SSM1100Y is a core (mandatory) course intended to provide students with the opportunity to conduct independent academic research on a topic that falls within the interdisciplinary fields of the MScSM program. It is not meant to be a thesis but should adhere to principles of excellent research. Students work on a research project in their area of interest, under the supervision of a faculty member with expertise and research interests in the topic area. Through semi-regular meetings with the course instructors, and in collaboration with the students' supervisor, students will work to identify potential research questions, apply methodological skills and research skills appropriate for addressing the research question, and conduct primary or secondary research. Finally, students write up their results in a full-length research report, and present their findings in an open forum to members of MScSM program as well as interested members of IMI and the wider UTM community. (Science Credit)