CHEM 485: Capstone Research Experience
Credit hours: (2)
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
An independent laboratory research project conducted under the supervision of a chemistry
faculty member. This course will normally be taken in the spring semester of the
student’s senior year.
Detailed Description of Course
The content of this course will differ and be a unique experience for each student.
The student and research mentor (instructor) will select a laboratory-based research
project in the chemical sciences and present their findings in both oral and written
presentations.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will serve as a culminating or capstone experience of a student’s undergraduate
academic chemistry training and will require a minimum of 6 hours of research per
week. Students will be required to give a formal presentation and prepare a research
report summarizing the results.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1) Demonstrate competence in the laboratory and execute laboratory techniques
appropriate to the project
2) Effectively communicate laboratory results in written and oral format
3) Use chemical information effectively
4) Think critically and arrive at rational solutions
Assessment Measures
Assessment of the student’s success in the course is based on a research report that
follows ACS guidelines and an oral presentation at the Student Engagement Forum or
another department-approved presentation forum.
Revised and published June 2023