UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Scientific inquiry involves not only asking questions and conducting investigations, but also the ability to relate the outcome of those investigations with what scientists already know about the natural world. Scientists review and question the work of other scientists.  Undergraduate research provides students with the opportunity to do the same.

Opportunities

Students engage in research through collaborative student-faculty projects or projects done in collaboration with researchers from various local and state agencies. Students then present their research project in Seminar to faculty and their peers.

Goals

• Careful, systematic, patient study, and investigation in some field of knowledge
• Goal of science is to understand nature and the physical world - this is done by processes of observation and inquiry

Benefits and Outcomes

• Higher quality curriculum
• Better prepared students
• Intelligent and informed citizenship
• Deeper sense of fulfillment
• Creates a bridge between the textbook and the real world
• Provides opportunities for students to see beyond the conventional classroom
   

NOTE: Students should consult with their advisors about the undergraduate research requirement at the time that the major is declared.