INTRO (1 Credit)
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) supports UCF undergraduate students, across all majors, who are interested and participating in research and creative scholarship. Whether your interests lie in the humanities, physical and applied sciences, engineering, social sciences, hospitality, or business, the 1-credit, Introduction to Research course will greatly benefit you!
One Course, Two Ways to Participate
You have two options for applying in the Introduction to Research course. Both teach the same information, but in different ways.
- Summer Research Academy (SRA) – SRA is a fast-paced, summer introduction to research course including a three day in person event in July; ideal for students who want to begin research in the fall.
- SRA is offered as a Summer B for-credit course or as non-credit with pre-academy assignments two weeks before SRA meeting dates.
- Applications are open for Summer 2024
- Introduction to Research & Creative Scholarship Opportunities (INTRO) – a semester long (fall or spring), immersive, classroom experience. This is an HIP course, Integrative-Learning Experience (IE Course Designation).
- INTRO is offered in the Fall and Spring Semesters (1 credit)
- Sign up for INTRO through MyUCF via regular course registration
Fall 2023 INTRO courses are on the UCF Course Schedule as:
- IDS 3913-0001 (90852) on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:45 in TCH 103
- IDS 3913-0V63 (90883) on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:15 via Zoom
Spring 2024 INTRO course is:
- IDS 3913-0001 (17990) on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:45 in TCH 103
In both programs/courses, students will:
- Learn about the nature of university research and how it can expand your undergraduate experience.
- Meet with research faculty and other students active in research.
- Explore research opportunities available to undergraduate students at UCF.
- Prepare professionally for future research, internships/careers, and advanced degrees.
- Earn 1-credit hour for completing the Introduction to Research course
Frequently Asked Questions & More Details
By the end of the course, students will know 1) what undergraduate research is, 2) the role of a faculty mentor, 3) be prepared to choose to pursue undergraduate research, 4) and have tools to start the research journey!
The benefits of taking INTRO include:
- Build networks with potential faculty mentors, Undergraduate Research staff, and experienced undergraduate researchers
- Participate in UCF campus research tours and explore various fields of research
- Learn about UCF structured research programs and resources
- Create and/or build a strong resume/CV
- Improved communication skills
- Prepare for future academic interests and professional pursuits
- Collaborate and develop relationships with students with similar interests
- Discover personal interests
- INTRO is designed for students who have not been involved in research or creative scholarship with a UCF faculty member yet.
- Summer Research Academy (SRA): the best candidates are incoming transfer students and current UCF students with at least one year left before graduation who are not currently involved in research. Incoming transfer students may participate in the Summer Research Academy in the summer prior to matriculating to UCF.
These courses require your full engagement, commitment, and participation. INTRO covers everything from how to find a UCF faculty mentor, careers and opportunities in research, and how to communicate about research. Through this course, students will hear from students, staff, and faculty who are actively involved in research or running programs to support researchers here at UCF. Students will tour UCF research facilities and meet with faculty and student researchers from across campus.
Summer Research Academy (SRA):
Students must:
- Attend all three days of the course.
- Complete assignments during the Summer B semester, before, during, and after the course.
- Fulfill all requirements set forth in the OUR Policy on Participation, including passing the class (graded pass/fail).
Introduction to Research (INTRO):
Students must:
- Attend class weekly.
- Complete course assignments.
- Pass the course with a C or higher (graded ABCDF).
Summer Research Academy (SRA): Undergraduate Research (OUR) offers support to all UCF undergraduate students interested in research. OUR initiatives include workshops, peer mentors, research grants, travel grants, and option to participate in the Student Undergraduate Research Council (SURC). See the OUR website for details.
Introduction to Research (INTRO): In addition to the OUR support mentioned above, following the course, students who wish to continue their path into research or creative scholarship may receive help from staff to:
- Prepare for next steps toward careers or graduate/professional school.
- Connect to resources and tools for conducting research.
- Understand the available professional development for student researchers.
- Network with faculty researchers.
No, a student may only participate in the course once. Students will enroll in either Summer Research Academy or Introduction to Research in Fall or Spring semesters.
Summer Research Academy (SRA): Students will have waived tuition for the 1-credit, 3-day, course. Students will earn a pass or fail grade.
Introduction to Research (INTRO): Students are responsible for the tuition of this 1-credit hour course; see UCF tuition & aid website. Students will earn a letter grade that will impact their grade-point average.