Use our flowchart to determine whether your project requires IRB review.

Not sure whether your project is Quality Improvement or Research?

Review the UAH IRB’s guidance by reading Quality Improvement/Assurance versus Research.

Do I need UAH IRB approval for coursework and Guided Research?

See Use of UAH IRB for Course Work and Guided Research for specific details.

General Guidelines

  • Applies only to courses where:
    • Instructors require students to engage in classroom-guided research for course credit.
    • Students are expected to complete the research within the semester.
    • There is an intent to disseminate findings (via poster/podium presentations or publications)
  • Does not apply to:
    • Courses involving thesis or dissertation work, as those require collaboration with Committee Chairs to begin IRB approval before moving into thesis/dissertation courses.
  • If there is no intent to disseminate findings, IRB approval is not required.
    • UAH IRB does not provide retrospective approval.
    • If dissemination might occur in the future, it is recommended to submit an IRB application before conducting the classroom research activity.

IRB Committee’s Position

  • Values student experiences in conducting human subject research.
  • Supports instructors who engage students in guided research with the intent to disseminate findings.
  • Encourages submission of an IRB application early in the semester to allow research to proceed after approval.
  • Commits to providing timely responses and approvals to support the UAH research community.

Instructions for Submitting an IRB Application for Classroom Guided Research

  1. Single IRB Application per Course/Semester
    • Only one application should be submitted per course.
    • Multiple submissions from the same course/semester will not be accepted.
    • All students contribute to one collective study.
  2. Required Forms
    • Include Form 1 and either Form 2 or Form 3.
    • Add any additional IRB forms relevant to the study (refer to IRB website).
    • Multiple consent forms are acceptable if different participant tasks exist.
  3. Student Inclusion
    • All students must be listed on Form 1 under:

      “Background and Qualifications of the Principal Investigator and additional personnel directly involved in the research.”

    • Students may work individually or in groups, but each student must be included.
    • Attach CITI training certifications for all students:
      • Human Subjects Researcher
      • Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR)
      • Conflict of Interest
      • Export Compliance
  4. Instructor Role
    • The course instructor must be listed as Supervising Faculty on Form 1.
  5. Instructor Review Prior to Submission
    • Instructor must ensure all required forms are included and review the complete application.
  6. Supporting Documents
    • Instructor verifies inclusion of:
      • Recruitment scripts
      • Letters of support (if applicable)
      • Surveys, questionnaires, or research tools
      • Educational materials for participants
    • These can be included as appendices in Form 1 or uploaded separately.
  7. Submission Procedure
    • The instructor submits the IRB application.

The submission email must clearly state that the application is for Classroom Guided Research only.