Frequently Asked Questions about Undergraduate Research.
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.
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.
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.
Does my research mentor automatically become my academic advisor?
No, your academic advisor does not change, but you might find your research advisor to be very helpful in directing you in career decisions.
How do I register for undergraduate research?
You and your research mentor fill out the IS/UR form at least 4 weeks before the beginning of the semester. Advisor and Departmental signatures are required. The form is available on the College of Science's webpage for student forms.
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.
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 mentors about their expectations.) Chemistry majors enrolled in CHEM 4994 for 3 or more credits and CHEM B.A. majors who are using research to fulfill a ViEWS requirement are required to take part in the undergraduate research symposium at the end of the semester. All other students enrolled in CHEM 4994 are encouraged to take part in the symposium.
How is my grade determined for research?
Grades are determined by the research mentor, but you will have discussed these expectations when filling out the IS/UR form. The College of Science will not process IS/UR forms which do not include specific evaluation criteria.
Using the P/F option is recommended for your first semester of research.
What happens if the project I am given does not work?
The outcome of a research project is unpredictable. However, your grade will depend on the evaluation criteria previously agreed-upon by you and your research mentor. Therefore your grade will not necessarily be dependent on getting a certain result.
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.
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, due to 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.