NAS 479 - Science Research Assistantship

Credits: 1-4

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and NAS major or minor standing.
This course provides an opportunity for students to undertake authentic, original scientific research under the direct supervision of, and in collaboration with, an NAS department faculty member(s) who is currently pursuing an active research agenda. The objective of this course is to provide the student with hands-on laboratory and/or fieldwork training to develop skills necessary for scientific inquiry. Student activities may include the development of research questions and methodologies, collection of data, analysis of data, manuscript preparation, presentations at conferences, and other activities directly related to the chosen faculty member’s scholarly research. The number of credits awarded will be determined by the faculty mentor. During a 12 week research term, students should plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours per week for each credit pursuing hands-on research activities. Additional hours outside of lab and fieldwork are also required each week. This course may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits towards graduation. This course does not satisfy any major requirements, may be taken as an elective choice (4 credits maximum) towards the Environmental Science minor with NAS chair permission.