Research Opportunities

Keenan Research Summer Student Program

This program provides opportunities for undergraduate and medical students to conduct research in a laboratory and/or clinical setting at St. Michael’s under the supervision of a Principal Investigator (Scientist and/or MD).

Students must agree to participate in the program on a full-time basis and not terminate their engagement prior to the stipulated end date. Summer students work 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday 7.5/hrs per day). The summer student’s project must take place at St. Michael’s, unless the principal investigator’s office/lab is located off-site. Students hired as employees of the hospital and paid hourly wage that falls on a pay scale starting at $15. Students registered as research volunteers who wish to gain experience in a research setting (Please note: volunteer students will not be paid stipends/honorariums at any time and will solely act as volunteers).

Students must align themselves with a PI and set up appointments to speak to them personally. Find a Principal Investigator at St. Michael’s.

Please do not begin contacting principal investigators until Jan. 1, 2019.

Registration packages will be available and distributed to PIs in late March/Early April 2019.

Innis College

Research Opportunity Program

INI299Y1 Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project.
Details at ROP
Distribution Requirement Status: None
Breadth Requirement: None

Resarch Project

INI400Y1 Independent Research
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students explore topics of their own choice and design their own research projects for a course not otherwise available within the Faculty. The student should submit a detailed proposal and a letter of support from the supervisor by June 1 for Y and F courses and by September 1 for S courses.
Prerequisite: Normally requires completion of 15.0 full-course equivalents with 3.3 CGPA and permission of the Innis College Vice-Principal.
Distribution Requirement Status: None
Breadth Requirement: None

INI401H1 Independent Research
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students explore topics of their own choice and design their own research projects for a course not otherwise available within the Faculty. The student should submit a detailed proposal and a letter of support from the supervisor by June 1 for Y and F courses and by September 1 for S courses.
Prerequisite: Normally requires completion of 15.0 full-course equivalents with 3.3 CGPA and permission of the Innis College Vice-Principal.
Distribution Requirement Status: None
Breadth Requirement: None

INI402H1 Independent Research
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students explore topics of their own choice and design their own research projects for a course not otherwise available within the Faculty. The student should submit a detailed proposal and a letter of support from the supervisor by June 1 for Y and F courses and by September 1 for S courses.
Prerequisite: Normally requires completion of 15.0 full-course equivalents with 3.3 CGPA and permission of the Innis College Vice-Principal.
Distribution Requirement Status: None
Breadth Requirement: None

New College

Research Opportunity Program

NEW299Y1 Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project.
Details at ROP
Distribution Requirement Status: Humanities
Breadth Requirement: None

Independent Studies

Independent Studies (NEW390Y1, NEW391H1, NEW490Y1, NEW491H1)
New College Independent Study courses are designed both to complement regular offerings in New College programs and to provide an opportunity for New College students in any program to enrich their studies. The normal expectation of a project course is that the student, aided and advised by the supervisor, will read relevant literature, and plan, execute, analyze and report on an original and independent investigation of an appropriate topic. Written applications, including a detailed proposal, should be made through the Program Office for approval by the Vice Principal of New College or a designate by April 15 for the Summer Session; by July 15 for the Fall Term; or by November 15 for the Winter Term. Should the deadline fall on a weekend, applications will be accepted until the following Monday.  Students will be notified of the acceptance or rejection of an application. If the project requires ethics approval, please be advised that you should find and consult with a supervisor about meeting this requirement at least a semester in advance of these deadlines.  For more information and application forms, please see the Independent Studies Website
Distribution Requirement Status:  None
Breadth Requirement:  None

NEW497Y1 – Independent Community Engaged Research

Hours:
96P/24S
A placement-based course in which students gain experience and develop social research and professional skills working on projects initiated by community partners. The accompanying seminar reviews conventional and creative interdisciplinary research methodologies relevant to the social purpose sector while supporting students’ participatory- and reflective learning. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite:  Completion of a minimum of 9.0 FCE and successful completion of the application process.
Recommended Preparation:
NEW120Y1/​ NEW150Y1/​ NEW220H1/​ NEW221H1/​ NEW224Y1/​ NEW225H1/​ NEW226H1/​ NEW232Y1/​ NEW240Y1/​ NEW241Y1/​ NEW270H1/​ HIS230H1/​ HIS231H1/​ other NEW courses
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

