The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers students the chance to get hands-on research experience through a course called PBSI 491. In this course, students work closely with a professor, as well as graduate students, on real research projects. Instead of just learning in a classroom, students become part of a research team. They help design studies, collect and analyze data, and contribute to original research. This experience helps build important skills that are useful for graduate school and many careers, especially those that require critical thinking and problem-solving.
PBSI 491 also gives students the opportunity to build strong professional connections. By working with faculty, graduate students, and other undergraduates, students can find mentors who support them with career planning, graduate school applications, and future opportunities. Overall, this course is a great way for students to gain practical experience, develop valuable skills, and build relationships that can help them succeed after college.
LOOKING FOR RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES (PBSI 491)?
WORK HOURS EXPECTATIONS
OBTAINING A RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
- Check for Available Research Labs- A list of research opportunities is posted twice a year, review the list as soon as it’s released so you don’t miss out.
- March → for Summer & Fall
- October → for Spring
- Find Labs That Interest You- Look through the spreadsheet and pick labs that match your interests. Take note of what each lab studies and what they require.
- Apply as Soon as Possible- Contact labs quickly since spots fill fast.
- Follow the instructions listed to contact the professor(s):
- Submit a Google Form, or
- Send an email to the lab contact
- Follow the instructions listed to contact the professor(s):
- Get Accepted into a Lab- If a faculty member selects you:
- You’ll move forward with joining their lab
- You’ll will be registered in PBSI 491
- This is the only PBSI course students are forced into.
- Complete the Required Contract- You and your faculty mentor must fill out a contract outlining your role. Prerequisites ; approval of instructor
- Choose the correct contract:contracts are fillable in Adobe
- Submit Your Contract- After both you and your instructor complete the contract:
- Submit it during your open registration period
- Please check Academic Calendar for dates
- Email the form to psycadvising@tamu.edu
- Submit it during your open registration period
- Check for Additional Opportunities
- Research openings are also posted in:
- Milner Hall (outside Suite 205 advising office)
- Student lounge
- Research openings are also posted in:
OTHER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Aggie Research Program – The Aggie Research program consistently releases a list of research teams looking for undergraduates to join their team. This list includes areas/majors of all kinds. Because of this, you can find opportunities outside of the PBSI department that still connect to an area you are interested in. This is another great tool to look for research labs.
https://aggieresearch.tamu.edu/project-list/
Student Research Week. If you or a team are working on your own research project, this is a great opportunity to get experience in presenting your work through oral or poster presentations.
Honors Academy: Honors Academy challenges high-achieving undergraduate students to develop the personal, professional, and intellectual skills they will need to address tomorrow's multifaceted problems.
For more information, please visit Honors Academy here!
Talk to an Undergraduate Research Ambassador and learn how to get started and get the most from your Honors and/or Research experiences from a student’s point of view!
Present at Student Research Week