Department of Chemistry
We strongly urge students to participate in undergraduate research during their studies at the University of Washington. Chemistry and biochemistry both publish yearly updates of available research projects. Many other departments also include undergraduates in their labs; students can contact departments directly for more information. Some examples of departments where our students have done research include: microbiology, psychology, immunology, zoology, pharmacology, neurology, genetics, and pathology.
Students in their freshmen and sophomore years who have an interest in undergraduate research are encouraged to participate in CHEM 199 or CHEM 299 research projects. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to participate in BIOC 499, CHEM 399 or CHEM 499 research.
It is recommended that students have a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA); however, motivated students who are interested in pursuing research can approach faculty to ask about joining their research projects regardless of their GPA. Grades are indicators of a students grasp of the basic principles required but they aren't meant to be the sole evidence of your ability to participate. If you are struggling with your performance in classes because you do not have enough time to study, you may want to reconsider undertaking research. If you do decide to pursue research be aware of the demanding time commitment involved.
Some research projects have course prerequisites. If you are unsure about whether or not you have met the course prerequisites ask the faculty adviser who oversees the project or the chemistry/biochemistry advisers.
Tasks required by undergraduate research vary widely and are based on an individual agreement between you and your faculty supervisor. The experience is designed to teach students about how and why experiments are done and to let them join in the excitement of seeing results. More advanced students may design their own research project but the majority work alongside a faculty researcher or graduate student on an on-going project. To gain a good sense of the scientific research method, it is good to work on a specific project with a hypothesis, read original scientific papers related to the research topic, perform experiments, perform data analysis or discuss data analysis with your research supervisor and write a report.
Whether you are interested in graduate/professional school, or plan on pursuing a career in industry,it is an excellent idea to begin research by your junior year of college. If you want to start earlier, you can approach faculty at any time that you wish. If you are still taking general and organic chemistry you may find your opportunities are somewhat limited, but many of the CHEM 199/299 projects might work for you.
The University of Washington expects students to work an average of 3 hours per week to receive 1 credit hour. Students typically take two to three credits per quarter over two or more quarters. This translates into an average of 6 to 9 hours per week. However, because research is done by individual arrangement there will be some variation. Ask your research supervisor what he/she expects from you. The hours are usually flexible; however, in many areas of research complicated techniques are used which require that you are in the lab for several hours at a time; therefore, it may be more practical to allot whole mornings, afternoons, or evenings doing research rather than one or two-hour time blocks.
The standard vehicle for undergraduate research is through a research course such as CHEM 499, BIOC 499 or its equivalent in other departments. You will register in the department of your research supervisor regardless of your major. Most departments have an undergraduate research course numbered 499 in the UW Time Schedule. In order to register for undergraduate research credit you first need to gain permission from a faculty supervisor. Once an arrangement is made you will need to pick up a faculty add code from the professor's home department.
For biochemistry majors, CHEM 399, CHEM 499 or BIOC 499 automatically count towards the science elective requirement. In order to count research done in other departments students need to petition for approval. Please consult with the chemistry/biochemistry advisers for petitioning procedures.
For chemistry majors (ACS Certified degree), only students satisfying the UW Honors requirements or Departmental Distinction requirements are allowed to apply 6 credits of CHEM 399, CHEM 499 or BIOC 499 to the advanced chemistry requirement.
For Non-ACS certified chemistry majors, a CHEM GPA of 3.3 is required in order to apply up to 6 credits of CHEM 399, CHEM 499, or BIOC 499 to the science elective requirement.
How do I find a faculty member to work with?
Sometimes you will need to contact more than one professor before you are able to make an arrangement. Always be positive and motivated. If you cannot work with the faculty member that you contact initially, ask if s/he can recommend the person you should speak with next. Remember: maintaining your good attitude and being persistent is part of the process.
In chemistry and biochemistry you will receive a Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) grade. Some departments may grade research credits. The Catalog and the Time Schedule will say if a class is Credit/No Credit. If it does not indicate CR/NC only, then you will receive a numerical grade. Since research credits are not based on exams, it is important to ask your research supervisor how the grade will be determined and what the criteria will be.
As a general rule, the Department of Chemistry's policy is that when you are engaged in research for credit you should not also be paid.
There are some instances where UW students do receive credit and payment for their research time. The Biology Program coordinates the applications for a program sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Foundation. The Mary Gates Endowment Research Grants program offers grants to competitive students who are involved in a faculty research project. Nationally, there are many other programs, which include a salary for selected undergrad researchers. Ask your adviser about these opportunities both at the UW and other schools.
We hope this page has answered some of your questions about undergraduate research at UW. It's a tremendous experience and we hope you will be able to participate. If you'd like to talk to an adviser about your research plans, call 543-1610 for an appointment or email advisers@chem.washington.edu.
Chem 199/299 (pdf)
Chem 399/499 (pdf)
Chemistry Internet Resource for Research for Undergraduate Students (CIRRUS)
UW Undergraduate Research Program