undergraduate research project sample pdf

Research Proposal Example/Sample

Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template

If you’re getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals , you’ve come to the right place.

In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals , one for a Master’s-level project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.

• Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
• Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
• Proposal template (Fully editable) 

If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:

• Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
• 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal

FAQ: Research Proposal Example

Research proposal example: frequently asked questions, are the sample proposals real.

Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.

Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?

As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .

How do I get the research proposal template?

You can access our free proposal template here .

Is the proposal template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.

Where can I learn more about proposal writing?

For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.

For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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Writing a Project Proposal

Main navigation, a good proposal describes....

• what you hope to accomplish
• why those objectives are important to your academic or artistic field
• how you intend to achieve your objectives

Your original project proposal is the core of your grant application. 

Detailed Proposal Guidelines

• General guidelines for all grant proposals
• Additional specific guidelines for  Research, Arts/Design, and Senior Synthesis  project proposals
• Ways to turn your good proposal into a great one
• Sample Project Proposals : Check out exemplars of past student project proposals.

Connect with Faculty Mentors and UADs

• Faculty Mentors should meet required eligibility criteria .
• Students should  schedule a meeting with their Undergraduate Advising Director (UAD)  as they write their proposal. UADs are well-versed with all VPUE Undergraduate Research Grants!

Watch a 3-minute overview of the VPUE Student Grant application process.

Watch a 2-minute video on how to write the critical dialogue section of a creative arts project proposal.

Department of Biological Sciences

Examples of Undergraduate Research Projects

Fall 2021 projects, previous projects.

ANNOTATED SAMPLE GRANT PROPOSALS

How to Use Annotated Sample Grants

Are these real grants written by real students.

Yes! While each proposal represents a successfully funded application, there are two things to keep in mind: 1) The proposals below are  final products;  no student started out with a polished proposal. The proposal writing process requires stages of editing while a student formulates their project and works on best representing that project in writing. 2) The samples reflect a wide range of project types, but  they are not exhaustive . URGs can be on any topic in any field, but all must make a successful argument for why their project should be done/can be done by the person proposing to do it.  See our proposal writing guides for more advice. The best way to utilize these proposals is to pay attention to the  proposal strengths  and  areas for improvement  on each cover page to guide your reading.

How do I decide which sample grants to read?

When students first look through the database, they are usually compelled to read an example from their major (Therefore, we often hear complaints that there is not a sample proposal for every major). However, this is not the best approach because there can be many different kinds of methodologies within a single subject area, and similar research methods can be used across fields.

• Read through the Methodology Definitions and Proposal Features  to identify which methodolog(ies) are most similar to your proposed project. 
• Use the Annotated Sample Grant Database ( scroll below the definitions and features) filters or search for this methodology to identify relevant proposals and begin reading!

It does not matter whether the samples you read are summer grants (SURGs) or academic year grants (AYURGs).  The main difference between the two grant types is that academic year proposals (AYURG) require a budget to explain how the $1,000 will be used towards research materials, while summer proposals (SURG) do not require a budget (the money is a living stipend that goes directly to the student awardee) and SURGs have a bigger project scope since they reflect a project that will take 8 weeks of full time research to complete.  The overall format and style is the same across both grant cycles, so they are relevant examples for you to review, regardless of which grant cycle you are planning to apply.  

How do I get my proposal to look like these sample grants?

Do not submit a first draft:  These sample proposals went through multiple rounds of revisions with feedback from both Office of Undergraduate Research advisors and the student’s faculty mentor. First, it helps to learn about grant structure and proposal writing techniques before you get started. Then, when you begin drafting, it’s normal to make lots of changes as the grant evolves. You will learn a lot about your project during the editing and revision process, and you typically end up with a better project by working through several drafts of a proposal.

Work with an advisor:  Students who work with an Office of Undergraduate Research Advisor have higher success rates than students who do not. We encourage students to meet with advisors well in advance of the deadline (and feel free to send us drafts of your proposal prior to our advising appointment, no matter how rough your draft is!), so we can help you polish and refine your proposal.

Review final proposal checklists prior to submission:  the expectation is a two-page, single-spaced research grant proposal (1″ margins, Times New Roman 12 or Arial 11), and proposals that do not meet these formatting expectations will not be considered by the review committee.  Your bibliography does not count towards this page limit.

