Experience in a research laboratory is now considered a vital part of any course of studies within the sciences. The Chemistry Department at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst recognizes the importance of this research experience and offers numerous ways for students to participate in faculty mentored research. We advise Chemistry majors to become involved in research as soon as their course of studies allows. Generally this means finding a research advisor and beginning a project by Spring semester of the Junior year. However, there are faculty members within the Chemistry Department who eagerly accept Freshmen and Sophomores in their research groups. Students that wish to participate in a research project should contact Professor Sommerfeld, the Undergraduate Research Coordinator (GSMN 149E), to briefly discuss their research interests.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry are required to take Chemistry 388 Independent Research Project (3 cr). Those B.S. Chemistry majors who are also members of the Commonwealth College may fulfill this 3 credit research requirement by enrolling in Chemistry 499Y and 499T Honors Thesis (3cr. each). Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry are not required to take any research-based courses; unless they are members of the Commonwealth College in which case they may have to fulfill the Honors Thesis requirement (Chem. 499Y and 499T). A number of other research-based courses allow students to pursue laboratory research throughout their undergraduate years at UMass. The following PDF gives a complete listing of research-based courses offered by the Chemistry Department.

Important Note: In order to participate in research and enroll in research-based courses, students must obtain the necessary laboratory safety certification; additional information is available from Marie Whalen, Undergraduate Program Manager in the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Office, GSMN 149C.

Registration Procedure:

1. Meet with Professor Sommerfeld and find a faculty research mentor.

2. Get a course add request form from the Undergraduate Program Office, GSMN 149C.

3. Fill out the form and have your faculty research mentor sign it.

4. Hand your completed form in to Ms. Marie Whalen in the Undergraduate Program Office in GSMN 149C. She will give you the necessary safety materials. After you have completed the EH&S safety course, then you may add the course.