HDS 199 – Independent Study in Human Development

HDS 199 is an independent study course that provides Human Developmental Sciences majors with the opportunity to conduct an independent research study under the guidance of a faculty instructor. This course provides a means for students to gain research experience, form a relationship with a faculty member, enhance knowledge in a field of interest and build valuable skills that will be a great asset to a graduate school application or resume.

This course is not required for the completion of the HDS major and will not satisfy any of the requirements necessary for the completion of the HDS major, but is useful (and in some instances required) for graduate degrees requiring a significant amount of research experience for admission.

Students are encouraged to consider expanding a multi-quarter research commitment into an enhanced research project and enroll under HDS 193: Advanced Research in Human Development -- rather than HDS 199 -- for a letter grade and potential HDS major credit.

Requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
• Minimum 90 cumulative units completed.
• May be taken for 2 or 4 units.
• Must be taken Pass/No Pass.
• No major credit.

HDS 199 opportunities that are brought to the attention of the HDS office will be posted to the HDS Research Opportunities page, but students are also encouraged to directly contact faculty members to inquire about open 199 positions. HDS affiliated faculty members have unique and varied areas of study, so it is likely that students will be able to identify a faculty member whose interests mirror their own.

If taken as a 2 Unit Course:

• 6 hours of research per week (including lab time, independent readings/research, homework, and professor-student interactions)
• Means of evaluation varies according to faculty instructor as outlined on the 199 application.
• Please note that many professors may require student to commit to a 4 unit course.

If taken as a 4 Unit Course:

• 12 hours of research per week (including lab time, independent readings/research, homework, and professor-student interactions)
• Means of evaluation varies according to faculty instructor as outlined on the 199 application.

Application Process

1. Identify faculty instructor
   • When meeting with potential faculty instructors, it is important to discuss the nature of the project, frequency of contact, prerequisite knowledge needed, and the means of evaluation with the faculty instructor prior to enrollment in this course.
2. Submit a HDS 199 Special Studies request through EASY: https://easy.ucsd.edu/
3. Section I: This section is to be completed by the student.
4. Section II: This section is to be completed in conjunction by the student and the faculty instructor.
5. Section III: Approved by Human Developmental Sciences 
6. To enroll: Students will be notified via e-mail when their enrollment has been fully processed.

Note: Students who have completed fewer than 90 units will need to take this course as HDS 99 Independent Study.