If you are an incoming student and want to get involved in campus research right away, a Course-Based Research Project is an excellent opportunity for you.  We have developed this new initiative to increase undergraduate research capacity on campus and to provide a quick start for students to get involved in research in their fields of interest.

Six projects have been developed for the fall.  The projects have limited enrollments, and several meet GER or other requirements.  If you have questions about the Course-Based Research Program, please drop by the office and talk to us!

Fall Semester, 2019

Terrior VINdicated: Geology & Wine
Instructor: Barry Cameron (Geosciences)
Course: GEO SCI 194, SEM 002
Class Number: 27204
Credits: 3 NS
Days/Times: MW | 11:00 – 12:15 PM
Location: LAP 268
Terroir is a French concept that relates the complete physical environment including factors such as geology, soils, climate, slope and aspect to the quality of wine and other foods. Simply, terroir refers to a product that conveys a sense of place. Terroir is a controversial subject where arguments persist whether it is real or fictional. In this course, we will explore the science behind terroir and evaluate how geology, soils, climate, and geomorphology impact the quality of wine. We will examine the geology of many of the world’s great wine regions to understand the effect that the bedrock and soils have on a variety of wine types. Wine magazines, book chapters, and scientific journal articles on both Old and New World wine regions will be read and discussed to explore the topic in a comprehensive manner. Modern methods of studying terroir such as geochemistry, remote sensing, geophysics, GIS, and precision viticulture will be reviewed and discussed. Students will participate in field trips to collect vineyard soil samples and then conduct laboratory analyses to document their bulk chemistry, mineralogy, and grain size. Thus, the ambitious goal is that the first-year students will actively help to unlock the secrets of Wisconsin wine terroir.

Research in Cognitive Psychology (FULL)
Instructor: Debbie Hannula (Psychology)
Course: PSYCH 193, SEM 002
Class Number: 25480
Credits: 3 SS
Days/Times: MW | 12:30-1:45 PM
Location: NWQ 1975
In this course we will navigate the science of mind, exploring major milestones and misconceptions about cognition and the brain. Students will conduct experiments that examine the limitations of attentional control as well as factors that impact the reliability of memory (e.g., why might Brian Williams have misremembered his experiences in Iraq). As a class, we will analyze the data from these experiments and engage in active dialogue about potential explanations for reported outcomes. Ultimately, groups of students will conduct an experiment of their own design and present their work in a First-Year Seminar Symposium at the end of the semester. Finally, because it’s never too soon to look ahead, professional issues will take top-billing – we’ll hear, for example, about graduate training opportunities and how advanced degrees in psychology translate into real-world opportunities in the public sector.

Biophysical Studies with Optical Microspectroscopy
Instructor: Valerica Raicu (Physics)
Course: PHYSICS 194, SEM 001
Class Number: 25587
Credits: 3 NS
Days/Times: TR | 12:30-1:45 PM
Location: PHY 353
The first part of this research seminar introduces students to quantitative aspects of physics and biophysics research through exciting optics experiments using lenses and mirrors as well as hands-on exercises involving construction and use of optical tools such as microscopes, telescopes and spectrometers. Students will then use cutting-edge photonic instruments and computer programs as part of real-life research projects aimed at understanding the physical and mathematical principles at work in living cells. The class follows a discovery-based format, and and offers ample opportunities for students to work alongside with graduate student researchers and senior scientists.

Research in Clinical Health Psychology (FULL)
Instructor: Hobart Davies (Psychology)
Course: PSYCH 193, SEM 001
Class Number: 23787
Credits: 3 SS
Days/Times TR | 11:00-12:15 PM
Location: GAR 204
This project focuses on the research methods and approaches that are used to investigate the behavioral and emotional factors that influence the mental health of children, teens, and families. Through working together on several smaller research projects, the students will gain a deeper sense of the educational, research, and other career paths open to students interested in psychology and pediatric health.

Applied Dramaturgy
Instructor: Robin Mello (Theatre)
Course: THEATRE 360, SEM 002
Class Number: 11864
Days/Times: W | 11:00-11:50 PM
Location: MIT 375
Students will research contemporary theatre practices and performances. The project will introduce students to critical dramaturgical and theatre inquiry methods. Students will explore new works, and social justice theater making, while applying critical lenses to the classic theatre canon and new works. Seminars will meet on campus, at local restaurants, and at regional theatre productions on Wednesday evenings, prior to going to performances. Students will discuss new works and develop a deeper understanding of how contemporary theater productions actually work.