Instructor: Mary Lynn Manns

TR 8:00-9:15 (day and time subject to change)
For: Juniors & First Semester Seniors

Research involves much more than looking up facts in a library and then summarizing what others have written. In this course, each student will propose a research idea, design a research plan and method, and collect, collate, and analyze data. Because of the complex and involved nature of this process, it is highly unlikely that a research project can be completed in only a few months (one semester). Therefore, students should expect to take a grade of "in progress," and finish the project in the months that follow. However, this does not imply that effort during this semester can be anything less than 100%. Those who do not work consistently and efficiently, and meet all deadlines throughout the semester, will not be given the privilege of completing their project.

To pass this course with a "B", a student must, at minimum, complete his/her research, present it to a group, and submit a well-written research paper. A final letter grade of "A" can be earned only by those students who publish and formally present their papers. At UNCA, there are publication opportunities through the UNCA Journal of Undergraduate Research (published annually) and the Proceedings of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Formal presentation opportunities are available through the UNCA Undergraduate Research Symposium and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Those who publish and present their research can be nominated as an "Undergraduate Research Scholar". This distinction is announced with your name at graduation -- and will look great on your resume too.

The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) began at UNCA in 1987. In the years that followed, it was held at various universities throughout the United States. It allows an excellent and unique opportunity to present research to a national audience.

Funding is available to defray the costs of conducting research. Applications are due in the UNCA Undergraduate Research Office in the beginning of the semester

For more information, contact:
manns@bulldog.unca.edu