CHEM-X 399 & CHEM-X 499

Undergraduate research is one of the most rewarding opportunities available to Chemistry and Biochemistry students at Indiana University.

By joining a faculty research group, you will work alongside faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers while gaining hands-on experience with modern research techniques, scientific problem-solving, and professional communication.

Students may earn academic credit through CHEM-X 399: Chemical Research or CHEM-X 499: Chemical Research Capstone while contributing to original scientific research.

Ready to Get Started?

Quick Links

• Apply for Undergraduate Research
• Browse Research Faculty
• View the College Bulletin
• Learn About Departmental Honors

Who Should Apply?

Undergraduate research is an excellent opportunity for students who:

• Enjoy solving scientific problems through laboratory or computational research
• Want to work closely with faculty mentors
• Are considering graduate or professional school
• Are interested in scientific discovery and innovation
• Want to strengthen their résumé or professional school application
• Are curious about how scientific research is conducted

Whether you are considering a career in research, medicine, pharmacy, industry, or another STEM field, undergraduate research provides valuable experience that extends beyond the classroom.

Getting Started

Before enrolling in CHEM-X 399 or CHEM-X 499, you must first identify a faculty member who is willing to supervise your research.

Browse the Research Faculty Directory to learn about current research programs and identify faculty whose work aligns with your interests.

When contacting a faculty member, be prepared to introduce yourself and discuss:

• Your major and class standing
• Relevant chemistry coursework
• Your research interests
• Why you are interested in joining their research group
• Your anticipated availability

Once a faculty member agrees to supervise your research, you may submit the Undergraduate Research Application. Your faculty mentor will help determine the appropriate course and number of credit hours based on your research experience and expected workload.

CHEM-X 399: Chemical Research

CHEM-X 399 provides students with the opportunity to participate in faculty-mentored research while earning academic credit.

Course Highlights

• Faculty-supervised undergraduate research
• 0–3 credit hours
• May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credit hours
• No written thesis required
• Research credit may not substitute for other required chemistry courses
• Department approval required

For the official course description, refer to the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin.

CHEM-X 499: Chemical Research Capstone

CHEM-X 499 is the capstone research course for outstanding undergraduate researchers.

Course Highlights

• Advanced undergraduate research
• 2 credit hours
• Requires completion of at least two semesters of CHEM-X 399
• Written research thesis required
• Oral presentation required
• Department approval required

CHEM-X 499 serves as the culminating research experience for many students completing Departmental Honors in Chemistry.

For the official course description, refer to the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin.

Credit Hours

Research credit should reflect the amount of time spent conducting research throughout the semester. Students should discuss the appropriate number of credit hours with their faculty mentor before submitting an application.

• 1 credit hour — Approximately 5–6 hours of research per week
• 2 credit hours — Approximately 10–12 hours of research per week
• 3 credit hours — Approximately 15–18 hours of research per week

Laboratory Safety Training

Before beginning any laboratory research, all undergraduate researchers must complete the required Laboratory Safety Training certification.

Additional laboratory-specific training may also be required by the supervising faculty member or research group.

Students may not begin research activities until all required safety training has been completed.

How to Apply

Step 1: Secure a Faculty Research Mentor

Identify a faculty member who has agreed to supervise your research.

Step 2: Discuss Your Research Project

Discuss your proposed research activities, expected responsibilities, schedule, and the appropriate number of credit hours with your faculty mentor.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Complete the online Undergraduate Research Application for the semester in which you wish to enroll.

Step 4: Faculty Approval

Your application will be routed to your faculty research mentor for approval.

Step 5: Department Review

The Department of Chemistry reviews your application. Research conducted outside the Chemistry or Biochemistry departments may require additional review.

Step 6: Enrollment

If your application is approved, you will receive enrollment information through your IU email.

Summer Research Scholarships

Department of Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Scholarships

The Department of Chemistry offers Summer Undergraduate Research Scholarships to support students conducting full-time research with a Chemistry faculty mentor during the summer.

Scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines vary from year to year. Summer funding opportunities are competitive, and students are encouraged to begin discussing scholarship opportunities with their faculty mentor early in the spring semester.

Applications are typically announced during the spring semester. Watch your IU email and department communications for current deadlines and application instructions.

Hutton Honors College Undergraduate Honors Research Grant Program

Students may also be eligible for funding through the Hutton Honors College Undergraduate Honors Research Grant Program, which helps support undergraduate research projects and related research expenses.

Students should review the Hutton Honors College website for current eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and funding opportunities.

Departmental Honors

Students interested in graduating with Departmental Honors in Chemistry are encouraged to become involved in undergraduate research as early as possible.

Departmental Honors recognizes students who have demonstrated academic excellence while completing faculty-mentored undergraduate research.

For information about eligibility, program requirements, and graduation recognition, visit the Departmental Honors Program page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to enroll in CHEM-X 399?

Any undergraduate student who has secured a faculty research mentor and received the required approvals may enroll in CHEM-X 399.

Do I need a faculty mentor before I apply?

Yes. You must have a faculty member who has agreed to supervise your research before submitting an application.

How do I find a research mentor?

Review the Department of Chemistry Research Faculty Directory and contact faculty members whose research aligns with your interests.

When is the application deadline?

Applications may be submitted through the university deadline to add a new course for the semester. Students are encouraged to apply early enough to allow time for faculty and departmental approvals.

Do I need to submit a new application every semester?

Yes. A separate application is required for every semester you wish to receive research credit.

Can I get paid while earning research credit?

In many cases, yes. Students should discuss funding opportunities and research credit with their faculty mentor.

Can I enroll for zero credits?

Yes. CHEM-X 399 may be taken for 0–3 credit hours. Students should discuss the appropriate enrollment with their faculty mentor.

How many hours should I expect to spend conducting research?

Plan to spend approximately 5–6 hours per week for each credit hour of research.

Do I need to complete Laboratory Safety Training?

Yes. All undergraduate researchers must complete the required Laboratory Safety Training certification before beginning research in the laboratory. Additional laboratory-specific training may also be required.

What is the difference between CHEM-X 399 and CHEM-X 499?

CHEM-X 399 introduces students to faculty-mentored undergraduate research and does not require a thesis.

CHEM-X 499 is the department’s capstone research course and requires at least two semesters of CHEM-X 399, a written research thesis, and an oral presentation.

What if my research faculty mentor is outside the Chemistry or Biochemistry departments?

Research conducted outside the Chemistry or Biochemistry departments may require additional departmental review before enrollment approval can be granted.

Where can I find the official course requirements?

Official course descriptions, prerequisites, and academic requirements are published in the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin.

Other Opportunities

National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs provide students with the opportunity to conduct full-time summer research at colleges and universities across the United States.

Students accepted into an REU program work closely with faculty mentors on independent research projects while gaining valuable laboratory experience, expanding their professional network, and exploring graduate school opportunities.

Many REU programs provide:

• Competitive summer stipends
• Housing assistance
• Travel support
• Research and professional development opportunities

REU programs are highly competitive and are typically open to students from institutions other than the host university.

Learn More About NSF REU Programs

Questions?

Contact the Chemistry Academic Office:

Email: chemound@iu.edu
Phone: (812) 855-2700
Office: Chemistry Building, Room C021