Academic Year URG Submission Checklist

Summer URG Application Checklist

METHODOLOGY DEFINITIONS & PROPOSAL FEATURES

Research methodologies.

The proposed project involves collecting primary sources held in archives, a Special Collections library, or other repository. Archival sources might include manuscripts, documents, records, objects, sound and audiovisual materials, etc. If a student proposes a trip to collect such sources, the student should address a clear plan of what will be collected from which archives, and should address availability and access (ie these sources are not available online, and the student has permission to access the archive).

Computational/Mathematical Modeling

The proposed project involves developing models to numerically study the behavior of system(s), often through computer simulation. Students should specify what modeling tool they will be using (i.e., an off-the-shelf product, a lab-specific codebase), what experience they have with it, and what resources they have when they get stuck with the tool (especially if the advisor is not a modeler). Models often involve iterations of improvements, so much like a Design/Build project, the proposal should clearly define parameters for a “successful” model with indication of how the student will assess if the model meets these minimum qualifications.

Creative Output

The proposed project has a creative output such playwriting, play production, documentary, music composition, poetry, creative writing, or other art. Just like all other proposals, the project centers on an answerable question, and the student must show the question and method associated with the research and generation of that project. The artist also must justify their work and make an argument for why this art is needed and/or how it will add to important conversations .

Design/Build

The proposed project’s output centers around a final product or tool. The student clearly defines parameters for a “successful” project with indication of how they will assess if the product meets these minimum qualifications.

The project takes place in a lab or research group environment, though the methodology within the lab or research group vary widely by field. The project often fits within the larger goals/or project of the research group, but the proposal still has a clearly identified research question that the student is working independently to answer.

Literary/Composition Analysis

The project studies, evaluates, and interprets literature or composition. The methods are likely influenced by theory within the field of study. In the proposal, the student has clearly defined which pieces will be studied and will justify why these pieces were selected. Context will be given that provides a framework for how the pieces will be analyzed or interpreted.

Qualitative Data Analysis

The project proposes to analyze data from non-numeric information such as interview transcripts, notes, video and audio recordings, images, and text documents. The proposal clearly defines how the student will examine and interpret patterns and themes in the data and how this methodology will help to answer the defined research question.

Quantitative Data Analysis

The project proposes to analyze data from numeric sources. The proposal clearly defines variables to be compared and provides insight as to the kinds of statistical tests that will be used to evaluate the significance of the data.

The proposed project will collect data through survey(s). The proposal should clearly defined who will be asked to complete the survey, how these participants will be recruited, and/or proof of support from contacts. The proposal should include the survey(s) in an appendix. The proposal should articulate how the results from these survey(s) will be analyzed.

The proposed project will use theoretical frameworks within their proposed area of research to explain, predict, and/or challenge and extend existing knowledge. The conceptual framework serves as a lens through which the student will evaluate the research project and research question(s); it will likely contain a set of assumptions and concepts that form the basis of this lens.

Proposal Features

Group project.

A group project is proposed by two or more students; these proposals receive one additional page for each additional student beyond the two page maximum. Group projects must clearly articulate the unique role of each student researcher. While the uploaded grant proposal is the same, each student researcher must submit their own application into the system for the review.

International Travel

Projects may take place internationally. If the proposed country is not the student’s place of permanent residence, the student can additionally apply for funding to cover half the cost of an international plane ticket. Proposals with international travel should likely include travel itineraries and/or proof of support from in-country contacts in the appendix.

Non-English Language Proficiency

Projects may be conducted in a non-English language. If you have proficiency in the proposed language, you should include context (such as bilingual, heritage speaker, or by referencing coursework etc.) If you are not proficient and the project requires language proficiency, you should include a plan for translation or proof of contacts in the country who can support your research in English.

DATABASE OF ANNOTATED SAMPLE GRANTS

30+ SAMPLE Undergraduate Research Proposal in PDF

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Step 1: determine the research topic and perform literature reviews, step 2: list the gaps in literature and frame the purpose of the study, step 3: construct the introduction, hypothesis, and research questions to guide the study, step 4: outline the investigation methods and research design, step 5: indicate the sample size, including its characteristics, step 6: outline the necessary procedures for data collection and analysis, share this post on your network, file formats, word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates, you may also like these articles, 25+ sample construction company proposal in ms word.

