INDEPENDENT STUDY DIRECTIONS

In the past "290" or "390", dependenting on the school, is what most people refered to as the course number for undergraduate research credit. The more appropriate term is "independent study" as this encompasses both undergraduate research and Senior Thesis. All 290, 390, 490 & 492 courses relate to undergraduate research credit. It is also possible to work in labs for pay as an hourly worker. Many students start out this way and eventually take on the work as a 290 / 390 project. If you are interested in getting involved with research for credit, follow these steps:

0. IB students should carefully read the page on IB's website concerning independent study: http://www.life.uiuc.edu/sib/390_490.htm

MCB students should carefully read MCB's website concerning their independent study: http://www.life.uiuc.edu/mcb/downloads/290-492_procedures_06-07.pdf

1. Check the appropriate webpage for a list of faculty research - refer to links at the bottom of this page.

Read through the website of each professor you are interested in.

Read a couple of their most recent journal articles - use the Library's "Online Research Resource" webpage - http://www.library.uiuc.edu/orr/

2. You should come by the Advising Office and pick up a "student cv" form or download it via the link as a Word document.

Just as professors have a curriculum vitae, so should students wanting to work in their labs. It is a simple one page form to give faculty an idea of your goals and research interests. The student CV should be used like a resume - to aid professors in evaluating your suitability for the position and as a way to remember you should a position open in the future.

Fill out the form, make copies and be sure to take it with you when you speak with professors about doing research with them.

3. Approach the professors directly (either through phone, office visit, or e-mail).

If you choose to do your initial contact via email, DO NOT SEND GENERIC MASS E-MAILS. PROFESSORS WILL IGNORE THAT APPROACH. An e-mail that states "I'm seeking 290 / 390 experience. Do you have room in your lab?" will not be successful. Take the time to personalize your message and give the professor a reason for following up to your request.

At this point, the professor will be able to tell you if they have room in their lab for an undergraduate student, what kind of work undergrads usually do, and the time commitment for the number of hours credit.

4. Once you have made an agreement with a professor, they will direct you to the appropriate place to get the registration number (usually their departmental office) and you may then enroll.

5. IB and MCB Policy: You may have NO MORE than ten hours of 290, 390, 490 or 492 credit counting toward your degree.
6. If you are thinking of doing research in a department other than your home department (i.e. SIB for IB majors, SMCB for MCB majors), you must follow the instructions given by that unit and the rubric and course number will be different (i.e. not IB 390 or MCB 290). Note: IB and MCB majors intending on writing a senior thesis for departmental distinction must enroll in IB 490 / MCB 492. It is possible to work out an agreement with your home department to do research in another unit and recieve IB / MCB ind. study credit. But this is rare and certianly not gauranteed. Please consult with your academic advisor if you are considering doing research in another department.