Introduction to Research

Chemistry 410

Spring 1996

Introduction

The essence of science is the creation of new knowledge through discovery of phenomena and the relation of these discoveries to known facts. In many cases scientists seek new information through experiments designed specifically in response to in-depth assimilation of existing knowledge, with the results being interpreted in light of the known facts. In other cases discoveries are serendipitous, being related to existing knowledge only after the event of discovery. The `prepared mind`, as Pasteur noted, recognizes a novel event that presents an opportunity for discovery. In both cases the meaning of the unexpected discovery or the validity of the hypothesis is tested by application of the scientific method.

In applying the scientific method, professional scientists not only practice a discipline of mind that leads to careful development of sound hypotheses, they also employ tools that ensure their hypotheses are novel. Once the uniqueness of the hypothesis is ascertained, rigorous testing through experimentation is undertaken. Introduction to Research (Chemistry 410) will consider hypothesis development, provide tools for surveying existing information pertaining to a hypothesis, provide practice in preparation of a formal proposal to undertake research on a chosen topic, and serve as a rite of passage into active scientific research.

Your completion of Introduction to Research (Chemistry 410) and Seminar (Chemistry 460) will represent a synthesis of your discipline-specific knowledge in chemistry, your ability to seek out both existing and new knowledge, and your faculties of both written and oral communication. The culmination of these efforts is the capstone experience of your liberal arts and chemistry education.

Materials

1) Stock, M., A Practical Guide to Graduate Research, McGraw Hill, New York, 1985.

2) Kanare, H. M., Writing the Laboratory Notebook, American Chemical Society, Washington DC, 1985.

3) Grant Proposal Forms

Experimental Section

The following activities will constitute the substance of your introduction to research:

• Research endeavors of several world-renowned scientists will be considered in order to learn about the practice of science as experienced by others. We will also learn about on-going faculty research projects in which you may have the opportunity to participate.

• Summer research opportunities and graduate school research and selection will be discussed.

• Various library research techniques and data base search and retrieval mechanisms will be studied and applied in order to develop facility with the tools for building a prerequisite body of knowledge. These tools will include Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) On-line, the Internet, and other data bases accessed by computer. Library and chemical literature research exercises will be completed.

• Topics in laboratory safety and the handling of hazardous materials will be considered in order to foster safe and environmentally sound laboratory practices.

• Various example materials will be studied in order to develop laboratory record keeping and technical writing skills.

• Examples of journal articles, poster presentations, and patents will be studied in order to provide exposure to avenues of scientific reporting. In addition, the class will attend the Undergraduate Student Research Symposium of the American Chemical Society Puget Sound Section (at PLU, Saturday, April 27), and the PLU Division of Natural Sciences Celebration of Science, Friday and Saturday May 3 and 4.

• A formal research proposal in the style of that to be submitted to a funding agency will be prepared regarding the specific research project of choice. Aspects of the proposal writing endeavor will include a preliminary literature review and assembly of necessary background information, planning and researching detailed logistics of carrying out the research, describing key experiments and methods involved, and stating the anticipated results.

• To gain facility in articulating the significance of the project to other scientists, the research proposed in the grant request will be presented and defended orally in front of your peer scientists in the class.

• A Research Report will be submitted to the instructor and student's research advisor upon culmination of the student's research experience. The report will model the form of a paper to be submitted to an appropriate scientific journal.

Results and Discussion

Dates:The fruits of the above-described endeavors will be apparent on the following dates:

Grading: Distribution of credit will be according to the following percentages:

Conclusion

An IP (In Progress) grade will be assigned at the end of the semester, pending receipt of your Research Report at the termination of your research endeavor. I will also discuss your research experience with your research advisor. Grading criteria will include the quality of thought given to the planning, performing, and reporting of your research; the quantity but primarily the quality of the effort expended on its conduct; and last and least on the nature of the outcome. It is well-understood that the nature of the outcome of a research project is uncertain. Apparent failures can be viewed as gains or successes when interpreted in an appropriate light by the `prepared mind`.

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible (Rieke 242, 535-8314, fryhle@u.washington.edu).

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