The Psychology Department offers a number of undergraduate-level independent study courses. This provides an opportunity for students to receive course credit for the academic component of their work when they are:

• working in a research lab,
  
• conducting their own research,
  
• performing an in-depth study on a psychological topic, or
  
• participating in an internship or volunteer opportunity.

When a particular area of psychology is not covered by a regular course offering, an independent study course provides students knowledge and experience in that area. Course content, assignments, meeting times and grade requirements are arranged with a psychology faculty member.

Things You Should Know About Independent Study Courses:

• The student is responsible for finding a faculty research sponsor.
  
• All independent study courses are permission of instructor and require faculty consent.
  
• Courses eligible to count toward concentration lab requirements and/or toward concentration credits must be taken for at least 3 credits in one term for the Psychology concentration and at least 2 credits in one term for either the Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science or Neuroscience concentration.
  
• Credit/No Credit courses can only be used toward categorical lab requirements; they cannot be used toward the required concentration credits.
  
• Letter-graded courses can be used for both the lab requirement and will count toward the required concentration credits toward concentration requirements.
  
• For each credit hour received it is expected that students work 3 hours per week (for a total of 45 hours) in the fall and winter and terms. In the spring or summer (half-terms) students should work 6 hours per week/per credit hour.
  
• Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science and Neuroscience concentrators are only allowed to count courses from the natural sciences toward concentration credits.
  
• Students should meet with a concentration advisor to confirm how these courses will fulfill requirements. Course credit is not retroactive and must be pre-arranged.
  

If you have questions about independent study, contact the Psychology Student Academic Affairs Office by coming to 1343 East Hall, by email to psych.saa@umich.edu, or by calling 734.764.2580.

Independent Study Course Information

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Directed Research Courses

PSYCH 200 Independent Study in Psychological Issues (1-4 credits)

This course allows a student to focus on a Psychological Issue of personal interest, under the supervision of a Psychology faculty member. Completion of an introductory psychology course or a first year seminar is recommended. PSYCH 200 cannot be used toward lab requirements or elective credits for the Psychology or Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science concentrations. This course may be taken for a maximum of 4 credits. Letter graded (A-E).

PSYCH 322 Field Practicum in Research Techniques for Psychology as a Natural Science (1-4 credits)
PSYCH 323 Field Practicum in Research Techniques for Psychology as a Social Science (1-4 credits)

PSYCH 322 or 323 offer an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in the natural or social sciences within the context of a psychological research setting. They are intended to be an introductory experience within a psychology research lab. Completion of an introductory psychology course and at least sophomore standing are recommended. The faculty member and the student develop an academic component (e.g. paper, reading list) that will pertain to the student's experience in the lab. PSYCH 322 or 323 may be taken for a maximum of two terms and/or 6 credits with the same instructor. A total of 8 credits may be earned. LS&A Experiential. Mandatory Credit/No Credit.

PSYCH 326 Faculty Directed Early Research for Psychology as a Natural Science (1-4 credits)
PSYCH 327 Faculty Directed Early Research for Psychology as a Social Science (1-4 credits)

PSYCH 326 or 327 can be used to satisfy a research-based lab requirement. The student works with the instructor on various aspects of psychological research, completes readings, collects and analyzes data and produces a written report as directed by the instructor. An instructor must have a written description of the academic work (on which the student(s) will be graded) on file in the Psychology Undergraduate Office. The description might include information about readings, data collection and analysis, and writing requirements. A single description can apply for multiple students. This form must be re-submitted after one year. Letter graded (A-E).

PSYCH 422 Faculty Directed Advanced Research for Psychology as a Natural Science (1-6 credits)
PSYCH 423 Faculty Directed Advanced Research for Psychology as a Social Science (1-6 credits)

Arrangements may be made for adequately prepared students to undertake individual research of their own design under the direction of a faculty member. PSYCH 422 or 423 are intended for students who have completed either PSYCH 322 or 323 and/or have the equivalent research experience (e.g. PSYCH 331), are of at least junior standing and have completed at least one psychology breadth course. Please note that the student must have a proposal approved by both the faculty member and then reviewed by the Undergraduate Chair and/or the Committee for Undergraduate Studies before registering for these courses. Requires a final project, a copy of which must be given to the Psychology Undergraduate Office before the student's grade is issued. Up to 6 credits count toward the Psychology and Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science concentrations. A combined maximum total of 6 credits of PSYCH 420, 421, 422, and 423 may be included in a concentration plan. A maximum of 6 credits may be earned. Only one section of PSYCH 422 OR 423 may be taken within the same semester. LS&A Independent. Letter graded (A-E).

