Steps for Creating your Research Project
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To Begin:
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- Select a general topic that interest you.
- Form a group and start brainstorming research ideas.
- Plan your project collaboratively, allowing room to refine ideas early in the semester.
Open labs will be available to help you collect and analyze data. Reach out to your lab instructor for days and times. Open labs are an optional resource provided to help you succeed in the POPS project. While attendance is not required, these sessions are an excellent opportunity to receive additional guidance, use lab equipment, and collaborate with instructor and peers in a supportive environment. If you feel you need extra help or want to refine your project outside of your scheduled lab times, open labs are a great place to be.
Additional Notes
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- Open labs are not available on holidays or during school closures.
- Zoom assistance is only offered before open labs begin.
- Attendance and timely communication with instructors are crucial for project success.
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By diving into this research project, you’ll gain valuable experience in scientific inquiry, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that will serve you well in scientific career. Get ready to explore and enjoy the journey!
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Project Expectations
This course is a collaborative effort between students and professors. However, your interactions with your research team will be the foundation of your success, and even your enjoyment in this course. To ensure a positive and productive group experience, the following expectations must be upheld:
- Commit to Your Team and Your Role
Once you’ve formed your group, you are part of a team and must contribute your “fair share” to the project. Teamwork is a critical component of this project and is essential for your future career.
- Equal Contribution: Students who fail to contribute and participate appropriately will receive a failing grade on the project. Similarly, taking on all the work yourself can harm team dynamics and learning opportunities. Strive to balance and ensure every team member actively participates.
- Addressing Group Issues: If a team isn’t meeting expectations:
- o Start by addressing the issue within your group respectfully and professionally.
- o If the issue isn’t resolve, email your lab instructor. The email should:
- Include all group members as recipients.
- Clearly and concisely explain the problem, the steps taken to resolve it, and why it remains unresolved.
- Be professional, free form emotional language, and focused on facts.
- Peer Reviews: As part of your grade, you will complete two Peer Reviews to evaluate your teammates’ contributions and they will evaluate yours.
- Meet and Communicate Regularly
Strong communication and regular meetings are essential to your team’s success.
- Weekly Meetings: Plan to meet with your group at least once a week outside of lab time.
- Set Clear Expectations: Your first group task is to define roles and responsibilities, establish deadlines, and create a project timeline.
- Choose Compatible Schedules: Whenever possible, form groups with similar schedules to minimize communication challenges. For groups with differing schedules, frequent updates and check-ins are even more critical.
Remember: Your lab instructor is here to support you. If you encounter challenges, address them early. Proactive communication is a key to a successful and enjoyable project experience!
