Research for Credit
Undergraduate Research for Credit
There is no particular timeframe for undergraduate research. Some undergraduates get involved during their junior year, but others start while they are still a first- or second-year student. The appropriate course designation for research undertaken “early” in a student’s career (prior to taking 400-level chemistry electives) is CHEM 294. Research performed later is designated CHEM 494.
Finding a Research Group
Information on research opportunities and research group activities can be found through our faculty webpages Once you have identified research groups of potential interest, be proactive in making yourself known to the faculty member. Whether a given group can accommodate you upon first contact will depend on a number of factors. If you are unable to get into your initial group of choice, persistence usually pays off. Keep in mind that a strong performance in course work, especially in lab courses, can benefit you in finding a research group; laboratory directors are often consulted for information on undergraduates seeking to join a research group. Finally, it is important that you seek out opportunities and make yourself known to potential research directors well in advance, especially if you are seeking a summer position.
First and Second Year Students | Chem 294 & 294H
Students are expected to work in the lab for a minimum of six hours per week per credit of CHEM 294. To register for CHEM 294, students should find a research adviser, set up a research plan, then fill out the Research Registration Form. Additionally, students should have the faculty member overseeing the research send a request to the Undergraduate Program Office, specifying the number of credits prior to the end of the drop/add period for the semester in which credit is requested.
- Designed for freshmen and sophomores
- Complete Chemistry Safety Exam and Chemical Waste Training
- Signed IP Agreement
- Obtain, fill out, and submit the Research Registration form in 219 Whitmore; information about the preceding requirements is also available in 219 Whitmore
- Contact us at undergrad@chem.psu.edu for additional information regarding registration requirements
Third and Fourth Year Students | Chem 494 & 494H
Up to eight credits of research (CHEM 494) may be applied to fulfill the 400-level elective requirement of the major. Fewer CHEM credits may be applied if co-op credits are also used for this purpose. Students are expected to work in the lab for a minimum of six hours per week per credit of CHEM 494. To register for CHEM 494, students should find a research adviser, set up a research plan, then fill out the Research Registration Form. Additionally, students should have the faculty member overseeing the research send a request to the Undergraduate Program Office, specifying the number of credits prior to the end of the drop/add period for the semester in which credit is requested.
- 5th semester standing or has completed or is concurrently taking a 400-level course
- Student should have progressed through organic chemistry portion of curriculum
- Complete Chemistry Safety Exam and Chemical Waste Training
- Signed IP Agreement
- Obtain, fill out, and submit the Research Registration form in 219 Whitmore; information about the preceding requirements is also available in 219 Whitmore
- Contact us at undergrad@chem.psu.edu for additional information regarding registration requirements
Report Requirement
Students are required to submit a brief written report summarizing the work performed during the semester, the conclusions reached as a result of this work, and recommendations for the next steps of the project. Specifications for the report are determined by the student’s advisor.