Research

Library Studies and Inquiry Projects are completed under the supervision of a faculty member. In consultation with the faculty member, students choose a topic of their interest and investigate primary literature related to that topic. All library study students are required to submit a final project at the end of term. Typical assessments include literature reviews, systematic reviews, critiques, and research proposals. Students may also attend lab meetings, colloquia, or participate in other research-related activities. 

Application Process: Students wishing to complete a Library Study or Inquiry Project should email potential supervisors 6-12 months before the term in which the course will be taken (e.g., email supervisors in January for a September PNB 3Q03). Once a supervisor has agreed to take you as a student, please complete the appropriate Permission Form and submit it to Dr. Ellen MacLellan for approval at least 30 days prior to the start of the course (i.e., August 1st for Fall term, December 1st for Winter term, April 1st for Spring/Summer term). 

Internal Supervisors
External Supervisors

Library Study, Inquiry Project and Independent Research Coordinator: Dr. Ellen MacLellan

Independent research is conducted in a faculty member’s laboratory.  Students completing independent research may carry out their own research projects, or they may contribute to a larger research study. Independent research may include any or all of the following activities: identifying research questions and designing a research study, reading and critically evaluating literature, programming, collecting data using a variety of research methods, analyzing research data, and communicating results. All independent research students must submit a final project at the end of term. 

Application Process: Students wishing to complete independent research should email potential supervisors 6-12 months before the term in which the course will be taken (e.g., email supervisors in January for a September PNB 3QQ3). Level II students will learn about PNB 2QQ3 opportunities in PNB 2XT0. Once a supervisor has agreed to take you as a student, please complete the appropriate Permission Form and submit it to the designated person for approval at least 30 days prior to the start of the course (i.e., August 1st for Fall term, December 1st for Winter term, April 1st for Spring/Summer term).

Internal Supervisors
External Supervisors

Library Study, Inquiry Project and Independent Research Coordinator: Dr. Ellen MacLellan

What is a thesis? 

A thesis is a research project that is completed in a student’s final year of undergraduate study. Typically, a thesis is a year-long (September-April) project that is taken under the supervision of a faculty researcher.  A thesis student may work independently on their own research question, or they may work in a team on a larger research question. In most cases, thesis students participate in all aspects of a research project, from project conceptualization and design to data collection, analysis, and presentation. All thesis students are required to submit a final manuscript, which is basically a long research paper with an introduction, methods, results and discussion. 

A thesis is considered a capstone experience, which is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students. In a capstone experience, students bring together knowledge and skills that they’ve acquired throughout their undergraduate study together on a final piece of work. Capstone projects are designed to encourage students to think critically, solve challenging problems, and demonstrate mastery of skills such as communication, research, statistics, self-sufficiency, and teamwork. 

Why should you complete a thesis? 

A senior thesis is an excellent opportunity for any undergraduate student seeking to develop their research, writing, interpersonal, and project management skills.  A thesis can be a particularly valuable experience for students interested in pursuing research-based master’s programs.  An undergraduate thesis is like a mini master’s project, so by completing an honours thesis students can evaluate whether they are suited for a career in research. Working with a faculty supervisor is also a great way to develop your network and build professional relationships that might help you in your future career. 

An undergraduate thesis is not required for many professional programs, including medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, public health, and many more (however, please check the admission requirements for the programs to which you are applying, just to be sure!). Therefore, you should not enroll in a thesis in an effort to enter one of these programs.  A thesis is a big commitment – 15 hours of work per week for 9 units of credit – so you should pursue this experience only if you’re interested in developing your research skills. 

Most programs offered by the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour do not require students to complete a thesis. (Only students in the BioPNB program are required to complete a thesis.) A thesis is one of several capstone experiences available to students in PNB, PNB Mental Health, PNB Music Cognition and Neuroscience.  Students are encouraged to consider their academic strengths and career aspirations when enrolling in level IV courses. For example, students considering careers in public health, social services, or health policy may be interested in completing a Semester at CityLAB, where students work with staff from the City of Hamilton to co-create and design real-world projects.  

Students in the PNB, BioPNB Mental Health, and PNB Music Cognition programs are eligible but not required to complete a thesis. Students in PNB and Combined PNB programs can register in PNB 4D06 A/B Senior Thesis or PNB 4D09 A/B Senior Honours Thesis. 

To apply for PNB 4D06 and PNB 4D09:

Step 1 (September 2026): Explore potential supervisors by reviewing faculty profiles on department, lab, and McMaster Expert websites. Visit the following links for a list of PNB (i.e., internal) supervisors and non-PNB (i.e., external) supervisors accepting students in 2027-2028. Please note that thesis supervisors should be affiliated with McMaster or St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Step 2 (2026 TBD): Learn about different research opportunities by attending PNB’s Research Info Session (optional). 

Step 3 (2026 TBD): Attend Meet & Cheese, a meet the prof event co-hosted by the Department of PNB and the student societies.

Step 4 (October 2026 through April 2027): Email prospective supervisors to inquire about thesis opportunities. Students should include a personalized cover letter in the text of their email and attached their transcript (unofficial) and updated CV/resume to the email. Students are encouraged to reach out to potential supervisors in Fall or early Winter. Note that a letter of intent is not required for 2026-2027.

Step 5 (By April 30th, 2026): Complete the Thesis Application/Permission Form and submit it to the Undergraduate Administrative Assistant via this Form for final approval by the Thesis Course Coordinator. The PNB Thesis Permission Form is due by April 30th, 2026. If you have any questions regarding the Thesis Application/Permission Form or the Microsoft Form please contact pnb@mcmaster.ca.

To apply for NEUROSCI 4L12 and NEUROSCI 4L09

Students in the Neuroscience program are eligible (but not required) to complete an Honours Thesis. Neuroscience students can enrol in either NEUROSCI 4L12 or NEUROSCI 4L09.  

Students should consider reaching out to potential faculty supervisors in Fall or early Winter of level III. 

After securing a supervisor, please complete the Thesis Application/Permission Form and submit it to Director of the Neuroscience Program Steering Committee, Dr. Dan Goldreich (goldrd@mcmaster.ca), for approval. The Thesis Application/Permission Form must be submitted at least one month prior to the start of the Fall term (i.e., August 1st). 

Students in Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour Programs

There is no thesis option for students in the Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour program. Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour students who are interested in pursuing research are encouraged to complete an Independent Research Project (HUMBEHV 4PR6 A/B – Independent Research Project). For information on how to apply, please visit Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour independent research. 

Thesis Coordinator – Dr. Nikol Piskuric