Lab Associates
Lab associates (LAs) are undergraduates who explore the field of music cognition through laboratory studies. LAs are the new wave of researchers at DML and provide vital assistance to help keep projects running in exchange for experience, education, and insight on standards within the domain of music psychology. Each individual either develops their own project through discussion with the director or a graduate/thesis student, or receives a pre-designed assignment to balance out the needs of the lab.
Students may apply to be an LA for course credit through a multitude of McMaster departments. The following list shows some of the many course codes that can be used for this purpose:
- BIO 3IR3
- ENGSOCTY xX03*
- HTHSCI 3BM3/3H03
- LIFESCI xRP3*
- LINGUIST xRP3*
- MUSIC xX03*
- MUSICCOG xQQ3*
- NURSING 4NR3
- PNB xQQ3/xQ03*
*Inclusion of “x” within a course code indicates availability at levels 3 and 4, and occasionally level 2.
If a student wishes to be involved in the lab but is unable to do it for credit, they may still volunteer. Volunteering allows students to gain experience and add skills to their experimental toolbox. We cannot guarantee to have spaces available for students who fall into this category, but we do our best to accommodate passionate and driven student researchers in lab activities wherever and whenever possible.
Application Process
All individuals interested in an LA position must first secure their placement in the lab with Dr. Woolhouse, either via email, face-to-face, or (preferably) both. However, those who intend to enroll for course credit (e.g., PNB 3QQ3) must also obtain confirmation through their department office prior to enrollment on Mosaic. Research practicum students will be required to provide an unofficial transcript and brief CV.
Thesis Students
An upper level honours thesis allows students to develop a particular interest or an aspect of the labs research. This significant undertaking usually involves a deep dive deep into the literature, designing and running an experiment, writing up the results in their thesis, and presenting their findings either in the form of a poster or student conference presentation. Thesis students frequently work closely with graduates in the lab and may run a study associated with Master’s or PhD work. This can provide honours thesis students with hands-on experience of graduate research.
Honours students who undertake a thesis within the DML must do so through an approved course code. The following list contains examples of codes that can be used:
- ARTSCI 4A06/4C06
- COMPENG 4OI4/40J4
- COMPSCI 4ZP6
- ISCI xA12 IP*
- ELECENG 4OI4/40J4
- LIFESCI 4A03/4B09/4C12/4D15
- MUSICCOG 4D06
- PNB 4D06/4D09
*Inclusion of “x” within a course code indicates availability at levels 3 and 4.
Application Process
Students interested in pursuing an honours thesis should contact Dr. Woolhouse via email to arrange an interview. In addition, applicants will be required to provide an unofficial transcript, a CV (including any previous lab experience), and a sample of their written work, such as an essay or report. Successful applicants must also obtain confirmation through their department office prior to enrollment on Mosaic.
Graduate Students
Graduate students are key members of the lab and, in addition to their own research, mentor undergraduates undertaking thesis and research practicum work. Entry into the lab as a graduate student is primarily via the department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour. Graduate students either dove-tail ongoing lab research or, depending on their level of expertise and interests, may embark upon a fresh area of research. Graduates normally enter as Master’s students and either graduate within that program or are promoted into the PhD program.
Applicants to this 2-year program should first contact Dr. Woolhouse to ensure an ideal supervisory fit. The official application is made through the McMaster University Mosaic portal. The application deadline is typically in mid-December.
For academic requirements, guidelines, and generally useful information, please refer to the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour’s Graduate Handbook.
Master’s students who wish to be promoted to the PhD program must first discuss this with Dr. Woolhouse. Assuming that permission is granted, the student will be responsible for completing the necessary paperwork. Non-McMaster PhD applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Woolhouse well in advance of the application deadline, typically in mid-December. PhD candidates must apply directly through the McMaster University Mosaic portal.
For academic requirements, guidelines, and generally useful information, please refer to the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour’s Graduate Handbook.
Application Process
Students interested in graduate work will typically have excelled as undergraduates in a relevant field (e.g., psychology, music, music cognition). Applicants will be required to provide an official transcript of proceeding degrees, a CV (including lab experience), and a sample of their written work, such as an undergraduate thesis. Applicants should contact Dr. Woolhouse via email to arrange an interview.
Potential graduate students are encouraged to visit the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour Graduate Handbook to learn about McMaster’s official application requirements.
Research Assistants
Occasionally, funded research assistant positions are available in the lab over the Spring/Summer months. Interested students should contact Dr. Woolhouse to find out if these opportunities are currently being offered. Research assistants typically assist in the day-to-day running of the lab, identify grants and conference opportunities, and help to conduct experiments.