Research resembles work done in an independent study or special problems course. It must be worthy of academic credit, which is awarded for learning accomplished by the student. At the same time, it resembles student's future careers in that a worker is being rewarded for productivity on a project.
An undergraduate student may work either for credit or for some form of a salary/stipend (when available), with the understanding that in all cases the work done by the student must be worthy of academic credit. While a student should not receive double compensation--full credit and full salary-- a combination of credit and pay can be worked out.
Some graduate students have graduate assistantships. These may be provided through the Graduate Office or the department. Graduate assistantships normally carry the expectation that you will fulfill specified assignments for the department. Other assistantships are sponsored through an individual faculty members grant. Students who hold these assistantships work on that faculty members research.
Most departments have research or special problems courses. Students interested in receiving credit for research can obtain the necessary information from their faculty mentor. Students usually register for one to three credits of research per semester, depending upon the amount of work agreed upon by the student and the mentor. Typically a student is expected to work an average minimum of ten hours per week for three hours of credit, seven hours per week for two, and four hours for one. You should be certain that you have a clear understanding of your mentor's expectations BEFORE registering for research. Some majors and graduate programs have limits on the number of research credit hours permitted for a degree. Each of the five departments, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy, have specific requirements for students conducting research. You should discuss these requirements with your faculty mentor before you begin research.
Students involved in research exhibit their projects through poster displays in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Student Research Symposium, which is held each spring. These posters are frequently displayed in the College's departments after the symposium. Students may also apply for grants to help pay travel expenses to present research at state, regional and national meetings of professional societies.