The Bakersfield College (BC) Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews research requests pertaining to students and/or employees conducted by individuals or groups outside of BC. Research projects conducted as part of a class that is not intended for professional publication do not need BC IRB approval.
The function of the IRB review is to ensure that researchers treat human subjects according to the Belmont Report (www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/read-the-belmont-report/index.html). This report outlines ethical principles and guidelines for the protection and welfare of human subjects of research. You can find more information here: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/about/administration/planning-and-accountability/institutional-effectiveness/institutional-review-board.html