St. Michael’s College

Research Opportunity Program

SMC299Y1 Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project.
Details at ROP
Distribution Requirement Status: Humanities
Breadth Requirement: None
Please Note:  Contact the Research Opportunity Program for more information

Research Project

SMC457H1 Directed Research
Based on a professor's research project currently in progress, this course will enable an undergraduate student to play a useful role in the project while receiving hands-on training in research.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
Distribution Requirement Status: Humanities
Breadth Requirement: None

Trinity College

Research Opportunity Program

TRN 307H International Experience I (Summer course)
Hours: TBA
A one semester research experience abroad. Students participate in a research project under the mentorship of a faculty supervisor in the host institution and gain experience of working and living abroad.
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

TRN 308H International Experience II (Fall course)
Hours: TBA
Students who have engaged in a research project abroad participate in a regular forum in which they present their research projects and discuss their varied experiences of work and social engagement in different foreign environments. Students prepare a detailed scholarly article based on their research.
Prerequisite: TRN307H1
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)
 

University College

Research Opportunity Program

UNI299Y1     Research Opportunity Program (ROP)
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project.
Details at ROP
BR=None

Independent Research

HST451Y1    Independent Research in Health Studies
This two-semester course designation will permit students to gain academic credit for health studies pursued independently under the supervision of a University of Toronto faculty member; or to participate in an ongoing health research project under the joint supervision of the projects Principal Investigator and the Director of the Health Studies Program.
Prerequisite:HST209H1, HST250H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Social Science course
Breadth Requirement: None

HST480H1    Independent Research in Health Studies
This one-semester course will permit students to gain academic credit for health studies pursued independently under the supervision of a University of Toronto faculty member; or to participate in an ongoing health research project under the joint supervision of the projects Principal Investigator and the Director of the Health Studies Program
Prerequisite: HST209H1, HST250H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Social Science course
Breadth Requirement: None

UNI393Y1 (1.0 FCE) and UNI394H1 (0.5 FCE)    University College Independent Studies
An opportunity to design an independent research course of study at the 300 level not otherwise available within the Faculty. Normally, students will have a minimum cGPA of 3.0 and have completed 10 FCEs. Permission of a faculty supervisor and approval by the Vice-Principal are required. Those registered in a UC program or UC-registered students should submit a written proposal and application form to the Programs Office (UC173) for approval. Applications for Y and F courses are due by 30 June prior to the academic year; S courses to be submitted by 15 September; Summer proposals are due by 15 February.
Application form is available at the University College website
Prerequisite: Permission of University College Vice-Principal 
Distribution Requirement Status: None
Breadth Requirement: None

UNI495Y1 (1.0 FCE) and UNI496H1 (0.5 FCE)    University College Independent Studies [TBA]
An opportunity to design an independent research course of study at the 400 level not otherwise available within the Faculty. Normally, students will have a minimum cGPA of 3.0 and have completed 15 FCEs. Permission of a faculty supervisor and approval by the Vice-Principal are required. Those registered in a UC program or UC-registered students should submit a written proposal and application form to the Programs Office (UC173) for approval. Applications for Y and F courses are due by 30 June prior to the academic year; S courses to be submitted by 15 September; Summer proposals are due by 15 February. Application form is available at the University College website.
Prerequisite: Permission of University College Vice-Principal 
Distribution Requirement Status: None
Breadth Requirement: None

Victoria College

Milne Research Award:
Awarded to Victoria College students who have not yet graduated for research purposes (not for credit/course work).  Students must have achieved a CGPA of 3.50 or better and be registered in a life science program.  An application is required.
Please Note:  Contact the Victoria College Registrar’s Office at vic.awards@utoronto.ca for more information.

Northrop Frye Centre Undergraduate Research Award

Value: up to $2,000 maximum

The NFC Undergrad Research Award provides Vic students with the opportunity to further their involvement with Humanities and Social Sciences research. Given that research in these fields occurs in a variety of ways, different types of proposals are encouraged and will be considered. Students should, in consultation with their faculty supervisor, propose a research project.

Please click here for more information and to apply.

