Every chemistry major must complete 3 credits of additional laboratory work. To fulfill this requirement, students can choose from:
- CHEM 346 Intermediate Organic Laboratory
- CHEM 512 Advanced Synthesis and Laboratory Techniques
- CHEM 524 Chemical Instrumentation (3 credits, 1 credit counts for additional lab work)
- CHEM 681/682 Senior Honors Thesis
- CHEM 691, 692 Senior Thesis
- CHEM 699 Directed Study
- Biochemistry research courses (681/682, 691,692, and 699), and CBE 599 are also accepted.
To enroll in any of the directed study courses below, you must first find a research advisor who will sponsor you to work in his or her lab for the semester. Together, the professor and the student will agree on a study plan and determine the number of credits to be earned. Finally, you must complete a Chemistry Research Authorization Form and submit it online.
Directed Study Courses
CHEM 299
Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-4 credits* (I). Open to freshmen and sophomores with instructor's consent.
For students with less than 54 total credit hours AND first time doing research.
CHEM 681/682
Senior Honors thesis. I, II; Minimum total of 6 credit for the two semester sequence* (A). Must: Be a senior honors candidate, have consent of the instructor, be enrolled in chem 681 for the fall and 682 for the spring, and complete a research thesis at the end of the spring semester.
CHEM 699
Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-6 credits* (A). Must have junior or senior standing and have instructor's consent.
For students with more than 54 total credit hours OR are returning researchers.
CHEM 691/692
Senior thesis. I, II; 2-6 credits* (A). Must: Be a senior, have consent of the instructor, be enrolled in chem 691 for the fall and 692 for the spring; complete a research thesis at the end of the spring semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I enroll in research credit?
Follow the following steps to get permissions to enroll in research credit:
- Complete the Research Authorization form
- Submit it to the Office of Undergraduate Research.
- Please allow at least 2 days for your form to be reviewed. Once your form is approved, it will be sent to the Undergraduate Chemistry office, who will send you an email with directions to enroll.
For more detailed enrollment instructions, please read this PDF guide.
How many credit hours should I enroll in?
1 credit hour of research equals about 3-4 hours of research per week, or 45-60 hours per semester (15 weeks per semester).
Please note that if you enroll in research after the Add deadline, you must make up for the lost time to meet the required hours per semester.
Can I change the number of research credits that I am enrolled in?
You can change the number of research credits that you are enrolled in by yourself up until the Add deadline. Please click here for more detailed instructions.
If it is after the Add deadline, please contact the Office of Chemistry Undergraduate Research for further assistance.