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Final Year Project Proposal Format (+PDF Sample, Free Download)

Free project proposal template: In this post is a sample project proposal for final year undergraduate students. This will give you a solid idea of the elements of a project proposal and the essential information contained in them.

One thing you have to note is that format for a project proposal can sometimes vary depending on what your supervisor, department or school prefer. For example, this sample project proposal is derived from a format used at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). So check if there is any specific format recommended by your school, else you can derive from this example.

Sample project proposal for undergraduate/final year students

CONSTRUCTION AND ANALYSIS OF A PELTON WHEEL TURBINE FOR SMALL-SCALE HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION

AHMED, TUNDE EMEKA [REG. NUMBER]

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

There is a need to develop mechanical systems applicable for converting the small hydro potentials that exist in Nigeria to small-scale hydroelectricity.

Inspired by the need for Nigeria to explore energy sources that are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel, suitable for industrial applications, and yet economical, this project work is on constructing a Pelton turbine suitable for small-scale hydroelectricity generation.

The method of getting this work done involves studying and analyzing the design of already existing Pelton turbines and then constructing such a turbine from locally available materials.

Although the scope of this work doesn’t go beyond the construction of a Pelton turbine, a number of other systems that will help in demonstrating the end result will be incorporated into the work.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Approval Abstract

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Statement of the problem
• Purpose of the study

Chapter Two: Literature Review

• Review of Pelton turbine design
• Justification of the study

Chapter Three: Methodology

• Pelton wheel design
• Choice of Materials
• Cost analysis

Introduction

Over the years, much effort has been put into developing alternative energy sources free from the negative consequences of fossil fuels. Hydroelectricity has remained among the top alternative to fossil fuels because of its numerous advantages.

In many countries, including China, India, and Brazil, attention has been paid not only to large-scale hydropower plants but also to small-scale hydroelectricity. But in Nigeria, it is not so. Small-scale hydro has not been given much attention in the country, and there is a need to have locally manufactured systems that will help the country utilize the hydro potentials that exist.

1.1 Background of Study

In 1866, Samuel Knight develops a bucketed wheel that captures the energy of a free jet, which converted a high head of water to kinetic energy. Knight’s invention was inspired by the high-pressure jet systems used in hydraulic mining in the gold fields.

Lester Allan Pelton in 1879 develops a double bucket design, exhausting the water to the side, eliminating some energy loss of the Knight wheel which exhausted some water back against the center of the wheel. This Pelton’s invention, today known as the Pelton wheel or Pelton turbine, marked the first time energy from the water was converted most efficiently.

Inspired by the invention of the earlier water wheels, the Pelton turbine is being used in engineering applications today, especially in hydroelectric systems where it is used to convert water energy into mechanical energy.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Fossil fuel has been associated with a lot more negative environmental implications than hydroelectricity and other energy renewable energy sources. The negative impacts of fossil fuel for power generation include the increase of greenhouse effect, health implications, global warming, climate change, acidic pollution, oil spills, rise in sea levels, and a shift in the ecological balance and land impacts.

Nigeria is a tropical region country that experiences a long rainy season every year. The rainfall water can be channelled to drive a turbine to produce small-scale electricity. There are also various streams and rivers in the country with small-scale hydro potential. But these sources have gotten little or no attention in the country. Therefore, the need arises to construct turbines that can be used to utilize the small-scale hydro potential in Nigeria to produce more economically and environmentally friendly energy.

1.3 Purpose of study

The aim of this project work is to construct a Pelton turbine suitable for small-scale hydroelectricity generation.

This aim will be achieved through the following objectives:

• studying the design of already existing Pelton turbines
• constructing a Pelton turbine using locally available materials

This work will not go into the complexity of modelling or constructing a complete hydroelectric power plant. Instead, this work will focus on constructing a Pelton turbine for small-scale hydro. Other necessary components that will be used to demonstrate the working of the turbine, examples are the water source, alternator, and other electrical components, which are not the mainstay of this work.

