Chem 2321: Introduction to Research

The Introduction to Research course was conceived and implemented in the switch to semesters in 1999/2000, and was funded in part by an NSF CCLI Grant (DUE 9950715). The Chemistry faculty wanted students to learn the basics of carrying out independent research while working in a small group on a research project with one of the UMM Chemistry/Biochemistry faculty members. The goals of the course are to help students:

• Learn how to find information in the chemical literature (on and off-line);
• Develop laboratory technique in a research environment via defined experiments;
• Learn how to use modern instrumentation   (FT-IR, 1 H/13 C NMR, GC-MS, UV) in the solution of chemical problems;
• Hone scientific writing skills in several forms:
  • prepare a research proposal
  • keep a laboratory notebook
  • present oral progress reports
  • prepare a poster presentation of your research project
  • prepare a formal final report on your research project
• Develop a research project, and then carry out that research in a small group, with guidance from one or more of the professors assisting in the course.

2008 Poster Session

2007 Poster Session