Directed Studies and Research
A Directed Studies course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with members of academic staff on projects that are closely aligned with students’ area of interest. Projects must reflect academic scholarship commensurate with the student’s degree program.
The Directed Studies Application form must also be signed by the parties involved (i.e., the student, the course supervisor and the Associate Dean). The form serves the same purpose as a course outline and represents a contract between the student and the university. In addition to all the above, each form must contain a detailed description of the course. This should include, as appropriate, but not necessarily limited to, the following:
- the purpose/focus of the course
- the method to be followed to achieve the purpose
- the research techniques to be employed
- the subjects to be used
- examples of the type of literature to be covered
- laboratory protocols to be developed/employed
- the expected outcome of the course
- a description of the method of evaluation for the course, including a breakdown clearly showing the weighting of each aspect of evaluation
Course Numbers:
Master’s:
KSR 590
KSR 591 (2nd course)
KSR 599 A/B (Two-Term; *1.5/term)
Doctoral:
KSR 690
KSR 691 (2nd course)
KSR 699 A/B (Two-Term; *1.5/term)
Proposal Requirements and Instructions:
- An academic staff member must agree to oversee the Directed Study. All academic staff members of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation are eligible to be course instructors.
- Complete the Directed Study Proposal form (page 2-3). The project proposal is prepared collaboratively by the academic staff member and the student. The Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) provides final approval.
- The final course letter grade and marks assigned to assignments are to be entered in Bear Tracks by the academic staff member (Directed Study Supervisor) by the end of the academic term. In exceptional cases only, a grade of Incomplete (IN) may be assigned by the end of the academic term. For instructions and for the maximum time limits on Incomplete (IN) grades, visit section 7.4.1 of FGSR’s Graduate Program Manual. Final grades submitted after the maximum time limits will result in a grade of Incomplete Fail (INF).
- Students enrolled in master’s course based degree programs are allowed a maximum of six course credits (*6) of Directed Studies. Students enrolled in PhD or master’s thesis based degree programs are allowed a maximum of three course credits (*3) of Directed Studies.
- Directed studies are designed to support independent study however, proposals for group projects will be considered.
- As this document serves as the course outline for the Directed Study, a copy will be kept in the Graduate Programs Office, and the instructor will provide the student with a copy.
- All inquiries or problems concerning the course should be directed to the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies).
Request Form Deadline: Due at least one week prior to the registration deadline for the term of registration. Refer to the University Calendar for term registration deadlines. Submit completed form to the Graduate Programs Administrator - Elisha Krochak: KSRgrad.info@ualberta.ca