One of the benefits of attending a tier-one research institution is that your professors and TAs are involved in cutting-edge research. Getting involved in research will allow you to pursue your interests while honing your problem-solving skills. The opportunity to work on a faculty-initiated research project gives you the chance to work closely with graduate students, research associates, and faculty scientists.
Chemistry majors are strongly encouraged to participate in research during their undergraduate careers. Research provides a valuable opportunity to stand apart from the crowd and apply the principles learned in the classroom to an original problem. In addition, prospective employers and graduate schools both strongly value the undergraduate research experience.
If you are an undergraduate (of any major, not just Chemistry) interested in doing chemistry research on campus, you can begin by reviewing the different research areas and faculty profiles, which contain links to professors' research and information. Another great way to get involved is to join the CHEM Club. Early in the semester, the department hosts a social mixer for undergraduates to get to know grad students and faculty with research opportunities - so keep an eye out for that! We also have several programs for funding research experiences, such as BSI Scholars and REU.
An independent study is a collaboration between a student and a faculty member on a special project that provides the student with a learning experience. An independent study may also fill an academic need of importance to the student that cannot be filled by the regular course offerings. Independent studies are opportunities for students to earn credit for learning outside the normal lecture and laboratory class structure.
Please reach out to chemundergrad@colorado.edu for an updated list of faculty who are interested in having undergraduates undertake independent research in their groups.
Undergraduate Research Opportunites Program (UROP)
CU Boulder has a rich culture for cultivating undergraduates as emerging scholars, artists and practicing researchers. UROP provides consultation services, informational workshops, and grants to promote undergraduate research as a high-impact learning practice for student success.
Each year UROP funds hundreds of students who produce new knowledge and creative work with CU's world-class faculty.