Guided Research Project In Chemistry
Curriculum guideline
Hours will vary depending on the project but will normally be a minimum of 2 hours per week.
In the semester preceding the one during which the research is to be conducted, the student should approach a Chemistry faculty member to discuss a possible research topic. Day-to-day supervision may be delegated to an agreeable Chemistry staff member.
If the faculty member (and staff member, if applicable) agrees to a project, a proposal is submitted to the Chemistry Chair and Laboratory Supervisor for approval within the first two weeks of the semester. It is generally the supervising faculty member's responsibility to prepare and submit the initial proposal.
The faculty member (or staff designate) will generally meet with the student at least weekly to review collected data and discuss upcoming experiments.
The student will submit a midterm report to the supervising faculty member, in a format designated by the faculty member, generally around the mid-point of the semester (not including the exam period).
The student will submit a written laboratory report to the faculty member, the details of which are at the faculty member's discretion, on or before the final day of the term (not including the exam period).
- Theoretical and experimental research
- Intermediate chemistry laboratory work
- Instrument operation and data collection
- Report writing
Upon completion of the course, a successful student will be able to:
- Identify a suitable research hypothesis.
- Find and use peer-reviewed references relevant to the research project.
- Identify experimental research required to investigate the selected hypothesis.
- Employ various analytical techniques to compile required data.
- Analyze the collected data and reach a reasonable evidence-based conclusion.
- Communicate the research results and newly acquired theoretical and experimental knowledge orally and in writing.
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The supervising faculty member will present to the student a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester, no later than the week in which the initial proposal is approved by the Chemistry Chair and Laboratory Supervisor.
The course is graded on a mastery/non-mastery basis.
None
CHEM 1210 and approval of the instructor