Research Accelerator Courses

All Research Accelerator students are required to take a 2-credit hour Research Accelerator seminar in fall and have the option to take a 3-credit Research Accelerator seminar in the spring semester. These are all Honors College (HONR) credits.

Research Thinking: Semester One (2 credits)

Course Description: In this course, students will learn how to ask research questions, apply appropriate research methods, design and conduct research projects, and share them with a community of fellow researchers. Students will also be exposed to resources and support across campus and will envision individual trajectories for their own futures as part of Purdue’s world-class research environment. This class provides a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, making it an ideal first step at Purdue for students looking to transform the world with their ideas.

Public Powered Research: Semester Two (3 credits)

Course Description: This course offers students hands-on research experience in participatory, community-engaged, and citizen-powered research projects. Students will engage in a research project led by a faculty mentor to address challenges spanning disciplines and to improve lives. This course introduces students to the collaborative research process, stressing how to develop trusting relationships, effectively communicate with various audiences, and ensure research is relevant to communities. No prior research experience is required.