DG 8116: Start. Develop. Grow.
Book a meeting to learn more
Got an idea, initiative, or project that you’ve been wanting to take further alongside your graduate studies? DG 8116 is your opportunity to start, develop, or grow a real-world project, earning course credit while moving your work forward with the support of a diverse and engaged community. This graduate-level elective helps you integrate project work directly into your academic schedule, rather than pursuing it separately on your own time. You will apply your knowledge and extend your skills through sustained, hands-on work, guided by an instructor and peers. The course supports you in building on something that you have already started or taking a new direction forward, creating work that is tangible and that you can carry beyond the course, while strengthening how you present what you know and what you can do.
What is DG 8116?
DG 8116 is a unique experiential elective where thoughtful development and real-world application come together in sustained project work. It empowers you to start, develop, or grow a real-world project, whether that is something new or something you are already working on. The focus is on transforming ideas, interests, or ongoing work into something concrete, applied, and capable of demonstrating your knowledge, skills, and capabilities in practice.
Your project may be connected to your academic work, professional direction, or areas of interest that you want to explore further in a structured way. The course provides the structure, time, and support to move this work forward in a meaningful and sustained way within your graduate program, helping you create something that reflects both what you know and what you can do.
Drive Your Own Project: Define Your Project, Stay Accountable, and Realize Your Vision.
Join a Dynamic Community: Connect, Share, Support, and Grow.
Earn Credit for Real-World Impact: Transform Your Ideas into Action.
Who joins DG 8116?
Participants come from across graduate programs at TMU and bring a wide range of knowledge, experiences, interests, and directions. Some arrive with a project already underway, while others come with an idea they are ready to explore more fully, but what connects everyone is a desire to take a project further and develop work that reflects their knowledge, skills, and capabilities. The course creates the conditions to move from intention to sustained action, and many who complete it continue building on the work they developed beyond their degree. It is often described as one of the most personal and meaningful parts of the graduate experience at TMU, and you can hear directly from participants in the video testimonials below, where each blue tab represents a different academic program.
Nazem, Master in Aerospace Engineering
"I came in thinking that the biweekly briefs and monthly reports were just assignments, but they've genuinely helped me track my own thinking and catch patterns I wouldn't have noticed otherwise like the perfectionism and waiting for perfect conditions. The course also normalized the experience of a project going sideways and needing to adapt, which made the pivot in Month 2 feel less like a failure and more like part of the process. That framing is something I'll carry beyond this course."
Nazem, Master in Aerospace Engineering
Mahnoor, Master in Biomedical Engineering
"I now know how to combine creativity with expert feedback in developing a project. My expectation for DG 8116 was surpassed as it allowed me to develop and reinforce my skills in design, communication, and development of projects."
Mahnoor, Master in Biomedical Engineering
Mahnoor, Master in Biomedical Engineering
"I now know how to combine creativity with expert feedback in developing a project. My expectation for DG 8116 was surpassed as it allowed me to develop and reinforce my skills in design, communication, and development of projects."
Mahnoor, Master in Biomedical Engineering
HaPhan, Master in Computer Science
“DG 8116 has given me the opportunity to enhance my abilities in content creation and presentation, which are vital skills in both academic and professional settings. I expect the knowledge and skills gained from the course and my project to significantly benefit my future studies and career.”
HaPhan, Master in Computer Science
Chelsea, Master in Digital Media
"You'll meet people, you'll have 12 weeks to dedicate to your project, you'll grow as a person and as an entrepreneur, you'll gain long-lasting relationships with those that you've met through the course, and you'll have an opportunity to scale your project or business."
Chelsea, Master in Digital Media
Jayda, Master in Environmental Applied Science and Management
"With DG 8116, I gained valuable insights into key principles for developing my own product and the critical steps involved in building a successful venture. The course's hands-on, interactive approach far exceeded my expectations, offering a more engaging and enriching experience than I had imagined. I'm truly grateful to have been part of such a uniquely impactful class."
Jayda, Master in Environmental Applied Science and Management
Adrianne, Master in Interior Design
"DG 8116 has given me the chance to dedicate a certain amount of hours every week to working on something that I am passionate about. I would say that other people feel the same because in other courses you wouldn't be able to have this much freedom by dedicating your own direction to your projects."
