Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry Senior Project

Congratulations on taking the first step towards starting undergraduate research! This page contains information for all students who want to do senior research projects with Chemistry professors. Your senior research project will take at least one year to complete. Continue reading to learn more about CHM 4610, CHM 4620, and CHM 4630.

CHM 4610: Senior Project I (2 units)

  • The first semester of a yearlong course that focuses on mentor-guided and hands-on independent research or projects
  • Prequisites
    • C- or better in CHM 2910A
    • Instructor permission

How to Enroll

To begin your senior project, you will need to meet with a faculty member to discuss and agree upon a senior research project. Once you have found a mentor, complete the Enrollment form and submit it to the Chemistry Department office. You may enroll during registration and during the add/drop period. 

During CHM 4610

  • Carefully read all announcements and emails from the Senior Project Coordinator.
  • Attend the mandatory orientation session and EH&S safety training, held during the second or third week of the semester. 
  • Take and pass the safety training test. Submit your "Chemistry Department Safety Training Record" to Ms. Stephanie Pastor, indicating that you have passed the safety test and received lab-specific safety training from your advisor. If this form is not submitted before the deadline given during orientation, you will not be eligible to receive a lab key. 
  • Begin working on your senior project. This may take the form of literature review, learning lab techniques, and conducting experiments. Work closely with your research mentor. 
  • Work with your advisor to complete your Senior Project Proposal. Submit to the Senior Project Coordinator before 5 pm on the Friday of Week 8. 
  • Before continuing with CHM 4620, you must submit a half-page abstract. Your abstract should include a description of the work completed so far and your plans to continue your research and complete your thesis. This must be submitted before 5 pm on the Friday of Week 15.

CHM 4620: Senior Project II (2 units)

  • The second semester of a yearlong course that focuses on mentor-guided and hands-on independent research or projects
  • Prerequisites
    • C- or better in CHM 4610
    • Instructor permission

How to Enroll

To continue your senior project, complete the Enrollment Form and submit it to the Chemistry Department office. You may enroll in CHM 4620 during registration and during the add/drop period.

During CHM 4620

  • Carefully read all announcements and emails from the Senior Project Coordinator.
  • Attend the mandatory orientation session and EH&S safety training, held during the second or third week of the semester.
    • While safety training is valid for 1 year, you must still attend the meeting for review and discussion of the senior project requirements.
  • Continue working on your senior research project. Be sure to work closely with your mentor.
  • Schedule and attend a one-on-one meeting with the Senior Project Coordinator to review the requirements for successfully completing your senior project. This meeting is to take place before the end of Week 10 of the semester. 
  • Complete all three requirements of the senior project by 5 pm of the Friday of Finals Week. 
    • 2 printed, bound, and signed copies of your thesis (template here) Note: due to COVID-19, this requirement is currently a signed PDF copy submitted via Canvas
    • Signed lab clearance form; required of all students regardless of project type
    • PDF of lab key return receipt
  • You may also find these documents useful:

After CHM 4620

You should receive a communication from the Senior Project Coordinator that all requirements of your senior project have been satisfied. At this point, your grade from CHM 4610 will be updated and you will be assigned a letter grade for both CHM 4610 and CHM 4620.

If you require additional time to complete your senior project, please inform the Senior Project Coordinator (and of course with the approval of your mentor) that you will be finishing your senior project in a later semester. You will then be provided with additional guidance.

CHM 4630: Research Student Seminar (1 unit)

  • Capstone course that focuses on preparation and presentation of the thesis/project work from CHM 4610 & 4620
  • Prerequisites
    • C- or better in CHM 4610
    • Instructor permission

How to Enroll

Along with CHM 4610 and 4620, CHM 4630 is a requirement for all Chemistry ACS option majors. This course accompanies the second semester of your senior project and will help you in writing, preparing, and presenting your senior thesis work. To enroll, please email the CHM 4630 instructor as soon as you know you will be taking this course so that you may be given a permission number to enroll. 

Practical Considerations

  • Please allow a minimum of one full year research activities for finishing your senior project. CHM 4610 and CHM 4620 only cover two semesters, and most of our research students need an extra term to complete their experiments and/or writing. Seniors who enroll in CHM 4610 two semesters prior to their expected graduation date usually find themselves delaying their graduation and post-graduation plans in order to finish their senior project.
  • To enroll in CHM 4610 & CHM 4620, all students must submit a completed Enrollment Form to the Department office.
  • All CHM 4610 students must attend an orientation and complete safety training during the second week of each semester. All CHM 4620 students must attend the orientation. Please pay attention to the email announcement from Dr. McCulloch, the Chemistry Senior Project Coordinator.
  • By default, all students will receive a grade of "RP" for CHM 4610 and CHM 4620. The "RP" grade will be updated to a letter grade when you complete your senior project proposal, submit your thesis, and submit all required clearance forms.
  • Registration in CHM 4610 or CHM 4620 and the "RP" grades that are given are valid for a one-year period from the time the "RP" grade is assigned. Do not let your RP expire. If you allow an RP to expire the Registrar's office will require you to re-enroll in the course that has expried and your graduation date may be impacted. 
  • Once you pass the safety training exams, you will receive your Safety Training Verification (STV) on the Monday following the closing date you selected for submitting your exams. Only when you have received your STV, may you enter the laboratory for research.