How important is undergraduate research?  "In a class, the students and the professor face each other--the teacher, who is thought to know all, on one side, the students, who are told what they are expected to learn, on the other side.   Compare this to an undergraduate participating in research with a professor, postdoctoral, or graduate student.  Now they are on the "same side" of an experiment facing together unknowns of nature; the undergraduate sees quickly that the coworkers do not know it all, but they do have a background which he/she is missing.   The content of the courses becomes relevant and useful, and the attitude toward courses changes quickly." (John Ross, Chemical & Engineering News, 9/14/98, p. 3)

Goals of Undergraduate Research

1. Enrich the students' chemical education in a meaningful way

   • by teaching the practice of science,

   • by teaching in-depth scientific content in a specific research area,

   • by enhancing technical skills,

   • by increasing student confidence.

2. Encourage and aid students in pursuing chemistry careers.

3. Accomplish scientific research.

4. Enhance scientific knowledge of all who are involved (faculty and students).

The Benefits of Undergraduate Research

1. Integration of classroom learning to research.

2. Application of knowledge.

3. Opportunity to work alongside faculty and to learn with them.

An education in chemistry usually begins with a high school course that introduces elements, ions and inorganic compounds and continues with general chemistry courses in college. These experiences are followed by the study of organic compounds, analytical methods, physical chemistry, and more inorganic compounds. The undergraduate program may also include biochemistry, polymer or environmental chemistry.

As time progresses, your knowledge of chemistry grows. But as graduation approaches, uncertainty may remain as to what can be done with this vast amount of chemical information.

The Chemistry Department at Missouri State University has provided a solution to this problem. Each semester two special courses are offered in which you may apply your knowledge of chemical theories and laboratory skills toward the solution of a specific chemical problem. You can join one of our faculty members in a search for new chemical knowledge and/or the solution of a real life concern. Called research, you will find this activity listed in the University catalog and the class schedule as CHM 399 and CHM 499. These research courses are available for 1-3 hours credit per semester, and each may be repeated to a total of 5 hours.

The following National Science Foundation website will provide students with ready information and links to reliable electronic resources on all aspects of the undergraduate research experience:

http://www.webguru.neu.edu/