Course Description
This course provides academic credit for independent studies under the direction of a faculty member. The scope and direction of the studies are determined by the student (or small group of students) in consultation with the course instructor.
Course Learning Outcomes
By enrolling in this course, students will:
- Gain experience in performing independent studies on topics that are not taught in a formalized course setting.
Required Course Materials
No textbooks or materials are required. Resources for research are determined in consultation with the instructor.
Grading Policy
Specified on the course form along with deliverables for the independent study.
This course is graded on a standard letter scale (A – F).
- A grade of A indicates that the student has made acceptable progress in their research toward degree completion, consistent with the number of thesis credit hours for which the student is enrolled for the semester.
- A grade of B indicates that the student has made some progress in their research toward degree completion, consistent with the number of thesis credit hours for which the student is enrolled for the semester, yet with some deficiencies such as not meeting expectations regarding deliverables.
- A grade of C indicates that the student has made some progress in their research toward degree completion, consistent with the number of thesis credit hours for which the student is enrolled for the semester, yet with substantial issues such as missing deliverables, deadlines, etc.
- A grade of D or below indicates that the student did not meet the expectations for satisfactory performance during the term.
Attendance Policy
This course does not include scheduled class meetings. The frequency and format of student–faculty contact are determined by mutual agreement and are consistent with the number of credit hours for which the student is enrolled.
Academic and Research Honesty/Integrity Statement
Georgia Tech aims to cultivate a community based on trust, academic integrity, and honor. Students are expected to act according to the highest ethical standards. Review the Student Code of Conduct and the Academic Honor Code, especially Appendix A: Graduate Addendum to the Academic Honor Code.
Students are expected to perform research in an ethical and responsible manner. All Doctoral and Master’s Thesis students are required to take the Responsible Conduct of Research training, and it is expected that students abide by the principles taught in that training while performing research.
Any student suspected of cheating or plagiarizing on a quiz, exam, or assignment will be reported to the Office of Student Integrity, who will investigate the incident and identify the appropriate penalty for violations.
Allegations of scientific or scholarly misconduct are handled in accordance with the procedures outlined by the Policy for Responding to Allegations of Scientific or Other Scholarly Misconduct.
Core IMPACTS
Not applicable
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with learning needs that require special accommodation, contact the Office of Disability Services as soon as possible to make an appointment to discuss your special needs and to obtain an accommodations letter. Please also e-mail me as soon as possible in order to set up a time to discuss your learning needs.
Student-Faculty Expectations
At Georgia Tech, we believe that it is important to strive for an atmosphere of mutual respect, acknowledgement, and responsibility between faculty members and the student body. The Student-Faculty Expectations articulates some basic expectations that you can have of me and that I have of you. Additional information for research-related work is given in The Expectations of Advisors and Advisees. In the end, simple respect for knowledge, hard work, and cordial interactions will help build the environment we seek. Therefore, I encourage you to remain committed to the ideals of Georgia Tech while in this class.
