Department of Chemistry

Undergraduate Research FAQs

1. What is undergraduate research?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing UG research?
3. How do I find a mentor and get involved?
4. Does my research mentor automatically become my academic advisor?
5. How do I register for undergraduate research?
6. What are the prerequisites (college, departmental, individual mentor)?
7. How many credit hours may I take, and what time commitment is associated with each credit hour?
8. How is my grade determined for research?
9. What happens if the project I am given does not work?
10. Can I enroll in research for credit during the summer?
11. Under what circumstances can I be paid for my efforts?

What is undergraduate research?

It's a lot of fun and you can learn a lot. (Aren't those the same thing?) Chemistry majors may undertake a research project in collaboration with one or more faculty member. The project is chosen or designed to meet the individual interests and goals of the student. Credit is obtained by enrolling in CHEM 4994 for those semesters in which the work is to be performed.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing UG research?

The opportunity to be directly involved in scientific discovery is a primary reason for attending a research university like Virginia Tech. You gain perspective on the emerging areas within chemistry. You also learn if a research career might be right for you. Skills and knowledge are developed that extend well beyond what you typically learn in courses. Involvement in research builds scholarly independence, teamwork, and communication skills. Research experience greatly improves your competitiveness for entry into graduate and professional programs and in the job market. The main disadvantage of research is that it requires a strong commitment on your part to manage your schedule so that the time spent doing research does not erode your classroom performance.

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How do I find a mentor and get involved?

Start with the list of professors with undergraduate research projects. Contact one or more professor and express your interest in research and set up an appointment to discuss possible projects.

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Does my research mentor automatically become my academic advisor?

No, your academic advisor does not change. You might find that your research advisor is very helpful in directing you in career decisions.

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How do I register for undergraduate research?

You and your research mentor fill out the IS/UR form (URL) at least 4 weeks before the beginning of the semester. Advisor and Departmental signatures are required. The form is available on the COS website: http://www.cos.vt.edu/student/forms.asp

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What are the prerequisites (college, departmental, individual mentor)?

Enrolling for CHEM 4994 requires a QCA of at least 2.5. Individual research mentors might have additional prerequisites, as listed in their research description.

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How many credit hours may I take, and what time commitment is associated with each credit hour?

You may enroll for 1 to 19 credits. Typical is 2 or 3 credits. Expect to spend 3-4 hours in the lab per credit. Ask your prospective research mentor about expectations. Students enrolled in CHEM 4994 for 3 or more credits are required to take part in an end-of-semester research symposium. Students enrolled in CHEM 4994 are encouraged to take part in the symposium.

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How is my grade determined for research?

Grades are determined by the research mentor. Expectations for grade assignment should be discussed when filling out the IS/UR form. Using the P/F option is recommended for your first semester of research.

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What happens if the project I am given does not work?

Well, that's research. The outcome of a research project is unpredictable. Your grade though will depend on the criteria set by your research mentor and will not necessarily be dependent on getting a certain result.

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Can I enroll in research for credit during the summer?

Yes, you must be enrolled in one or both summer sessions to receive academic credit.

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Under what circumstances can I be paid for my efforts?

Professors with sufficient research funding may offer a wage to students who conduct research in their laboratories. However, because of conflict-of-interest issues, students may not be paid for their research work during a semester that they are also enrolled in Undergraduate Research (CHEM 4994). Students typically participate in research during the academic year by enrolling in CHEM 4994. Wage appointments are more typical during the summer and are predicated on the availability of grant support.

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