School of Health Sciences - Research and Special Topics Course Descriptions

Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters

• HSCI 190 - Special Topics
• HSCI 290 - Special Topics
• HSCI 390 - Special Topics
• HSCI 490 - Special Topics
• HSCI 590 - Special Topics
• HSCI 598 - Introduction to Research
• HSCI 690 - Special Topics
• HSCI 691 - Special Problems
• HSCI 696 - Seminar
• HSCI 698 - Research MS Thesis
• HSCI 699 - Research PhD Thesis
• HSCI 699A - Research PhD Thesis (Absentia)
• HSCI 699B - Research PhD Thesis (Absentia)

Independent Study/Special Topics

Health Sciences students are encouraged to pursue special topics, projects, and/or readings in selected areas of health sciences. Credit is given at the appropriate level for such activities by the use of the course designators HSCI 190, HSCI 290, HSCI 390, HSCI 490, HSCI 590 and HSCI 690. For each of these, you should:

1. Meet with your instructor to discuss your proposed topic of study and secure his/her approval.
2. Prepare a project prospectus (typed, APA format, title page) including the following indicated sections:
   1. Problem: Define the rationale and delimit your problem area. (Explain your interest in pursuing the project and why this is an area of concern to you.) How does this project relate to your degree objectives?
   2. Purpose and Objectives: What is it that you hope to accomplish? Provide a physical numbered listing of all objectives you expect to accomplish.
   3. Procedures: Explain clearly and concisely the method by which you will proceed i.e., attendance at seminars and/or lectures, site visits, written essay(s) or reviews, presentation(s), laboratory reports, a grant proposal, examinations, a clinical practice workload that is monitored, etcetera. In conjunction with your instructor, provide a clear indication of how the course grade shall be assessed.
   4. Outcomes: What will be the tangible results of your study (papers, reports, products or summaries)? Who will receive copies? Will there be a formal presentation? If so, how will it be evaluated?
3. Meet with your instructor in charge and refine your study prospectus.
4. Revise the prospectus as necessary. Complete the INDEPENDENT STUDY AUTHORIZATION FORM; attach it to the front of the prospectus; secure the signatures of your academic advisor and your instructor in charge.
5. Submit the signed copy of the Independent Study Authorization Form to your instructor in charge for the school head's approval. A copy of your prospectus must be given to your instructor in charge.
    
   The prospectus must be accompanied by a Form 23 (course request form). Please make sure that your instructor in charge has entered his/her departmental designator number, a title for the problem, number of credit hours to be granted, and has signed the Form 23. Submit the Form 23 for registration to your academic advisor after the school head has approved the prospectus. The secretary in the Office of Student Services will make copies and distribute as requested by the instructor. An updated copy of the prospectus shall be kept in the student's file in the Office of Student Services at all times.
6. Independent Study courses cannot be added after the third week of the semester. For evaluative purposes, all materials, papers, projects, reports, etc. must be submitted to the instructor in charge before Finals Week.