Capstone research is the cullimination of a chemistry major's course of study. Each student works on a project of his or her choosing in close collaboration with a faculty member in the department. Work on a project that does not have a predetermined outcome is both challenging and rewarding. Students frequently cite their independent research as the most meaningful part of their undergraduate experience. Student research often results in publication in peer-reviewed scientific literature and in presentations by the students themselves at regional and national scientific meetings.

Requirements

All students who major in chemistry must complete at least one semester of independent research in the form of a CH 371 or CH 372 project supervised by a member of the chemistry faculty.  (Students who are majoring in the biology-chemistry interdepartmental major may also complete their capstone research project through CH 371 or CH 372.)  Many students opt to continue this research beyond a single semester.  Additional semesters of CH 371 or CH 372 will satisfy the 300-level elective requirement.  Independent research is typically completed in the senior year, though some students choose to begin research earlier.

In order to begin independent research, a student must:

1. identify a member of the chemistry faculty who is willing to supervise the research project,
2. submit a written proposal for the research project to the department for approval, and
3. submit a Special Permission for Independent Study form to the Office of the Registrar and register for CH 371 (fall semester) or CH 372 (spring semester).

To learn more about research activities in the department, click here.

Please check with the chair of the department or your academic advisor to find to find out about the deadlines for submission of your research proposal.

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