Adrianne, Master in Interior Design
Rishabraj, Master in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
"This course has allowed me to get a ton of hands-on experience and develop practical skills in ideation, end-user research, planning, and pitching. I also acquired skills that will enhance my academic performance, especially in projects and efforts that require problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning."
Rishabraj, Master in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Shannon, Master in Professional Communication
"DG 8116 is a very safe place to make mistakes, to develop an idea, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a passion project. You'll get a lot of inspiration, interesting discussions, constructive criticism, and personal time with like-minded peers."
Shannon, Master in Professional Communication
Ria, Master in Social Work
"The more I was striving to be perfect, the more inadequate I felt. And it was through these classes that I realized that everyone here was in the same boat as I was."
Ria, Master in Social Work
Why take DG 8116?
Graduate study often involves balancing coursework, research, teaching, and other commitments. Finding the time and structure to take something further in a meaningful, applied way can be very difficult. DG 8116 is designed to create that space within your degree, allowing you to focus on a real-world project that reflects your interests, experience, and direction while earning academic credit. Through this work, you will strengthen your ability to apply what you know, develop something concrete, and build a body of work that supports what comes next for you. The course supports the development of independent initiative and the ability to work through open-ended, real-world processes, all of which can help you stand out by showing not only what you have studied, but what you can do in practice. Many who take DG 8116 describe it as one of the most practical and meaningful parts of their graduate experience.
Who is DG 8116 for?
This elective brings together participants from a wide range of graduate programs across TMU. You will work alongside others from different disciplines, each pursuing their own real-world project while sharing a common commitment to developing themselves further. The instructor provides guidance throughout the process, and the course environment encourages ongoing reflection, exchange, feedback, and learning across projects. While your work remains self-directed, you will be part of a group that supports progress, shares perspectives, and helps you see your work in new and complementary ways.
When is DG 8116 offered?
DG 8116 is offered every Fall and Winter semester. Please note that the course is not currently offered during the Spring-Summer semester.
How does DG 8116 work?
DG 8116 supports you in starting, developing, or growing a real-world project through a structured and supportive course environment. You will take part in a combination of whole-class sessions and smaller group discussions with others working on projects at a similar stage or with related interests. The course focuses on making steady progress on your efforts while developing practical ways of approaching complex, open-ended projects. Over the term, you will plan, test, refine, and adapt your work, drawing on feedback from others, primarily your stakeholders. Reflection is an important part of the process, helping you make sense of your progress and articulate how your work is evolving. Assessment is based on your eefforts, including how you navigate challenges and move your project forward over time. If you choose to continue beyond the course, there may be an opportunity to build on your work further through an independent study.
Organization & Leadership
Structure your project from start to finish. You'll learn to manage tasks, set priorities, and lead yourself and your initiative effectively to achieve tangible progress.
Critical Thinking & Inquiry
Tackle the messy realities of your project. You'll learn to question assumptions, analyze challenges from all angles, and find practical solutions to move your ideas forward.
Curiosity & Creative Thinking
Fuel your passion by exploring fresh possibilities. Cultivate original approaches, brainstorm innovative solutions, and embrace new perspectives to bring your unique vision to life.
Communication & Networking
Clearly articulate your purpose and connect with others. You'll learn to express your ideas compellingly, listen actively, and build valuable relationships that truly support your project's journey.
Initiative & Resourcefulness
Take charge of your project's direction. You'll learn to overcome obstacles creatively, find innovative solutions with available resources, and confidently push your ideas forward independently.
Uncertainty Narrowing & Decision Making
Thrive amidst complexity. You'll learn to seek out necessary information, make informed decisions, and iterate on your approach as new insights emerge, keeping your project moving forward effectively.
Empathy & Problem Solving
Understand real needs deeply. Develop a project that truly resonates with people, addressing needs with compassion and creating positive, lasting impact for your intended beneficiaries.
Responsibility & Accountability
Own your project's journey from idea to completion. You'll gain the commitment to meet goals, learn from every step, and take full ownership of your progress and outcomes.
Adaptability & Flexibility
Respond effectively to change. You'll learn to adjust your approach, embrace new insights, and pivot seamlessly when facing unexpected challenges, keeping your project vibrant and relevant.
