PSL 480 & 490 Independent Study

Independent Study (PSL 480) and Independent Research (PSL 490) represent planned, but individualized study in an approved area of physiology, not addressable through any other course format. They are intended to increase flexibility within the curriculum for undergraduate physiology majors and to provide students with a formalized independent study or research experience that will appear on the student’s academic transcript. Students should register for PSL 490 for laboratory-based, faculty supervised research. PSL 480 should be used for all other types of faculty supervised independent projects including literature-based, computer-based, or inquiry-based research. In most instances, the faculty mentor will be a member of the Department of Physiology, but faculty supervisors may be selected from other departments and programs, as well.

Students interested in pursuing an independent project by taking PSL 480 or PSL 490 must obtain program approval by completing an Application for Independent Study form, available online as an interactive PDF file. The completed, signed form needs to be filed with the Undergraduate Advising Office, BPS Room 2240, before students will be enrolled in PSL 480 or PSL 490. 

Nominally, one credit of Independent Study or Independent Research represents a time commitment of 6-8 hours per week and requires regular contact and consultation with the faculty supervisor throughout the course of independent study project. Students may register for 1 or 2 cr in any single semester depending on the time commitment involved, although exceptions may be granted in special circumstances. In accordance with university guidelines, total independent study credits (PSL 480 plus PSL 490) may not exceed 10% of credits earned in a bachelor student’s program (i.e., 12 cr of independent study in total), with not more than 8 credits in either course. 

Any questions about PSL 480 and PSL 490 can be directed to Physiology Academic Advisor, Dr. Lori Seischab, seischab@msu.edu 

Application for independent study
(Note: You must download and open this form in Acrobat.)

College of Natural Science Support for Undergraduate Research