Getting Started in Undergraduate Research

Roadmap for Research

What is Roadmap for Research?

Roadmap for Research is a guided, 10-15 hour, non-credit pathway to help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate their first undergraduate research project. The program can normally be completed over 2 academic terms (e.g. fall/winter) but is flexible to accommodate a busy student schedule.

The program requires students to attend a minimum of 9 seminars (5 mandatory, 4 elective), from four modules:

Module 1: Undergraduate research basics - in this module, students will learn how to find research opportunities and approach professors effectively, gain an understanding of the academic research landscape, and how to apply for undergraduate research funding.

Module 2: Skills for research - in this module, students will learn about relevant research skills and resources, such as research ethics, EDI, health and safety, library and copyright resources.

Module 3: Disseminating your research - in this module, students will learn strategies for sharing their research with academic and non-academic audiences through abstracts, presentations, publications, and other forms of knowledge mobilization.

Module 4: Beyond undergraduate research - in this module, students will learn how to showcase their research experience on their resume/CV, in interviews, and in future academic or employment applications.

Each seminar includes a brief assignment designed to help students immediately apply what they have learned. Students will receive ongoing feedback and advising from the URI team throughout the program. Students who complete all of the requirements will receive a certificate of completion from URI.

Who can participate in Roadmap for Research?

While any U of A undergraduate student can participate in Roadmap for Research, the program is designed to support students who have not yet participated in undergraduate research.

How is Roadmap for Research different from regular URI seminars?

URI offers a series of regular seminars on various research-related topics, and all students are welcome to attend, whether or not they are registered for the Roadmap for Research program.

The Roadmap for Research program provides an additional layer of support for students who prefer more structured, step-by-step guidance toward undergraduate research. The Roadmap for Research program includes the following additional supports:

A structured pathway through URI seminars, and a suggested sequence for completing the seminars to progressively build your skills and confidence to undertake research.
Short assignments following each seminar to put the knowledge into practice. These hands-on exercises are meant to help students take action toward their research goals.
Feedback and ongoing support from the URI advising team.
Opportunities to connect with other students who are at a similar stage in their research journey.

The Roadmap for Research program was developed in response to feedback from students seeking more step-by-step support in their research journey. The program complements our existing seminars and advising options, for students who want a more guided experience.

How do I register for Roadmap for Research?

Students can register for Roadmap for Research by attending the first required seminar (Getting Started in Undergraduate Research) and completing the associated assignment.

Once students complete the first assignment, they will be added to the Roadmap for Research eClass module, and will receive assignments following each subsequent seminar.

Can I still just attend the URI seminars that I’m interested in, without being in the Roadmap for Research program?

Yes, all students who are interested in attending URI seminars are still welcome and encouraged to attend.

Seminar attendees who are not registered in the Roadmap for Research program will not receive the assignments following each seminar. All students can still request a URI advising appointment if they require additional support.

What if I’ve already attended some URI seminars - can I just do the assignments and get a certificate of completion?

Roadmap for Research is a new program starting in Fall 2023, and is designed for students who are just starting their research journey. We do not have the capacity to track or verify attendance at seminars prior to Fall 2023.