The Department of Chemistry at the University of Illinois

Undergraduates may have a research experience by enrolling in Chem 199 and/or 499. If 199 is selected you may do research, participate in an outreach program or be part of a small group seminar. This is dependent on the faculty with whom you are going to work. Students who select Chem 499 will be working within a faculty member’s research lab and will be required to complete a thesis. Although Chem 499 (was Chem 292) is entitled "Senior Thesis" students may enter into it as soon as they can find a research group whose criteria they meet and that has room for them. Registration into either Chem 199 or 499 requires the individual faculty member’s unique call number that he or she will give you once you have been accepted into the course.

Undergraduates receive course credit for research by enrolling in Chem 499 (2 to 6 credit hours) for each semester they perform research. Most faculty members prefer that the undergraduates work for a minimum of two, but may want you for up to four semesters, so that you have enough time to finish a project. At the end of the project, each student submits a thesis that includes a literature review and a description of methods and results. A grade for the Chem 499 work is assigned at this time.

An undergraduate interested in research should begin by reviewing the research interests of faculty. When students find one or more individuals with whom they wish to work, they set up a appointment to discuss the possibilities. The faculty member decides whether or not a student has the necessary background to fit into his/her research program.

Chemistry majors are strongly encouraged to participate in research during their undergraduate careers. Research provides an opportunity to apply the principles learned in the classroom to a original problem. In addition, prospective employers strongly value the undergraduate research experience. A pamphlet describing undergraduate research in Chemistry and the research interests of the faculty is available in 168 Noyes lab.

• View participating faculty members' research interests and requirements by clicking on the "Faculty and Research Interests" link in the right navigation bar.
• The student requirements are for CHEM 499. The faculty members' requirements for CHEM 199 students will be added at a later time. Please talk to the specific faculty member regarding research prerequisites, e.g., courses completed.