Learning Chemistry Research outside the Laboratory: New Graduate and Undergraduate Courses in Research Methodology

Abstract

Without guidance, research students may delay choosing a research advisor and a research problem or may encounter difficulties in understanding the goal and significance of their work and staying focused on it. The students may find writing the thesis or final report to be problematic. To ameliorate such problems at Youngstown State University, we help students structure their research experience by using two courses in research methodology, required respectively for graduate and undergraduate chemistry students as they begin their research projects. The courses include traditional classroom sessions with discussion, as well as exercises in writing and speaking, critiquing a journal article and thesis, and preparing a research proposal. Students work with both the course instructor and the research advisor, integrating the coursework into the students' research projects. Although such courses are not widely used elsewhere, our students and faculty find these courses valuable.