Course Summary:
The objectives and content of independent research courses are determined in consultation between specially qualified matriculated students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Current chemistry research can be found on the chemistry website faculty pages. Once your interests have been narrowed down, plan to spend time visiting the labs to meet the research groups and discuss ideas with the professors. The key to finding research mentors is to network with faculty and major advisors. Begin planning early!

Course Topics:

The objectives and content of independent study courses are determined in consultation between specially qualified matriculated students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Their purpose is to provide opportunities for independent study of subject matter not included or not treated in sufficient depth in a regularly offered course.

Procedure

1. Students obtain an Independent Studies form from the Center for Academic Support, 312 Lattimore Hall and complete the Independent Studies Form with the instructor with whom they arranged the course and secure the instructor's signature.
2. For four-credit courses, the Independent Studies Form needs to be submitted to the Academic Services counter (or to the SEAS Dean's Office) no later than the end of the third week of classes. Students may submit requests for two-credit independent studies up to the mid-point of the semester.
3. If any questions are raised in the Dean's review of the proposed course, the student will be contacted promptly. Otherwise, in an arrangement between the Registrar's Office and the Center for Academic Support, the student will be registered for the course. (Independent Studies courses are never listed on the registration form or on a drop/add form.)
4. Once processed, the student's copy of the form will be mailed to him or her.

Upper-Level Writing and Independent Studies: Students wishing to use an independent study to fulfill an upper-level writing requirement make appropriate arrangements with their major department.

Instructor Eligibility: The person who consents to supervise the project must be a full-time member of the teaching faculty, or a visiting or adjunct faculty member designated by the department chair as qualified to do so. Students are allowed to take no more than eight credits of Independent Studies courses with the same instructor unless approved by the Dean, which is normally granted for senior honors projects approved by the department Chair.

Note: The faculty is within its rights to decline to supervise students if registration comes too late after the beginning of classes. Similarly, any request for an exception to the policies noted above may be denied. Therefore, students should begin their planning early.