Course Description

Students will gain practical research experience, as directed by a faculty member, in a wide range of scientific lab/field settings or as part of a faculty member’s research program. During this course, the student will learn introductory research skills/techniques and will use these techniques to make a meaningful contribution to the supervisor’s research program. Students are expected to commit to approximately 5-10 hours per week (on average) for one term. Students will also be required to attend departmental seminars/colloquia of their interest (3 seminars per term)

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Learning Outcomes

Given the nature of this course, the exact breakdown of the learning outcomes will vary. Both the student and the academic supervisor must agree on the final learning outcomes to be defined.

At a minimum, in this course, the student will:

• Work in conjunction with the academic supervisor to identify one or more learning outcomes in each of the following categories, with methods of evaluation, and target completion date for each.
  • Academic learning and application related to the ideas, concepts, or theories of your field of study.
  • Skill development: e.g., oral and written communication, problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, skills specific to the occupation.
  • Personal development: e.g., career exploration, self-confidence, sensitivity, appreciation of diversity, clarification of values.
• Reflect on their own experiences and relate these experiences to the current literature.

Project Requirements

• Students must keep a journal to record meetings, progress of their work, what was learned in the project, and the nature of the research in general. This is to provide the supervisor with an ongoing record of the students’ progress in the project and aid in evaluation at the end of the project.
• Students must meet with supervisors to schedule regular meetings. At minimum, students are to meet with their supervisor twice a month and are to keep record of these meetings in their journal.
• Students are required to attend all demonstrations, orientations, and training sessions that the supervisor may require.

Course Assessment

Given the nature of this course, the exact breakdown of the assessment may vary. Both the student and their faculty supervisor must agree on the final breakdown. The assessment below has been used by past students and is suggested: Please note: A reflection essay is mandatory for this course.

The faculty supervisor’s assessment is broken down as follows (or similar):

• Faculty supervisor’s report and evaluation of student’s work – 50%
• Two-page interim/mid-term report – 15%
• Daily log/Journal student keeps a log of their research activities; 20%
• REQUIRED: Final reflection essay (500 words); 15%

Assessments: the supervisor will complete a written assessment of the student’s progress and discuss with the student BEFORE THE DEADLINE TO DROP COURSES WITHOUT PENALTY.

Final grades will be numeric and there is to be no final exam.

• Registration in Level II of a program in the Faculty of Science; and
• Agreement of the academic supervisors; and,
• Approval from the OUR office.
• Not open to students with credit or registration in any Level III or IV department- or program-based applied placement, internship, practicum, thesis, or independent study/project course.

The course will follow MSAF and SAS policies as prescribed by the University.

Step 1: Find a Supervisor.

Step 2: Complete SCIENCE 2RP3 Application Form.

If you are unsure with where to start or having trouble finding a supervisor, the Office of Undergraduate Research also offers specific 2RP3 courses such as:

• SCIENCE 2RP3 – Research Proficiency and Practice under the supervision of Dr. Patricia Chow-Fraser
• SCIENCE 2RP3 – Greenhouse Research Assistant under the supervision of Dr. Susan Dudley

Deadlines

For Fall, Term 1: First week of August

For Winter, Term 2: First week of December

For Spring/Summer, Term 1, 2 or 3: First week of April

Proposed Training

• This course provides students with the opportunity to collaborate within an interdisciplinary research/lab group setting, focusing on the initial stages of conducting a research study
• This encompasses all fundamental research process steps leading up to point of the collection of original data
• Learners will engage in an interdisciplinary group of four to develop valuable, transferable skills related to research inquiry, critical thinking, and communication by following a systematic approach to analyzing and evaluating scientific data, arguments, and perspectives through the critical analysis of – and reflection on – broad issues of global significance, Ex. Water Health/Environmental Pollution, Ageing Populations, Climate Change, Clean Energy (Nuclear Power & SMR)
• The course’s objective is to provide early scaffolding for research within students’ academic careers, preparing them for more advanced research in subsequent years

Learning Outcomes/Science Career Competences

• Demonstrate proficiency in conducting comprehensive literature reviews and critically evaluating scientific literature by completing the literature review written assignment
• Develop an informed research question and formulate a hypothesis by creating a written research proposal
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with peers from various science programs and backgrounds by participating in group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and providing constructive feedback in oral and written form

How Successful Learning Outcomes Be Determined

• Literature review (25%)
• Research proposal (30%)
• Group presentation (20%)
• 2 mini presentations (10%)
• 3 individual reflections (15%)

Additional Notes

• Potential for 40 students working in groups of 10 on four unique projects

Enrolled in a program Level 2 or above in the Faculty of Science.

Dr. Patricia Chow-Fraser is the academic supervisor for this course. Students are not required to search for a separate supervisor.

The course will follow MSAF and SAS policies as prescribed by the University.

Apply by December 4th, 2025 at 11:45 pm to secure your spot (first come first served) using the SCIENCE 2RP3 – Research Proficiency and Practice application online.

Proposed Training

Reporting directly to Director of the McMaster Biology Greenhouse, the research assistant will learn the responsibilities of caring for greenhouse plants, including day-to-day plant care, ensuring that plants receive the correct level of water, nutrients, light, etc. The student will assist with certain project set-ups, data collection, insect/disease management and equipment maintenance. In this role, the assistant will also coordinate the schedule of volunteers who are assisting with plant care. Two times a year, the assistant will also be involved in the sale of plant propagated by volunteers, with the proceeds used to increase the collection and to pay for biocontrol of plant pests. The assistant will be trained to give tours of the greenhouse to visitors.

Required Health and Safety Training on Mosaic which includes WHMIS 2015, Violence and Harassment Prevent AND Fire Safety, Ergonomics OR SAFE training. Students should enroll in these courses and complete the tests on Avenue.

To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 2RP3  Application Form.

Deadline: November 30th, 2025 at 11:45 pm