Getting Research Course Credit: Faculty Information
Hello OSU Neuroscience Faculty Members,
If you are supervising an undergraduate student who is earning course credit for their research in your lab, please ensure they enroll in Undergraduate Research Credit (Course Number 4998) by following the instructions provided below.
If you would like more information or help guiding your undergraduate student through this process, please refer to the student guide available at neurosciencemajor.osu.edu/research/undergraduate
Helping Your Student Get Enrolled in Undergraduate Research Credit
The first part of this process will be locating and completing the student information on a course enrollment form.
This is the responsibility of the student, but if they need help finding where to start you may direct them to the undergraduate instructions.
Once completed, the first box of the course enrollment you receive from your student should look like the following:
The next section of the form is “Course Information and Action." It is your responsibility as the PI/Faculty member to fill out this section of the form.
How to Determine Credit Hours?
Students should receive 1 credit hour for each 3 hours of work completed in the lab for the entire semester. On average, students receive 3 credit hours of research for 9 hours spent in the lab each week for the entire semester. We recommend that you discuss this topic with your student to decide on an appropriate number of credits to ensure you are on the same page for time commitment expectations.
Where do I find My Class Number?
Your Class Number is found in "Faculty Center." It is the 4 or 5 digit number located in parentheses. This unique class number changes each semester. We recommend keeping this class number hidden from students until they get your permission to spend another semester working in your lab.
After deciding on credit hours and entering your class number, select "Enter a Course Requiring Permission" and include your information highlighted in green. Once completed, you can send the form back to your student to deliver to the Neuroscience Undergraduate Advising Office to complete the process of enrollment. Once again, if your student needs help finding where to deliver this form, you may direct them to the undergraduate instructions.
Common Questions:
We recommend that you keep your Class Number hidden for the following reasons:
- It prevents erroneous enrollment into your research course.
- It prevents students who transitioned out of your lab from enrolling back into your course.
- It is another way to verify that you, the PI, have given a student direct permission to enter into your lab course.
- You will need to reach out to your Department’s Course Scheduler to create a 4998 course.
- Keep in mind that you must do this for each semester you plan to have students working in your lab for course credit.
- If you do not know who your Department’s Course Scheduler is, you will need you contact your Department’s Chair or Vice Chair.