AR asked 1 year ago
I want to get independent study course credit for research that I’m doing over this summer. I’m a neuro major and my idea was to do this through MCDB 300 (the research in question is vascular bio & overlaps with CMB) but the lab itself is in the Department of Surgery Research and the research is not being done under an MCDB faculty member.
According to UM policy in this case you’d need a faculty co-sponsor in MCDB who agrees to serve as co-sponsor prior to beginning the project. I was wondering if any people here knew about this process or had experience with it, and how to go about finding a co sponsor (like would it make sense to just ask one of my professors, and if so what would the co-sponsor process/timeline be like?) Or if anyone has information on other ways in which I could get summer independent study credit for this research without getting an MCDB co sponsor or through another independent study course listing.
Leen answered 1 year ago
Hi,
I am in the same situation and had to reach out to an MCDB faculty member to be my co-sponsor. It is a relatively easy process; you email the professor to ask if they will be your co-sponsor and if they agree, they will ask you for a summary/description of the work you’ll be doing in your lab. You’ll list their name as your co-sponsor in the forms you have to submit for independent study credit, and then once your lab sponsor and co-sponsor sign and agree on the forms, you’ll be issued an override to add MCDB 300 (or other courses that qualify) to your schedule. If you have any professors who are in the MCDB department, you could certainly ask them. If not, you’ll have to send an email or two and see if any other professors are willing to sponsor you. I don’t know of any other way to get credit for research besides this, but it is not a difficult task and can be done!
I hope that helps! Let us know if you have any other questions.
Leen, PMH Advising Manager