Solving Issue with My Director in University Physics

[paalfis]

I am in third year of University Physics, and I have been particularly interested in models of cognition for two years. I was studying and working as an assistant of an eminence in the area during the last 6 months, who, after seeing I was so interested (I was the only student interested), 'took me under his wing'. I have learned a lot with him and this year I was ready to start something bigger.
Anyway, my director was choosed as a professor in a subject I am interested. Obviously, I started his course as a student (although I suggested to be an assistant, and he rejected it, he choosed one of him collegues). After some weeks, he started treating me as any other student, no more meetings with other great scientists, no more seminars, no more cool projects or challenges; and definitely nothing of that 'something bigger' I was waiting for. I have asked him about new projects in his lab, and everytime he have said 'we can discuss this in class'.
I thought of dropping out of his class (since I have enough knowledge to be teaching it) , and I have discussed this with him too, but I am not sure that is a good idea.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[jedishrfu]

Perhaps he views you as a threat or he doesn't like your attitude and has decided to treat you differently. The fact that you asked to be the course assistant and have been looking for something bigger may give him the notion that you are too ambitious or not appreciating his mentor-ship.

 

[paalfis]

Perhaps he views you as a threat or he doesn't like your attitude and has decided to treat you differently. The fact that you asked to be the course assistant and have been looking for something bigger may give him the notion that you are too ambitious or not appreciating his mentor-ship.

And what should I do if that's the case?

 

[jedishrfu]

You need to find out first with a frank talk with him.

If that doesn't work then you may need to see your dean for advice or dept head (last resort).

 

[Choppy]

I'm having some trouble understanding some of the specifics, but I think I get the general gist of the problem.

In academia you are generally expected to have formal credentials, even to act as a teaching assistant. Unfortunatelty working in a lab or doing your own reading doesn't give you these credentials - even if your knowledge and skill level is well beyond what is covered in the couse. The only thing that gives you the credential is getting the credit for the course and the degree as well. So it's likely that even if this professor wanted to, he likely can't treat you as anything more than a student.

The best way to move forward is to be thankful for the opportunity that you've had and let him know that you would be interested in any future opportunities to work with him again.