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Getting Credit for Undergraduate Research Experiences

You can choose from a variety of options to receive academic credit for a mentored research experience, however, it is essential that you thoroughly understand the research expectations and financial responsibilities involved before you enroll in a UR course.

Standard Requirements for all UR Courses

  • The UR experience must have a research mentor who will supervise the project (typically faculty)
  • The student must be in good academic standing
  • The student must meet program specific eligibility requirements
  • The student and mentor must agree on the plan of work and time commitment
  • The student is responsible for all tuition and fees associated with all for-credit research courses
  • Students who are paid for an undergraduate research experience are not eligible to receive academic credit and must use the 0-credit option to have the experience appear on the transcript.

Undergraduate Research Course Options

Before you enroll in a research course you should consult with your academic advisor to make certain that you understand how the credit will apply towards your degree requirements. In addition, if your program offers a degree specific UR course and credit option you should choose this course rather than enroll in IDS 2912, IDS 4914 or IDH 4910. Search here: Research Methods, Directed Research and Courses that Contain a Research Experience ยป

Below are four course options from which you may choose in order to obtain academic credit and have the research experience appear on your transcript.

UR Course number Course Title Credits Course Description Course Procedure
IDS 2912 Undergraduate Research Experience 0-4 Research course option for students participating in a beginning undergraduate research experience. Students engaged in their first UR experience or those in a low-engagement shadowing experience should take this course.
  1. Student meets the eligibility requirements set by the program and has a research mentor.
  2. Student completes UR program application (if required).
  3. Student’s program sets up the course and permits the student to register.
  4. Student registers for the course prior to the end of drop/add with the research mentor as the instructor of record.
  5. Research mentor submits final grade at the end of the semester.
IDS 4914 Advanced Undergraduate Research 0-4 Research course option for students who have previous undergraduate research experience. Students in this course are expected to have a high level of engagement in the research. Students who have utilized all of the credit options in their discipline specific UR courses, should take this course with the 0-credit option.
  1. Student meets the eligibility requirements set by the program and has a research mentor.
  2. Student completes UR program application (if required).
  3. Student’s program sets up the course and permits the student to register.
  4. Student registers for the course prior to the end of drop/add with the research mentor as the instructor of record.
  5. Research mentor submits final grade at the end of the semester.
Program Specific Course (ex. BSC 4910) Directed Research, Independent Research, etc. 1-4 Many programs offer undergraduate research courses specific to the discipline. Students should always use this option first, before taking the IDS 2912 or 4914 course.
  1. Student and mentor agree to a UR experience and the student meets the eligibility requirements set by the program.
  2. Student completes application (if required)..
  3. Student’s program sets up the course and permits the student to register.
  4. Student registers for the course with the research mentor as the instructor of record.
  5. Research mentor submits final grade at the end of the semester.
IDH 4910 Supervised Research 0-4 This course is for Honors Students only. Students should always utilize the discipline specific course option first if it is offered.
  1. Student meets the eligibility requirements set by the program and has a research mentor.
  2. Student completes Honors College application and submits paperwork to HC.
  3. HC sets up the course and enrolls the student.
  4. at the end of the semester, Research mentor sends an e-mail to Honors College indicating that the experience has been completed (Failure of the mentor to submit to HC will result in an I grade).

Academic Credits and Time Commitments

Your faculty mentor determines the amount of academic credit that can be earned through undergraduate research. For beginning students it is not uncommon to complete a semester of research and receive 0-credit to demonstrate your commitment and abilities (especially if the experience is shadowing and does not involve a high level of engagement). Typical time commitments to earn credit are: up to 5 hrs/week = 1 academic credit; up to 10 hrs/week = 2 credits, up to 15 hrs/week = 3 credits and 20 hrs/week = 4 credits. The OUR strongly discourages undergraduate research experiences that require more than 20 hrs/week since this level of commitment can have a negative impact on academic progression.

Using the 0-Credit Option

The 0-credit option allows an undergraduate research experience to appear on your transcript without paying tuition or fees. This option can be used if, i) you have exhausted your discipline specific UR credits; ii) if you are receiving payment for your research; iii) if you are engaged in an optional research project within a course, or iv) you do not need academic credit for the experience.

Research Mentors in USF Health and Outside of USF

If you are engaged in a research experience with a faculty mentor who has an appointment in USF Health but you are not a USF Health degree seeking student (Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, Pharmacy) or if you have a research mentor who is not affiliated with USF, you must contact the OUR directly for assistance with research course registration.

Setting up a UR Course After Drop/Add

Students who need to register for IDS2912 or IDS4914 after drop/add week must contact the OUR directly for assistance with research course registration.

Internship Options

If you choose to participate in an internship experience outside of USF and have a USF faculty sponsor, you can enroll in the IDS 3947 Internship course for 1-6 credits. However, some departments have a dedicated internship course, therefore, before you enroll in IDS 3947 you should check with your department. If you choose to enroll in IDS 3947 course is set up by your home department/program through your faculty sponsor. Contact the OUR for additional details about this option.

BMS/Chemistry Majors

BMS and Chemistry majors should consult the Course Credit Guide for instructions regarding how to obtain credit for research
Course set form Pollenz Liaison Mentor

Mentor Form

Use the form below if your mentor is NOT Dr. Pollenz
Course set form Dept Mentor