What is Community-Based Research?
Community-Based Research (CBR) courses allow you to collaborate with community organizations on real-world projects. Through partnerships with the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) and U-Links, students are matched with organizations in:
- Peterborough region (TCRC)
- Haliburton/Kawartha Lakes region (U-Links)
These projects provide hands-on experience, community engagement, and opportunities to apply your coursework in meaningful ways.
Two Ways to Complete a CBR Experience
There are two distinct ways to participate in Community-Based Research at the Trent School of the Environment. Choose the option that best fits your learning style and schedule.
Option 1: ERSC 3160Y – Community-Based Resource Management
This course explores community-based management of natural resources through real-world case studies (e.g., fisheries, forestry, wildlife) and includes a group-based, year-long community project.
What to expect:
- Register directly in myTrent (no separate application).
- Structured lectures and coursework.
- Group project with a community partner.
- Project matching happens as part of the course.
Option 2: Independent CBR Project (Application Required)
In this format, you work independently with a community partner and a faculty supervisor on a customized research project.
Courses:
- ERSC / ERST / GEOG / SAFS 3840H (0.5 credit)
- ERSC / ERST / GEOG / SAFS 4840H (0.5 credit)
- ERSC / ERST / GEOG 4830Y - SAFS 4850Y (1.0 credit)
What to expect:
- One-on-one mentorship with a faculty supervisor.
- A project tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Expectation of independent research.
Important: These courses require an application and a project matching process.
How to Register for an Independent CBR Project
If you are interested in the independent project pathway (3840H / 4840H / 4830Y / 4850Y), follow the steps below:
Eligibility Requirements
To register for a CBR course through the Trent School of the Environment (TSE), you must normally have:
- At least 10 university credits completed and minimum cumulative average of 75%
Step 1: Explore Projects
Review available projects through:
Identify 2–3 projects that interest you.
Questions?
- TCRC: tcrc@trentu.ca
- U-Links: coordinator@ulinks.ca
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve selected projects of interest, complete the Student Application Survey.
You will need to upload:
- A current resume
- A brief cover letter explaining your interest in CBR
- An unofficial transcript
Step 3: Project Matching & Supervision
After applying:
- You will be contacted by TCRC or U-Links
- You will discuss your project interests and goals
- A faculty supervisor will be identified based on your project and academic interests
Your supervisor will meet with you regularly and provide academic guidance throughout the project.
You will then work with your supervisor and community partner to develop a project agreement outlining expectations, deliverables, and timelines.
Step 4: Course Registration
Once you are matched with a project, you will receive a registration form to complete and return to TSE for processing.
TSE will collect all required signatures and submit the registration on your behalf.
Important: You do NOT register for CBR courses through myTrent during priority registration
