Directed research

You can get involved in undergraduate research through a student job, volunteering in a lab, participating in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), or completing a directed research project for credit in your major.

• Directed research step-by-step presentation (video)
• CBS directed research contract: 4994
• CBS writing intensive directed research contract: 4794W
• CBS directed studies contract: 4993 
• CBS writing intensive directed studies contract: 4793W

1. To begin volunteering or working on directed research or UROP project, start your search online to learn more about current research at the U of M. The following links are usually helpful:
   • CBS faculty by department
   • U of M faculty expertise (searchable database)
   • UROP
2. Contact individual faculty via email or phone with a personalized message explaining your interest in working in his/her lab. Provide the following details:
   • Your name and contact information
   • Your major and year in school
   • Why you are interested in his/her research
   • Your goals regarding research (e.g. gain experience for graduate school)
   • What relevant science courses you have completed (e.g. Chemistry, Genetics)
3. When you find a professor to work with, set up a meeting to discuss options for a project. The initial meeting may be an interview, making it important to come prepared with a basic understanding of their research. Reading the articles published by faculty can help you prepare—these are usually listed on their webpage and can be accessed through the U of M library system. Faculty can typically guide students through the initial planning process by describing their research and suggesting a project for you. Please note that in general, faculty are more interested in working with students who will commit to working in their lab for two or more semesters.
    
4. Once you have made an agreement with a faculty member please keep the following points in mind:

• You need to complete a contract prior to registering for Directed Research/Directed Studies credit.  You and your faculty mentor (usually the PI) will work together to define your research project, what you will do, and how it will be evaluated. This process takes time so plan accordingly.
• Plan to spend a minimum of 45 hours per term for each credit you earn.
• You should always download the contract found on this site. The contract is updated on a regular basis. To access the current version, please download it from  the website every time you register for Directed Research/Studies credit.
• Contracts are due in CBS Student Services by the 10^th day of classes which is the last day that changes to your schedule can be made without college approval.
• A fully approved contract has your signature, the signature of your faculty mentor, and the signature of the director of undergraduate studies for the department of registration.
• You will find helpful instructions for registering for Directed Research/Studies on the last page of the contract. Be sure to read this page.
• All Directed Research/Studies contracts, including those for WI, must be completed in Word 2010 or higher.  Please note the campus Computer Labs are equipped with the proper version of Word, if needed.