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BCN Research Opportunities

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers research opportunities for students who register for PSYC 485/491 under the direction of a professor, or students can complete research through NRSC485/491.  These intensive research experiences put students into teams with faculty and graduate students to work on original research projects. This valuable, hands-on training in research skills prepares students for both graduate work in specific domains as well as in scientific thinking for future employment. PSYC 485 is a general research experience course whereas PSYC 491 requires students to write about their research project. In addition to the scientific training that students receive, PSYC 485 and 491 provide students with the opportunity to establish professional relationships with other undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty members. These collaborators and mentors frequently work with students on their post-baccalaureate plans and applications.

Field Experience (PBSI 484)

Participation in an approved mental health, criminal justice, school, industrial or other approved setting; field experiences supervised by an appropriate professor within an area of student interest; course requirements vary with the setting, the supervising professor and the needs of the individual student. May be repeated for credit.

Research (PBSI 491)

Includes working with one of our faculty members in their research laboratory or on a specific research project. Participation involves discussion and presentation of research projects, typically through a paper that presents the results of a literature review or research findings. This is an opportunity to learn about current methods and science in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience and to work closely with faculty, graduate students, and fellow undergraduates. It can also prepare you to undertake a thesis or honors project. You must have completed either PBSI 484 or PBSI 485 and have approval of the instructor to take part in research.

Participation in any of the experiences listed above requires that you and the instructor complete a contract that details the expectations for working on the project. These forms are below.

Opportunities for research will be posted outside of the advising office (Milner Hall Room 205) as they are received. After you’ve spoken to a faculty member about participating in their research lab, bring one of the above contracts to the professor and then bring it to the Advising office during walk-in hours  (see the advising tab for forms and information).

Talk to an Undergraduate Research Ambassador and learn how to get started and get the most from your Honors and/or Research experiences from a student’s point of view!

Present at Student Research Week