Chapter Two

Literature review, 2.1 review of pelton turbine design.

Several works have been done and several studies carried out on Pelton turbines, using both analytical and numerical methods. Most of the advanced studies focused on determining and predicting the performances of the machine. Others have studied the service life, and rupture threshold of the machine due to fatigue or corrosion. A number of past studies have tried to improve the design and construction of a Pelton turbine.

• Alexandre PERRIG (2007) work tries to fully understand the physical phenomena involved in the Pelton turbine bucket flow.
• Binaya K.C. and Bhola Thapa (2009) carried out a study mainly focused on finding the pressure distribution inside the Pelton bucket.
• Bryan Patrick Ho-Yan's (2012) Design of a Low Head Pico Hydro Turbine for Rural Electrification in Cameroon considered, among other things, the general principles and the system components for Pico Hydro.

2.2 Justification of the Study

This work is mainly due to the perceived need for Nigeria to adopt, in a much larger number, small-scale hydroelectric generation. The need for this country to do so includes, but is not limited to the following reasons summarized below:

• Low power costs: since small-scale hydro plants don’t require any form of fuel to run. In addition to this, it doesn’t require much resources or money to construct micro or Pico hydroelectric plants.
• Reduced CO2 emissions.
• Suitability for industrial applications.

Chapter three

Methodology.

In accomplishing this project work, the following methods will be used:

Design : an important and initial part of this work will be the studying of already existing designs of the Pelton turbine so as to be able to construct a high enough Pelton turbine for this project work.

Construction : construction of the turbines will be done with locally available materials. This will involve making a pattern and using a casting process to make construct the buckets, and then sourcing locally available materials for other components of the turbine system.

3.1 Pelton wheel design

The figure below shows the typical geometry of a Pelton type turbine.

The turbine will consist of buckets mounted on a flange. The buckets will be fastened on the flange with a pin. The flange will be mounted on a wheel necessitating the transfer of energy from water to the shaft horsepower.

Water emanating from a nozzle will be used to drive the runner, and the energy extracted from the water will be converted into mechanical energy. The shaft power will be used to drive an alternator to produce electricity.

3.2 Choice of Materials

In constructing the Pelton turbine buckets a heavy metal that will increase the torque obtainable, will be sought. But in the event whereby finding and using such materials for casting the buckets becomes too difficult, aluminium or plastic or any other available and suitable material will be used in the casting work.

The flange, where the buckets will be mounted will be fabricated from mild steel for easier machinability. The shaft will also be made of mild steel.

3.3 Cost analysis

The major cost that will be incurred from this project work will come from constructing the buckets for the Pelton wheel. The reason for this is that such parts are not manufactured in the country, and finding a workshop with a good level of expertise where such a furnace for casting work is available won’t be easy.

Another component that will add significantly to the cost will be a pump, piping, and nozzles that are necessary for demonstrating the working of the turbine. Having considered these and other components that will be needed in this work, the estimated cost for this work is as summarized below:

• Alexandre PERRIG. (2007) Hydrodynamics of the free surface flow in Pelton turbine buckets . Lausanne, EPFL
• Binaya K.C., and Bhola Thapa. (2009). Pressure distribution at inner surface of selected pelton bucket for micro hydro . Kathmandu university journal of science, engineering and technology. vol. 5, no. Ii, September, pp 42-50.
• Bryan Patrick Ho-Yan. (2012). Design of a Low Head Pico Hydro Turbine for Rural Electrification in Cameroon . Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
• Anonymous (2016). “Hydroelectricity.” Wikipedia [online]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroelectricity. Accessed [full date].

Download sample project proposal PDF

Note: To see the formatting and proper arrangement of this example, I advise that you download a project proposal PDF . Also, there are images in the PDF document which I did not include in this sample.

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This is really helpful. I appreciate

Thank you for this

Hello sir/ ma, please can you show me the sample of project proposal on the topic, "the right of women to properity inheritances in Nigeria.

Complete project proposal.

Thank you sir/ma

Thank you very much, this is just what I need.

Really appreciate

I really appreciate before I don't even how to write a project

We are glad we can help. Thank you for stopping by.

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