Research-Intensive (Student-Led Research)

WHAT IS IT?

Students undertake a substantial course-based research project that includes some of the following characteristics: student-generated or selected research questions, methodologies, conceptual frameworks, and project management plans; analysis and synthesis of collected information or data, and; demonstrate an understanding of research results in the context of the broader disciplinary literature (e.g., 499s).

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Eligibility:

Research intensive experiences have specific eligibility criteria that differ depending on the course or program of study to which they are connected.

Duration:

Research intensive experiences may involve part-time or full-time hours and can last from a few hours to a number of days or weeks over the course of an academic term. The timelines vary and will be set within your course.

Recognition and / or compensation:

Research intensive experiences are unpaid opportunities, students receive academic credit as part of a course.

Accessibility:

Inclusion in EL is achieved when an experience supports learning for all students. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the University of Toronto has a commitment to an equitable learning environment for people with disabilities. It is important to engage in an interactive process to determine the optimal and most appropriate accommodations for individual students engaged in experiential learning.
If a student requires an accommodation related to an advanced laboratory learning opportunity, you may wish to connect with one of the accessibility services offices at the University of Toronto. Staff at these offices will advise you on the disclosure of accommodation requirements as well as support you through the process of determining and negotiating effective accommodations for the student’s individual circumstances.
Student support offices strive to create a safe and comfortable community where students have opportunities to discuss navigating barriers, find peer support and learn about various academic and social opportunities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Students engaging in a student-led research experience (for credit) receive workplace insurance coverage through the University or Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
Students engaging in a student-led research project (for credit) have general liability coverage through the University.

BENEFITS

Students have the opportunity to integrate their theoretical learning through practical application.
In a Research-Intensive experience, students take ownership of the project from the conception of research questions to determining research methodologies based on their questions to the communication of research outcomes.
Students receive supervised guidance over an extended period of time, leading to deeper learning and skill development.

Ideal time to participate:

This will depend on students’ academic, professional and personal goals.
Students may want to discuss further with their academic advisor or registrar’s office.

How to access / locate opportunities:

Courses and programs of study that incorporate student-led research experiences exist across the University. Students can check with their academic unit or registrar to discuss the best way to locate these opportunities.

Resources for Faculty, Staff and Librarians

Faculty can connect with their faculty, academic unit and / or divisional experiential learning office (as applicable) to explore the resources available as they seek to develop an research intensive experience.
Please review the eModules to learn more about intellectual property and non-disclosure agreements arising from research intensive experiences.
Advancing Equitable & Inclusive Experiential Learning Opportunities: A Five-Stage Framework for Change: created by Arts & Science’s Experiential Learning and Outreach Support Office, this guide aims to support EL practitioners in providing EL opportunities that are accessible, inclusive and engage students in meaningful ways.

Student-led research experiences are not partnered experiences. If an organization wishes to engage students in research, please review the information on the Organization-Partnered Project page or the Academic Internship page. Organizations may also wish to connect with the Blue Door for support and advice.

Learning Type: