A research project generally involves working in the research laboratory of a faculty member and provides a student with an opportunity to learn and apply their chemistry skills to solve a real problem. Students get the chance to use state of the art research equipment, apply problem solving skills and learn to present their results, as well as learning to work with other members of the research group. In many cases, research carried out by an undergraduate student results in a publication. All these skills will prove to be invaluable when searching for a job after graduation.

If you are interested in getting involved in one of the many research opportunities you should read the faculty research descriptions, talk to faculty and keep an eye out on the Department website for important information regarding research awards and scholarships.

• Undergraduate summer research

Students can gain experience in chemical research through one of the Department’s research courses, Chem 380.3, 482.3 and Chem 483.6. These courses involve conducting a laboratory, library, theoretical or computer study under the supervision of a member of the Department and require a commitment of a minimum of 6 hours a week. Students present an initial proposal in a short seminar at the start of the project and then provide a report and research seminar summarizing their results at the conclusion of the class.

If you are interested in taking these courses, you should meet with faculty to discuss the possibility of joining their research group and decide on a project well in advance of the beginning of the term.

Each summer the faculty members of the department employ undergraduate students at all levels to work as research assistants in their labs. The pay is good and you get the chance to have a go at some independent research. If you are interested in this type of opportunity, take a look at the department webpages and talk to the different faculty to find an area of chemistry that interests you. 

• Summer Research List

There are a number of research awards and scholarships available through the Chemistry department that will pay you to do the work you enjoy most over the summer. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to learn useful research skills and in some cases, you will even be able to travel to other universities for work, both in Canada and overseas. For more information on the awards listed below, application deadlines and procedures, contact the department office and keep an eye on the Department website for updates.

NSERC Awards: are prestigious and highly competitive awards offered to undergraduate students that allows them to work in a summer research program. For more information, please click here.

Inorganic Chemistry Exchange Program (ICE): is a summer student exchange program for undergraduate students in chemistry who are interested in inorganic chemistry and will have completed the equivalent of two or three full years of study as of the end of the school year in which they apply. Successful applicants will be awarded summer employment in the research group of an ICE group member at one of the participating institutions (not their own), and a small travel allowance. Click here for further information.

Reactive Intermediates Student Exchange (RISE): is a summer student exchange program for undergraduate students in the chemical sciences who are interested in studying reaction mechanisms and will have completed the equivalent of two or three full years of study as of the end of the school year in which they apply. Successful applicants will be awarded summer employment in the research group of a RISE group member at one of the participating institutions (not their own), and a small travel allowance. Further information is available on request to the department.

Alan C. Nixon Summer Research Awards: provide a $3000 stipend to students who perform summer research under the supervision of a Chemistry faculty member. Additional funds are made available to the student to cover a full-time research position over the summer. For more information, please click here.

JWT Spinks Summer Research Awards: provide a $3000 stipend to students who perform summer research under the supervision of a Chemistry faculty member. Additional funds are made available to the student to cover a full-time research position over the summer. For more information, please click here.