What is it?
A research-directed course allows students to participate in the research of a faculty member while earning a course credit. It places significant emphasis on research activities as a core component of students’ learning experience providing students with extensive opportunities to learn research methods and engage in research activities with supervision from a faculty member.
Important Considerations
Eligibility
- Research-directed courses have specific eligibility criteria depending on the program of study to which they are connected (e.g., students will have to complete a certain number of credits). Consult the academic calendar or, if applicable, the webpage for the research-intensive course (e.g., Research Opportunities Program), to understand specific requirements.
- In some instances, students will be required to complete an application form.
Duration
Timelines are set within the academic program or course.
Recognition and / or Compensation
Students will receive course credit for successfully completing a research-directed course.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access
Inclusion in research experiences is achieved when an experience supports learning for all students. Learn about the University of Toronto’s commitment to an equitable learning environment and accessible learning environment as well as available resources and supports.
Tags: Curricular, Faculty-led Research, Unpaid
Benefits
- Research-directed courses allow students to participate in the research process, acquire new knowledge and continue to learn and apply research methods.
- Research-directed courses allow students to work closely with a faculty member exchanging ideas and receiving guidance, support and mentorship.
- Research-directed courses help students in their decision to pursue graduate studies as they become more familiarized with a research environment. This experience is one of many opportunities to strengthen student applications to graduate programs.
Ideal time to participate:
- This depends on students’ capacity, academic program and personal and professional goals. Students may wish to discuss research-directed courses with their academic unit or registrar’s office.
How to access / locate opportunities:
- To learn more about research-directed courses, refer to the Undergraduate Research Explorer.
- Students should take some time to review the requirements for research-directed courses by connecting with their academic unit or registrar’s office.
- If an application is required, students will need to plan well in advance to pull together and submit application materials as these are often due well before the official period of course registration.
- If a faculty member is interested in offering a research-directed course, they should consider connecting with their academic unit, divisional teaching and learning / experiential learning offices or relevant institutional offices to explore the resources, structures and programs available.
- In some instances, research-directed courses like ROPs offer an opportunity to advance a faculty member’s research agenda.
- Faculty, staff and librarians should consider ways to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenous perspectives throughout students’ research experiences.
