FROM GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING TO RESEARCH PRESENTATION: PROVIDING COURSE-BASED UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Faculty and students at regional public universities, such as Eastern Washington University, often have limited resources (e.g., faculty time, research equipment, student employment that leaves little time for non-coursework activities) to dedicate to undergraduate research. In addition, small science departments may not have enough faculty to maintain a graduate program which further limits an undergraduate's exposure to research. Nevertheless, student benefits from inquiry-based, hands-on learning is well-documented.

To broaden research opportunities for undergraduates in our department, several faculty now incorporate research as part of the normal course load. Here I present the implementation and results of small group, research projects carried out by undergraduates in my upper-level environmental geochemistry course. Most students enrolled in the course are first-generation college students majoring in geology, biology, or chemistry. Many plan to enroll in a graduate program or find employment in mining or environmental consulting.

In this course, students are required to: 1) develop a project and write a grant proposal, 2) develop testable hypotheses and a project in-line with the hypotheses, 3) collect and analyze samples, 4) understand the sources of, and minimize, contamination during sample collection and analysis, 5) perform quality assurance and quality control, 6) interpret data and draw conclusions, and 7) present their research to fellow geology students and faculty in a poster session. Most of these steps are completed during the laboratory component of the course.

In addition to gaining first-hand research experience, students also benefit from the opportunities to improve their skills in technical writing and public-speaking, integrate information learned in math and science courses, problem solve, learn to be creative, and work in small group settings. These are all valuable skills needed for graduate school and future employment.