Focus on research
Integrating hands-on research experience into the undergrad course curriculum is a pivotal component to the Science College's program.
The importance of hands-on research
A crucial part of the College's unique program is that students are required to work with an active research group in some branch of science throughout the duration of their undergraduate studies. These research projects allow students' to gain valuable first-hand scientific experience.
Benefits for students
This research aspect of the program forms the core of our curriculum and is unique in Canada. That's because students are not merely doing lab exercises; they are active and interested participants in the scientific problem-solving process.
Consequently, this helps sharpen their understanding of science and gives them first-hand experience with what to expect in their future career.
Guidelines for projects
- The research may be carried out with scientists at Concordia, another university or at a public or private research institution.
- Note for students
The proposed research must adhere to a prescribed set of project guidelines for students.
- Note for students
- The work of the student is supervised and graded either by a faculty member or by an academically qualified person at the host institution.
- Note for supervisors
Supervisors must follow the guidelines for supervisors when grading a student's project.
- Note for supervisors
- Students are expected to participate in research outside their usual field. For example:
- A physics student might do experiments in a neurophysiology lab.
- A biology student could participate in a computer science project.
Discover our research-related learning initiatives
Every year since 2019 the Science College has hosted the Bold Science Conference, meant for the benefit of undergraduate and CEGEP students.
It's an excellent opportunity for participating students to:
- Present their research findings and receive constructive feedback.
- Develop a broader understanding and appreciation of other scientific disciplines outside their area of focus.
- Enhance, improve and refine their science communication skills.
Each year a theme addressing current scientific issues is chosen and two plenary speakers are invited to give a broadly accessible, public lecture that explores the theme from two divergent perspectives.
Research day is an annual event intended to showcase the research accomplishments of Science College students from over the past year.
As part of the program, Science College students are expected to present the findings of their first two research projects at either the Research Day event or Bold Science conference.
The public lecture series was first established as a way to promote the Science College. The lectures were – and still are – also intended to provide students, academics and interested members of the public with access to relevant topics and information from experts in various fields.
Past lectures covered such topics as:
- Climate change
- Science and religion
- The brain and memory
- Stem cells in cancer research
- Evolution for everyone
The Science College invites prominent scientists at least twice a year to lecture on a wide variety of subjects. Afterwards, there's an opportunity for audience members to meet the speaker in the Science College building at a reception organized by the students.
