CHEM 698 Undergraduate Capstone Research. 1-2 Hours AE61 / N.

CHEM 698 Undergraduate Capstone Research. 1-2 Hours AE61 / N.

An undergraduate capstone research experience in chemistry or a closely related field, consisting of experimental or theoretical work on a topic developed in consultation with the faculty research advisor. A total of 3 credit hours must be accumulated for the course to count toward the Capstone requirement. This course may be taken up to 3 times for a maximum of 3 credit hours. Students will submit interim reports during the semesters in which the first and second credit hours are completed, and a final report to the Chemistry Department during the semester in which the third credit hour is completed, and also present their results in a public forum.

Prerequisites: CHEM 201, or CHEM 201 concurrently; CHEM 335 (or CHEM 385) and CHEM 336 with grades of C or higher; completion of all required EHS Chemical Safety Courses; and permission of the Chemistry Department.

Capstone Requirement:

CHEM 698 satisfies the Capstone requirement for BA and BS Chemistry majors, one a total of 3 credit hours has been accumulated.  The capstone requirement can alternatively be satisfied through CHEM 699 (Undergraduate Honors Research) or CHEM 636 (Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory).

Credit Hours per Semester-

1-2. Experience has shown that undergraduate research produces better educational outcomes if the experience is spread out over several semesters. Thus, the maximum number of credit hours of CHEM 698 that a student may enroll in during a given semester is 2. Students wishing to complete the full three hours of CHEM 698 required for the Capstone requirement in a single semester must have the prior agreement of their research mentor, and must submit a joint petition to the Undergraduate Affairs Committee outlining the rationale. If the petition is granted, the student will be permitted to enroll in two sections of CHEM 698.

Enrollment-

Departmental approval is required. You will need to complete and sign a CHEM 698 Enrollment Permission Form, which includes acknowledgment that you have met all prerequisites and have identified a research mentor. If your request is approved, the Undergraduate Affairs administrator will issue a permission number allowing you to enroll under your mentor’s CHEM 698 line number.

Research Agreement-

Research is much more likely to lead to student satisfaction and useful advances in knowledge if clear goals and a timeline are established right from the beginning. Thus, the first step after identifying a CHEM 698 research mentor is to begin developing a research plan in consultation with them. We will utilize an Undergraduate Research Agreement form for this purpose. A copy of the completed form must be filed with the Undergraduate Affairs Administrator no later than Friday of the second week of the semester (end of first week if enrolling in CHEM 698 during summer semester).

Student Outcomes-

Written Reports. A written report detailing your research accomplishments must be submitted at the end of each semester.

  • Interim Reports: These reports will be submitted to your mentor at the end of all semesters except the one in which you complete the third credit hour. The format of interim reports is at the discretion of the mentor.
  • Final Reports: A final written report detailing your research accomplishments must be submitted to the Undergraduate Chemistry Research Canvas site at the end of the semester in which the third credit hour is completed. This report should follow the format in the template available In Canvas.

Public Research Presentation. You must do a public presentation of your research results in poster or oral format. Possible venues include:

  • The annual KU Undergraduate Research Symposium in April.
  • The Fall (November) or Summer (July) Undergraduate research poster sessions hosted by the KU Center for Undergraduate Research
  • A research conference such as a local, regional or national ACS meeting or Pittcon
  • A departmental undergraduate research symposium.

The public presentation would ideally be done during or soon after the end of the semester in which the third credit hour is completed. Identifying the venue for the presentation and its contents must be done in consultation with your research advisor, who will also guide you through the process of registration and abstract submission.

Your advisor or an alternate designated by your advisor will attend and evaluate your presentation.

Research Data and Intellectual Property-

At the conclusion of the project you will be required to deposit all original records with your advisor. You will be entitled to retain copies of records. Outcomes of research belong jointly to all researchers and advisors involved in the project. Intellectual property arising from research belongs to the all researchers involved and the University of Kansas. Decisions about how and when research findings may be disseminated (e.g. presentations and publications) are at the discretion of the research advisor. You may be required to maintain some aspects of the research as confidential.

Course Grading-

Your grade will be determined based on the categories listed in the Research Grade Rubric, with weightings of the categories at the discretion of the mentor.  The rubric appears on the last page of this syllabus and is also available in the Undergraduate Chemistry Research Canvas site.

Disability Accommodations- 

The Student Access Center (SAC) coordinates accommodations and services for all KU students who are eligible. If you have a disability for which you wish to request accommodations and have not contacted the SAC, please do so as soon as possible. Their office is located in 22 Strong Hall; their phone number is 785-864-4064 (V/TTY). Information about their services can be found at https://achievement.ku.edu/. You should also plan to meet privately with your research mentor to discuss your specific needs in their laboratory and student spaces.

Academic Misconduct-

Cheating and all other forms of academic misconduct, or the appearance thereof, including plagiarism (passing off someone else’s ideas or words as your own), falsifying or otherwise misrepresenting research data, will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance with University regulations (see  https://policy.ku.edu/governance/USRR#art2sect6).

Diversity, Inclusivity, & Civility-

Civility and respect for the opinions of others are very important in an academic environment. It is likely you may not agree with everything that is said or discussed in the classroom (in this case, your research laboratory). Courteous behavior and responses are expected at all times. When you disagree with someone, be sure that you make a distinction between criticizing an idea and criticizing the person. Expressions or actions that disparage a person’s race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, gender, gender identity / expression, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital, parental, or veteran status are contrary to the mission of this course and will not be tolerated.

Concealed Carry-

Individuals who choose to carry concealed handguns are solely responsible to do so in a safe and secure manner in strict conformity with state and federal laws and KU weapons policy. Safety measures outlined in the KU weapons policy specify that a concealed handgun:

  • Must be under the constant control of the carrier.
  • Must be out of view, concealed either on the body of the carrier, or backpack, purse, or bag that remains under the carrier’s custody and control.
  • Must be in a holster that covers the trigger area and secures any external hammer in an un-cocked position
  • Must have the safety on, and have no round in the chamber. 

This course takes place in spaces that will require students to leave belongings such as backpacks and purses away and unattended for the duration of class time. Students who choose to carry a concealed handgun in a purse, backpack, or bag must review and plan each day accordingly, and are responsible for making alternate arrangements as necessary. The university does not provide appropriate secured storage for concealed handguns.

Individuals who violate the KU weapons policy may be asked to leave campus with the weapon and may face disciplinary action under the appropriate university code of conduct.

Important Points of Contact:

  • Lindsey Roe (Chemistry Department Undergraduate Affairs Administrator) Email: lindseyp@ku.edu Phone: 785.864.4160 - Enrollment permission
  • Nathan Swank (Chemistry Department Academic Advisor) Appointments can be made by phone (785.864.2834) or through JayhawkGPS - General advising
  • David R. Benson (Associate Chair for Undergraduate Affairs) Email: drb@ku.edu Phone: 785.864.4090 - Advising, problem resolution, petitions
CHEM 698 Research Grade Rubric
CHEM 698 Research Grade Rubric