Here are just some of the reasons why you should get involved in independent research:
- Research experience will give you an extra edge when applying to graduate school;
- You will have learning experiences beyond those available in the classroom;
- You can find out what it’s like to do research in a field that is interesting to you;
- It allows you to network with faculty and graduate students;
- Faculty will know you better when you need letters of recommendation.
Requirements to enroll:
GPA requirement:
In order for a student to enroll as a research assistant s/he must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for the preceding 3 quarters ( two quarters if s/he is a freshman or new transfer student). Summer does not count as one of the three quarters. However, if summer school courses were completed at UCSB, the grades will be weighted along with the 3 preceding quarters.
99 vs. 199:
In order to enroll in a Psy 199/199P a student must:
- Be a Psychology or Biopsychology major (NOT A PRE-MAJOR)
- Have Upper Division standing
- Must have completed at least 2 psychology courses number 100 or above
If a student is a pre-major, major from another department, or does not have upper division standing s/he will need to enroll in a Psy 99/99P instead.
Pass/No Pass vs. Letter graded:
- Students must take Psy 99P/199P (Pass/No Pass) the first quarter
- In subsequent quarters students may enroll for a letter grade
- A research paper is required for 99/199 courses taken for a letter grade. A copy of the paper is to be submitted to the undergraduate advisor as well as the faculty sponsor BEFORE a letter grade is assigned. The highest letter grade that can be given without a paper is C.
Students work in the lab 2-3 hours per week for each unit in which they are enrolled.
Application Procedures:
Once a student has found a lab by reviewing the current research opportunities on the Psych website s/he must:
- Obtain an unofficial copy of his/her transcripts from GOLD
- Bring transcripts to the Psychology Undergraduate Office for GPA check, to obtain the contract, and obtain instructions for the Human Subjects training Module (HSTM). This training is required of all students working with human subjects.
- Complete proposal (and Human Subjects Training Module, if required) and obtain faculty sponsor's signature as well as the protocol #
- Return completed contract (and proof of HSTM completion, if required) to the Undergraduate Advisor for an approval ('add') code
