSCI 0700, Approval required) (Staff)