CHE 4005 - RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY

credits: 0.0
This course is credit variable for zero or 1.0 credit. The major goal of this course is to familiarize students with the tools available to the modern researcher. Theoretical aspects of the Scientific Method covered in several classes will be applied to practical scientific problems in contemporary science. The students will learn how to synthesize several observations described in scientific literature into a series of hypotheses attempting to explain these observations, and subsequently test these hypotheses in the laboratory. Objectives: A) Learn to use published literature to summarize present knowledge in a field of science; B) Develop capacity of data and synthesis into comprehensive hypotheses; C) Practice capacity to formulate experimental designs that will unequivocally prove or disprove said hypotheses; D) Acquire skill in accurate collection of precise data; E) Develop ability to draw proper conclusions from acquired data. Method of Instruction: Individual instruction with various members of the faculty in the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Division. Extensive use of the library and scientific literature. Students will be expected to work a minimum of four hours a week in the laboratory. Method of Evaluation: Final grade will be based on discussion with instructors to ascertain progress in various skills described under Section IIB (20%), preparation of a research paper (40%) and a seminar describing the student’s research (40%).

Prerequisite(s): INSTRUCTOR’S SIGNATURE REQUIRED.