Involvement in research is a central component of the educational experience for all Wellesley chemistry majors.
The chemistry major requires one semester or summer of research. The research requirement for the chemistry major can be fulfilled in many ways, including:
1. Research at Wellesley: On-campus research projects can be supervised by a member of the Wellesley College Chemistry Depatment or other Wellesley faculty performing research that considers systems on the molecular level or build in some manner upon coursework in the major. This on-campus research could involve one of the following:
a) Independent Study in Chemistry, equivalent of 1.0 units total of CHEM 250, CHEM 250H, CHEM 350 or CHEM 350H.
b) Thesis in Chemistry, CHEM 355/CHEM 365 or CHEM 360/CHEM 370. Off-campus theses require active involvement by a Wellesley faculty member throughout the research period.
c) Participation in the Wellesley Summer Research Program.
d) Other research equivalent to at least 10 hours per week for one semester, including experiences such as the Sophomore Early Research Program. Students may use paid research experiences to fulfill the research requirement.
2. Research off-campus: A student may participate in an approved off-campus research program during the academic year (at least 10 hours per week minimum for one semester) or an approved summer research program (normally eight weeks minimum length). Students electing to use an off-campus research experience to fulfill the research requirement must have the research project approved by a faculty member in the Chemistry Department. Off-campus research may be performed at an academic institution, a government lab or in the private sector. Students may use paid research experiences to fulfill the research requirement.
In all cases, in order to fulfill the research requirement for the major the student must complete a paper of at least 8-10 pages on the research and give an approved presentation on campus. The paper must contain substantial literature references, demonstrating a familiarity with searching the chemical literature. A copy of the paper must be submitted to the chair of the Chemistry Department.