This course provides an introduction to independent biochemistry research under the direction of a faculty member whose project is in the biochemistry area. The Chemistry Department encourages students to get involved with undergraduate research as early as possible.

CHEM 218 is for biochemistry majors, and research projects must be approved by a biochemistry advisor. Exact details such as nature of research, level of involvement of the student, and criteria for grading are individually determined in consultation with the faculty member. The student is expected to put in a minimum of three hours per week of actual work for a 14-week term for each credit elected. At the end of each term, two copies of a written report are submitted — one for the faculty supervisor and one for the student.

For a student to receive biochemistry credit for CHEM 218, the student must work on a research project supervised by a member of the biochemistry concentration research faculty and the project must be approved by a biochemistry advisor. Final evaluation of the research effort and the report, as well as the grade for the course, rests with the biochemistry research faculty member.