We recognize that graduate students in chemistry face challenges in their research careers beyond technical setbacks, so the Department of Chemistry developed Introductory Professional Development for Chemists in 2014. The course has greatly evolved since then. CHEM 591 is taken by chemistry graduate students in their first semester on campus to provide a broad overview of non-research skills that are important during graduate school. The class meets weekly for 1.5 hours in the Fall semester.
This course will cover topics to prepare graduate students for all aspects of graduate culture, which include:
- developing cultural competence and awareness to enable effective professional interactions with diverse scientists; networking
- understanding responsible conduct in research, data management, and publications
- developing a non-technical skillset essential to graduate school success such as program management, conflict resolution, time management, and managing mental health
- understanding the departmental expectations on appropriate professional conduct
- laboratory safety
- building a five-year plan