It is serious business for serious students. First, a research topic of interest to both the student and instructor is chosen. It may be a topic not covered in the regular curriculum, or the project might be a deeper investigation of a previously studied topic. The project may be experimental or theoretical. Students normally take one semester to carry out this project.
Students do most of the work themselves with guidance from the instructor.
Student and instructor meet regularly throughout the project so progress can be assessed. Students then write a paper on their project. For most students the paper is almost as much work as the project itself. The instructor works very closely with the student on the paper, giving advice and constructive criticism through the inevitable and numerous revisions. Finally, the student gives an oral presentation before an audience of faculty and students.