Page 4 - CAS- Undergraduate-Research-Manual

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Definition of Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research may be defined as “an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate
student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.” (Council on
Undergraduate Research).

In the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) we define research in a broad sense to include lab-based
activities in the STEM disciplines as well as other forms of creative activities in the humanities and arts.

The key elements of research are planned inquiry, experimentation, observation, study, analysis and
documentation. These activities result in the discovery of new facts, knowledge and information; new
interpretation of existing facts, knowledge and information; and the discovery of new ways of
application of existing knowledge.

Goals

The overarching goal of research in the College of Arts and Sciences is to make research available to all
students by:
- Integrating research experiences into courses.
- Using research as a pedagogical tool to facilitate learning of students who are challenged by
more abstract concepts.
- Providing intensive research experiences for students to pursue in-depth investigations under
supervision of faculty.
- Encouraging and preparing students, especially minorities, for professional and graduate
program.

Benefits of Research

- Facilitates learning of abstract concepts
- Increases retention of students and their attachment to their disciplines.
- Fosters the development of critical thinking and skills of inquiry
- Stimulates interest in science
- Fosters the discovery of knew knowledge
- Changes attitudes of students towards learning
- Promote career pathways

What You Will Learn in Undergraduate Research

Research is a carefully planned and executed activity. It follows certain general steps that proceed in a
systematic way. The student would learn both hard and soft skills, including the following:

- How scientists think and do business
- Research being conducted by faculty members in the College
- Conduct literature surveys (searches) to learn about the problem to be investigated and how
other researchers are attempting to address it directly or in related ways
- Use existing literature to assist one in planning and conducting research