Receiving Unit Credit for Cognitive Science Research

If you are working as a Research Assistant in a Cognitive Science-affiliated faculty lab, see instructions here for getting units for your work (CGS 099/199).

Follow these steps to get credit for your work as a research assistant:

Beginning of the quarter/before quarter begins:

1. Identify a Cognitive Science lab you are interested in working in. You can find a list of Cognitive Science-affiliated faculty here. You will need to contact the faculty member/lab manager directly to apply as a research assistant.

  • You can find other ways to apply to labs on our Psychology & Cognitive Science Research page.
  • Email the program director (Dr. Zoe Drayson, zdrayson@ucdavis.edu) if you have questions regarding suitable sponsors.

2. Once accepted into a lab, fill out the Variable Units Form with the faculty member/lab manager and submit to the Undergraduate Advising Office (cogsciadvising@ucdavis.edu).

  • Hours Per Week - This should specify how many hours per week you are scheduled to work.
  • Units - This should be at most one unit for each 3hr/wk you are working during an academic quarter (5hr/wk for summer session).
  • Course Plan - Provide some background, describe goals of current research, and explain the work you will be undertaking.
  • Grading - The faculty member will explain the criteria for receiving a passing grade.

3. Once the Variable Units Form has been submitted to the Undergraduate Advising Office, you will receive a CRN. If you submit the form near or after the 12th day of instruction, you will also need to request a PTA.

End of the quarter:

Your faculty sponsor will give you a grade based on mutually agreed upon criteria.