The funds may be taken as a form of stipend while conducting research (ie: while performing archival research and writing, or acting as a research assistant on a pre-existing project) or used to help cover a research trip. In each case, you must have a faculty supervisor who is willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf in which she/he comments on the project and approves the proposed budget if required. If your proposal is successful, in addition to the research funds and mentoring, you will be given the title of “Northrop Frye Centre Undergraduate Fellow” and invited to participate in NFC activities during the academic year following conferral of the award. Additionally, you will communicate the results of your project at an undergraduate research colloquium. Projects that use the resources of the Victoria University Library are encouraged.

Program Administrator: Amelia Bailey
Office of the Principal, Victoria College
E-mail: nfc@utoronto.ca

VIC493H1Y Vic Capstone Research Colloquium
Professor Emanuel Istrate

As a large research university, UofT teaches students both through courses and through involvement in research projects. VIC493 is a companion course to independent study and independent research courses in the sciences. Students enrol in this course while also taking on a research project in one of the science departments. We will discuss the norms, practices and customs in research activities, from the point of view of those actually involved in research. In addition, we will look at the various stages of a research project and discuss techniques that make research more efficient. As a multi-disciplinary course covering all areas of sciences, we will have the opportunity to compare research techniques and standards across many different scientific disciplines in the physical and life sciences.

Students will present their research results in a mini-symposium and will engage in discussions about challenges and opportunities that arise in their work. This will give the opportunity to develop and improve scientific communication skills, an essential asset for a career in the sciences.

More information (including deadlines, etc.) is available here

Woodsworth College
Summer Abroad

Summer Abroad:
Prepare yourself for a future in the global village by participating in a Summer Abroad program and complete a University of Toronto course overseas in three to six weeks. These programs are designed to enrich students’ academic lives by providing an exciting and educational international experience. Your learning will not be limited to the classroom; you will observe and experience many of the things you study, including the language, history, culture, art, religion, business, and politics of the host country. The list of summer offerings is published every January. The current schedule is available here.
Enquiries: Summer Abroad

Biochemistry

Research Project

BCH374Y1    Research Project in Biochemistry[12T/144P] (formerly BCH373H1, BCH375H1)
This course provides an opportunity to perform specialized research in biochemistry under the direct supervision of Biochemistry Department Faculty.  A cGPA of 3.3 is required for students in Major programs and a cGPA of 3.0 is required for students in Specialist programs. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.
Hours: 12T/144P
This course provides an opportunity to perform specialized research in biochemistry under the direct supervision of Biochemistry Department Faculty. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.
Prerequisite: For Specialist: BCH242Y1 (75% or higher); BIO230H1; CHM247H1/ CHM249H1, and approval of the course coordinator. For Major: BCH210H1 (80% or higher); BIO230H1; CHM247H1/ CHM249H1, and approval of the course coordinator.
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

BCH473Y1 Advanced Research Project in Biochemistry
Hours: 144P
This course provides opportunities to pursue an original individual research project in a particular area of biochemistry, under the direct supervision of a Biochemistry Department faculty member. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.
Prerequisite: For Specialist: BCH340H1; BCH377H1; BCH378H1; 75% or higher in MGY311Y1; and approval of the course coordinator. For Major: BCH370H1; 80% or higher in BCH311H1; and approval of the course coordinator.
Corequisite: BCH478H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

Summer Research Opportunities

BCH372Y1 - Summer Research in Biochemistry
Hours: 144P
Real-world opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and hone technical skills through full-time research in an active research laboratory for students who have completed second year. Students are responsible for arranging for supervision by a Department of Biochemistry faculty member in advance of the academic year-end. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.
Prerequisite: A final grade of 75% or higher in BCH242Y1 and approval of the course coordinator.
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

BCH472Y1 - Advanced Summer Research Project in Biochemistry
Hours: 144P
Real-world opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and hone technical skills through full-time research in an active research laboratory for students who have completed third year. Students are responsible for arranging for supervision by a Department of Biochemistry faculty member in advance of the academic year-end. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.
Prerequisite: A final grade of 75% or higher in each of BCH340H1; BCH377H1; BCH378H1; and approval of the course coordinator.
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
(Please contact your department for more information)

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)
Students are invited to submit their applications to the department for summer research experience. Please see the website for more information

GLSE Undergraduate Summer Research Project Studentship
This studentship is open to 3rd and 4th year students in Life Sciences with an interest in pursuing graduate training.
(Please contact the Undergraduate Coordinator in mid-January).

