Research Opportunity Program

Discover Your Possibilities

The Research Opportunity Program (ROP) provides students in second to fourth year with a unique chance to participate in the research of a faculty member while earning course credit. 

This program provides an unmatched opportunity to become involved in cutting-edge research and work directly with leading faculty members. You'll gain practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to careers or toward future graduate studies. You'll build strong relationships with instructors, learn about exciting new developments in their research field, and explore new areas of interest.

Apply for the Research Opportunity Program (ROP)

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Am I Eligible?

All registered University of Toronto undergraduate students in a degree program are eligible to apply to the ROP. However, priority will be given to UTM students.

Course Prerequisites and Exclusions

In order to participate, you'll need to meet the ROP Course Prerequisites established by their academic unit. To determine if this program is a suitable fit for your interests and goals, please review the project requirements found below.

How Do I Apply?

You can apply through the ROPAPP (not through ACORN) and the Experiential Education Unit staff will enrol approved students in their respective ROP courses at the beginning of the term.

For key dates and deadlines, please see the timetable.

How Many Courses Can I Enrol In?

You can enrol in one ROP course per academic term. We encourage you to check with your academic department when using ROP courses for program/degree completion requirements.

Project Requirements

• You'll be required to keep a journal* to record meetings, your work progress, what was learned in the project, and the nature of the research in general.
• You'll meet with your supervisor at least every 2 weeks and will need to keep record of these meetings in your journal.
• You'll be required to attend all demonstrations, orientations, and training sessions that the supervisor may require.
• In addition to your journal, students are advised to submit a two page interim report outlining their research experience before mid-terms marks are assigned. The supervisor will also complete a written assessment of your progress and will discuss with you before the deadline to drop courses without penalty.
• Additional work in some form, including the journal*, should constitute at least 50% of the final grade. Final grades will be numeric and there is no final exam.
• You'll earn a half (0.5) or full (1.0) course credit after completing the course.

_{*A journal may be optional for 399 and 499 projects; however, some form of record keeping is required. For examples of various reflection practices (other than journaling), please see Experiential Learning Resources.}

Helpful Tips

• Participation in the Research Opportunity Program is voluntary and unpaid.
• The fee for an ROP course is the standard fee for a half or full-year course.
• You're required to submit a cover letter and resume with your application.
• There is no final exam. However, for most courses, you'll be expected to keep a journal to record meetings, progress of the project and what was learned.
• In addition to regular meetings with your supervisor, you may be evaluated in other ways deemed suitable by your supervisor.
• Departments participating in this program will have a "_99H" or “_99Y” designation after their department code for this course (i.e. CHM299Y; BIO399H).
• You'll be notified via email regarding the status of their submitted applications.
• You may only accept one ROP course per academic session.
• The Experiential Education Unit will register successful students in their ROP course during the normal registration period for the Summer, Fall, Winter and Fall/Winter.