422/423 Proposal Form (PDF file)

Directed Research Courses - Senior Thesis Option

The primary focus of the Senior Thesis is the development of a research plan in collaboration with a sponsoring faculty member. This will include the writing of an extensive literature review on the topic, culminating in an acceptable research proposal that is approved by both the faculty member and then reviewed by the Undergraduate Chair and the Committee for Undergraduate Studies before registering for these courses. It is open to Psychology, BBCS and Neuroscience concentrators. It is expected that the student have already completed STATS 350, PSYCH 322/323, 326/327, 422/423 and/or have extensive research experience. Eligibility is limited to students who have a concentration GPA of 3.5 or better. Psych 428 or 429 will meet the experiental lab requirement for Psychology concentrators. Only PSYCH 428 will count toward the research-based lab requirement for the Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science concentration. Up to 6 credits count toward the Psychology and Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science concentrations. Letter graded (A-E).

Senior Thesis 428/429 Proposal Form (PDF file)

Directed Reading Courses

PSYCH 420 Faculty Directed Advanced Tutorial Reading for Psychology as a Natural Science (1-6 credits)
PSYCH 421 Faculty Directed Advanced Tutorial Reading for Psychology as a Social Science (1-6 credits)

Arrangements may be made for adequately prepared students to further explore a topic of interest in psychology under the direction of a faculty member. PSYCH 420 or 421 are intended for students are of at least junior standing and have completed at least one psychology breadth course. Please note that the student must have a proposal approved by both the faculty member and then reviewed by the Undergraduate Chair and/or the Committee for Undergraduate Studies before registering for these courses. Requires a final project, a copy of which must be given to the Psychology Undergraduate Office before the student's grade is issued. Up to 6 credits count toward the Psychology and Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science concentrations. A combined maximum total of 6 credits of PSYCH 420, 421, 422, and 423 may be included in a concentration plan. A maximum of 6 credits may be earned. Only one section of PSYCH 422 OR 423 may be taken within the same semester. LS&A Independent. Letter graded (A-E).

420/421 Proposal form (PDF file)

Field Practicum Courses

PSYCH 404 Field Practicum (1-12 credits)
PSYCH 405 Field Practicum in a University Setting (1-5 credits)

Students may make arrangements to work in an agency where psychological principles may be observed and utilized. This is often an internship or volunteer opportunity. Students must arrange the placement and contact a faculty member with interests in that area to be an advisor. The faculty member and the student develop an academic component (e.g. paper, reading list) that will pertain to the student's placement. The faculty member and the student will have regular contact to monitor progress. It is recommended that the student have already completed at least one psychology breadth course. PSYCH 404 may be repeated for a total of 12 credits; PSYCH 405 may be repeated for a total of 5 credits. LS&A Experiential. These courses are Mandatory Credit/No Credit.

Honors Program Research Courses

PSYCH 424 Senior Honors Research I for Psychology as a Natural Science (3 credits)
PSYCH 425 Senior Honors Research I for Psychology as a Social Science (3 credits)

The primary focus of Senior Honors I is the development of a research plan in collaboration with a sponsoring faculty member. This will include the writing of an extensive literature review on the honors topic, culminating in an acceptable research proposal. Students must arrange for a faculty sponsor, meet with the honors advisor and be accepted into the Psychology Honors Program before registering for these courses. It is recommended that the student have already completed STATS 350, PSYCH 322 or 323 AND PSYCH 422 or 423 and/or have extensive experience with research. Along with PSYCH 426 or 427 AND an additional methods-based lab course, these courses will meet the lab requirement for the Psychology concentration. When combined with a methods-based lab, either PSYCH 424 or 426 will meet the Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science lab requirement. May not be repeated for credit. Letter graded (A-E).

PSYCH 426 Senior Honors Research II for Psychology as a Natural Science (3 credits)
PSYCH 427 Senior Honors Research II for Psychology as a Social Science (3 credits)

The primary focus in Senior Honors II is the implementation of a student's honors research design culminating in the final acceptable honors thesis and poster preparation for the Annual Research Forum. Students must have completed PSYCH 424 or 425 and be in good standing with the Psychology Honors Program. Along with PSYCH 424 or 425 AND an additional methods-based lab course, this course will meet the lab requirement for the Psychology concentration. When combined with a methods-based lab, either PSYCH 424 or 426 will meet the Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science lab requirement. May not be repeated for credit. Letter graded (A-E).