Metacognition & Mindfulness
Understand how you operate at your peak. Develop the self-awareness to recognize your strengths, manage challenges effectively, and continuously refine your approach to thinking and working.
The course emphasizes a process- and journey-based approach, where your learning is assessed by how effectively you navigate challenges, integrate feedback, and adapt your project over time. Regular reflective notes and progress reports are utilized to capture your efforts and advancements. Should you wish to continue your work beyond this semester, you have the option to pursue an independent studies course with the same instructor to build upon your existing project or to embark on a new one.
Book a meeting to learn more
Curious about DG 8116 and ready to turn your passion project into reality? Connecting with one of our course instructors is the best way to discuss your project idea or existing project and understand the enrolment process. Please book a meeting with JP Silva to find out how you can join.
FAQ
DG 8116 is open to graduate students from every program at TMU. The course attracts students who want to explore and expand their creative practice, pursue a passion project, or test an idea in a structured but flexible learning environment.
Unlike a capstone, thesis, or MRP, DG 8116 is not about advancing required academic research. Instead, it provides space for you to pursue a self-directed project that matters to you while engaging real-world audiences, end-users, or communities.
You’ll learn how to plan, develop, and execute a project in real-world conditions. Along the way, you’ll strengthen transferable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, all while navigating uncertainty and feedback from others.
Beyond having a clear project idea, there are no formal prerequisites. What’s most important is your readiness to pursue the project with focus and autonomy.
Not at all. The course is designed for students from all disciplines. What matters is your commitment to building and refining a project, not your prior technical skill.
You should have a project idea in mind before enrolling. The semester is too short to both conceive and meaningfully launch something from scratch. If you’re unsure, book a meeting with the instructor before the semester begins.
No. DG 8116 does not match students with projects. Most participants work on their own project or with collaborators they bring in themselves.
Yes. You can adjust or change your idea before the course starts. What matters is that you’re ready to actively pursue a project from day one.
Projects vary widely. Past participants have worked on creative practices (film, design, music, fashion), professional initiatives (consultancies, agencies, collectives), technology-based prototypes, nonprofit and community projects, and practice-based research pilots.
Both group and individual projects are supported. What matters is clarity of vision, scope, and responsibility.
You’re welcome to continue developing an existing project. Many graduate students choose to build on something they’ve already started.
That’s very encouraged. Projects can be commercial, creative, or community-based. What matters is your ability to define and carry them forward.
The course operates on two-week cycles. One week features a three-hour class with all peers for presentations, discussions, demos, and guest speaker conversations. The alternate week involves a one-hour small group session (4-5 peers with the instructor or an academic assistant) for debriefing on progress, challenges, and planning. These small group sessions foster peer learning and support.
Expect to spend at least three hours per week outside class on your project. Class time is for feedback, exchange, and reflection, not direct project work.
That’s expected. Iteration and adjustment are part of the process.
Failure is part of learning. You’re assessed on your process, reflection, and skill development, not on whether your project “succeeds.”
That’s normal. The course is designed to be supportive, with structured opportunities to share progress and receive feedback at a pace that helps build confidence.
Assessment is based on three individual records (reports) and one group presentation. These reflect how you apply and strengthen transferable skills such as leadership, organization, problem-solving, and communication.
You’ll have access to instructor support, peer networks, and connections to TMU’s resources (including funding opportunities, mentorship, and materials). The course also emphasizes feedback and community, so you’ll never be working in isolation.
Most projects require little or no funding. If you do need financial support, we’ll help you identify potential resources at TMU or externally.
DG 8116 is designed to strengthen your portfolio, expand your practice, and give you hands-on experience in taking a project forward. While it can be related to your thesis or MRP, it's not a substitute for either of them.
Yes. At the end of the semester, you’ll be invited to participate in the Zone Learning Showcase and Market at the SLC. There may also be other opportunities, such as gallery exhibits, community events, or faculty-led showcases.
Not through DG 8116. However, you can ask your DG 8116 instructor if they would be willing to continue supporting your efforts by becoming your supervisor in a directed or independent studies course.
No. Membership in a Zone is no longer required.
You must book a meeting (external link) with the instructor to discuss your project and be enrolled in the course. A course substitution form will likely be required, but you can discuss it all during the meeting.