Undergraduate Study

Research and Forms

Application Form for Research in Chemistry

Please print out out the form, complete, and submit to the undergraduate secretary in Room No. 150. Be sure to read this entire page to familiarize yourself with the process.
 

Research Programs

Chemistry majors are strongly encouraged to participate in one of the many active research programs available in the laboratories of its graduate faculty. In deciding whether or not to participate in a research program, the following points may be helpful:

Research provides excellent training in practical aspects of the chemistry discipline. It helps to consolidate knowledge and understanding of chemistry gained in courses, and provides realistic insights into the daily routines and working environment of a career chemist.

For those who may eventually choose a career other than chemistry, the framework of a research project still provides excellent training in the deductive process.

Participation in a research project inevitably leads to a close working relationship with faculty and graduate students and post-doctoral research associates. The familiarity of faculty with a student's aspirations and individual talents provides a valuable source of career advice and insights. It also creates an important opportunity for obtaining meaningful letters of recommendation that will carry significant weight with future employers or graduate and professional schools.

Research may lead to publications in leading scientific journals. Such achievements are lasting qualifications that give rise to a great sense of personal accomplishment. Intimate knowledge of a research topic of current interest to the greater scientific community also provides a mechanism for communicating with future employers at their own level, a tremendous asset in a job interview.

The Chemistry Department provides opportunities for undergraduate students to present their research results. These opportunities may include travel grants to attend scientific meetings and departmental poster sessions. Such activities give valuable training, whatever a student's ultimate career may be.

The range of Chemistry faculty research interests and projects is vast (see next section). It covers all aspects of chemistry itself and crosses the boundaries between chemistry and many other disciplines. A careful search through these opportunities is, therefore, very likely to suggest several possible matches with a student's individual interests, even for the nonmajor. 

Students should contact and visit with a number of faculty members to discuss their research programs and gain a perspective that will enable them to choose a suitable project.

Nonmajors and current first year students with exceptionally strong motivation and background are encouraged to enter the program, although some faculty may not accept them for a research project in chemistry. Most faculty encourage research during the summer months, and a limited number of summer stipends are available.

Interested students should speak with faculty directly, or see the Undergraduate Secretary for further information. Students wishing to do research will normally register for one of the following courses, each of which requires departmental permission:

1. 160:391-392 (1-3 credits each semester) Independent Study in Chemistry (for Sophomores and Juniors)

2. 160:495-496 (1-6 credits each semester) Senior Research Project: Chemistry

3. 160:497-498 (3-6 credits each semester) Honors Research in Chemistry (GPA must be > 3.0 cumulative and > 3.4 in courses required for the major)