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Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research in EXSS

 

The Exercise and Sport Science department offers undergraduate student an opportunity to engage is research with faculty members.  Below are some FAQ’s that may help you explore EXSS.

FOR STUDENTS:

When can I begin?

You may start volunteering in any lab as early as your freshman year.

 

Can I receive course credit?

If you want to receive academic credit you must enroll in EXSS 395.  To do that you must meet the following criteria:

  • Two or more ‘relevant’ courses completed with at least a “B” grade. Prerequisite course relevancy is determined by the faculty supervisor of the directed study in question.
  • Find a faculty mentor
  • Complete the Application/Learning contract (Word version)and submit this application to the Online Course Management System (OLCM) at the following link where it will be reviewed by your Faculty Research Mentor and Dr. Zachary Yukio Kerr (zkerr@email.unc.edu) – the Director of Undergraduate Research for EXSS. https://olcm.oasis.unc.edu/olcm/
  • If you have questions or issues with OLCM, there are several resources available to help: https://curricula.unc.edu/independent-study-courses/
  • This application is due by 5pm on the first day of classes in Fall/Spring. There are no exceptions.

 

How many credit hours can I receive?

Students should expect to devote a minimum of 3-4 hours per week for 1 credit, at least 6-8 hours per week for 2 credits, 9-12 hours of research per week for 3 credit hours.

Students approved to do the research course are expected to be self-motivated and largely self-directed. Faculty members supervising a research student must meet on a regular basis throughout the semester with each student pursuing an independent study under their direction.

 

How do I find a faculty mentor?

Visit the websites of the faculty and laboratories in EXSS. If these interest you, email the lab directors.

The office of undergraduate research has a database of projects you can search to find your interests. This website has great information on getting started in research. http://undgrares2020.sites.unc.edu/getting-started/

Ask the faculty who teach your classes about their research and any graduate students that they know may need some assistance.

 

How do I apply?

Complete the Application/Learning contract (Word version) and submit this application to the Online Course Management System (OLCM) at the following link where it will be reviewed by your Faculty Research Mentor and Dr. Zachary Yukio Kerr (zkerr@email.unc.edu) – the Director of Undergraduate Research for EXSS. https://olcm.oasis.unc.edu/olcm/

If you have questions or issues with OLCM, there are several resources available to help: https://curricula.unc.edu/independent-study-courses/

This application is due by 5pm on the first day of classes in Fall/Spring. There are no exceptions.

EXSS 395 Independent Study Guidelines