Research opportunities may begin as early as the second semester. The department supports the Biochemistry Minor , a unique program at the College, for students interested in the molecular-level description of life processes. The department participates in the HHMI program at the college. The College provides free dorm housing for participants. The College offers a few, and outside sources many, scholarships, so all students are paid.
Students work under the guidance of an individual faculty member.
Projects in organic, bio-, physical, inorganic, polymer, analytical, and theoretical chemistry are available. All students have the opportunity to participate in senior research , and most do. Early fall brings the Undergraduate Research Symposium , where students from the Sciences present and discuss research results. Symposium participants talking research One option for senior undergraduate research is Honors. An Honors project involves extensive,in-depth research and culminates in a written thesis and an oral examination.