Research Opportunity Program

BCH299Y1/BCH399Y1 Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project.
Details at ROP
Distribution Requirement Status: Science
Breadth Requirement: None

Cell and Systems Biology

Research Project

BCB330Y1Special Project in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
An opportunity for specialized individual research in bioinformatics and computational biology by arrangement with the course coordinator and a supervisor. Significant background in both life science and computer science courses is required. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.
Prerequisite: Permission of the course coordinator.
Distribution Requirement Status: Science
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

BCB430Y1 Advanced Special Project in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
An opportunity for advanced specialized individual research in bioinformatics and computational biology by arrangement with the course coordinator and a supervisor. Significant background in both life science and computer science courses is required. BCB330Y1 is a recommended preparation for this course.  However, students should not normally conduct their project in the same laboratory or continue their previous project. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.
Prerequisite: Permission of the course coordinator
Recommended Preparation: BCB330Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: Science
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

CSB497H1
Independent Research in Cell and Systems Biology I
An original research project (a literature review alone is not sufficient) requiring the prior consent of a member of the Department to supervise the project. The topic is to be mutually agreed upon by the student and supervisor. They must arrange the time, place, and provision of any materials and submit to the Undergraduate Office a signed form of agreement outlining details prior to being enrolled. In the Fall or Winter sessions, a commitment of 8-10 hours per week is expected for research and related course activities. In the Summer Session, the number of hours doubles (16-20 per week) as the length of the term is halved. Many students spend more than this amount of time as they become immersed in their project. This course is normally open only to fourth year students with adequate background in Cell and Systems Biology. Course requirements include a final report, and either an oral presentation (Summer and Fall sessions) or a poster presentation (Winter session). Two workshops on scientific research are scheduled and highly recommended. Details for enrollment are available at www.csb.utoronto.ca/undergraduate/courses/400. (Lab Materials Fee: $25). Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

CSB498Y1
Independent Research in Cell and Systems Biology I
An original research project (a literature review alone is not sufficient) requiring the prior consent of a member of the Department to supervise the project. The topic is to be mutually agreed upon by the student and supervisor. They must arrange the time, place, and provision of any materials and submit to the Undergraduate Office a signed form of agreement outlining details prior to being enrolled. In the Fall/Winter session, a commitment of 8-10 hours per week is expected for research and related course activities. In the Summer session, the number of hours doubles (16-20 per week) as the length of the term is halved. This course is normally open only to fourth year students with adequate background in Cell and Systems Biology. Course requirements include a final report and either an oral presentation (Summer session) or a poster presentation (Fall/Winter session). Four workshops on scientific research are scheduled and highly recommended. Details for enrollment are available at www.csb.utoronto.ca/undergraduate/courses/400. (Lab Materials Fee: $50). Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

CSB499Y1 Independent Research in Cell and Systems Biology II
Allows students to do a second independent project. Operates in the same manner as CSB497H1/CSB498Y1. (Lab Materials Fee: $50). Not eligible for CR/NCR option.
Prerequisite: CSB497H1/CSB498Y1 Students who have completed both CSB497H1 and CSB498Y1 are excluded from taking CSB499Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: Science
Breadth Requirement: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

Research Abroad

CSB397Y0 Research Abroad in Cell & Systems Biology
An independent research project conducted in a molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, plant biology, neurophysiology, or systems biology research lab in an approved partner university. The laboratory research is supervised by a faculty member at the partner institution. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.
Prerequisite: BIO230H1/BIO255H1/BIO271H1 with a minimum grade of 73%; permission of the CSB Undergraduate Associate Chair
Distribution Requirement Status: Science
Breadth Requirement: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

Work Study Program
Cell and Systems Biology will continue to offer this program as long as funding is available from any source.

Summer Research Fellowships

CSB Summer Undergraduate Research Award

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
(Please check with your department for more information if available)

University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA)

University of Toronto Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (CAGEF)

Research Opportunity Program
CSB299Y1/399Y1 Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project.
Details at ROP
Distribution Requirement Status: Science
Breadth Requirement: None