Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Undergraduates have many opportunities to get involved in undergraduate research. Our faculty has a wide range of research interests and expertise, and also actively collaborates with researchers in other departments. Our students can work with a faculty member or other scientist on a project of mutual interest, and as you grow as a scientist you will become more independent in your research project, developing your own project goals and the means with which to reach them.
Research Course Details
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits | Grade Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chem 1900 | First-year Research | ||
| Chem 2900 | Freshman and Sophomore Research | 1-3 (variable) | P/NP |
| Chem 4900 | Research | 1-6 (variable) | P/NP |
| Chem 4950 | Advanced Research | 3 | Letter |
Chem 1900/2900/4900
These experiences are similar in nature, but specified by class (Chem 1900 is for first year students, Chem 2900 is for second year students and Chem 4900 is for juniors and seniors. A student planning to register for Chem 1900/2900/4900 with a chemistry research advisor should obtain approval from that faculty member before registering, but a formal proposal is not required. At the time of registration, the student will need to request an eligibility override from their research mentor via workday. Students wishing to take research experiences with mentors outside the Department of Chemistry, please see below.
Chem 4950
Enrollment in Chem 495 requires submission of the Chem 4950 Application Form. The pre-requisite for Chem 4950 is to have performed research for at least one prior semester that is the equivalent of 3 credit units of Chem 4900 in the same laboratory. Chem 4950 qualifies as a capstone experience. Chem 4950 can count as an advanced elective towards the chemistry major but only if the student completes the rest of the Latin honors curriculum.
To arrange to participate in undergraduate research activities, you can reach out to chemistry faculty members directly, after reviewing their faculty profiles and confirming their availability to work with undergraduate students. You may also contact Professor Richard Mabbs to discuss getting started in undergraduate research.
Outside Experiences
Research experiences outside the chemistry department may qualify for Chem 1900, 2900, 4900, or 4950 credit. However, to do so, the project must be pre-approved by the chemistry department’s Undergraduate Work Committee. To obtain this approval for Chem 1900/2900/4900, the student must submit the Chem 1900/2900/4900 Project Proposal Form which includes a short description of the proposed research project, and identifies the faculty mentor and the number of hours dedicated to research per week. To obtain approval for Chem 4950, the student must submit the Chem 4950 Application Form. To qualify for chemistry research credit, the project must be of a “chemical” nature. Submit the forms to Professor Richard Mabbs for review and approval.