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Learn how to write a good research question for a paper. Narrow your topic, identify a research problem, and create a focused question with practical examples.
The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences 4 courses 22 total credits
The Evidence and Inquiry Certificate, pursued by students in the Polymathic Scholars Program and open by application to others, allows students to design an area of study shaped by questions that require evidence and methodologies outside their major. Students work with faculty to identify interests, map them onto academic disciplines at the University, and determine questions related to those interests that might be answerable by research that combines expertise from at least two disciplines. Students describe their area of study, identify primary questions, name two University of Texas at Austin faculty members with research experience relevant to their field, and justify the courses they would take in a written proposal that must be reviewed by three members of the program's faculty steering committee. Students complete an original research thesis in their final year. Those who plan to pursue the certificate must apply no later than the end of their third long semester. More information about the Evidence and Inquiry Certificate is available on the College of Natural Sciences website. Requirements are listed in the table below. Additional requirements may follow the table, so be sure to read the entire page. Some required courses listed below may also satisfy General Education requirements, including Core Curriculum. Students should also review the University's Undergraduate Minor and Certificate Requirements and Policies.
| College Requirements - Natural Sciences | credits |
| Undergraduate Minor and Certificate Requirements and Policies | credits |
Required Courses
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| UGS 303 | First-Year Signature Course | 3 |
| NSC 109.4 | Polymathic Capstone Field Invention | 1 |
Senior Capstone Sequence
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NSC 323.1 | Polymathic Capstone Thesis Preparation Seminar | 3 |
| NSC 371 | Capstone Thesis Seminar | 3 |
Click a course code or title to read the full course description.
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