CH-911, 912: Independent Study and Research I

Course, prefix, number, & title: CH-911, 912 Independent Study and Research I

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 45 research hours per course

Credits: 1 (Students may only register for one credit of research per semester)

Pre-requisites (if any): CH-911 Prerequisites: CH-120 or CH-127 or CH-151, CH-912 Prerequisites: CH-911

Co-requisites (if any): CH-911 requisites: CH-120 or CH-127 or CH-151

Course Description in college catalog:

CH-911:

During the first semester students are introduced to the basic concept of research combined with gaining practical experience with modern instrumental techniques such as NMR, IR, UV-Vis, SEM, HPLC, or X-ray fluorescence. Students meet with their faculty as necessary to discuss progress of their research. A minimum of 45 hours of work and submission of a paper that summarizes their work at the end of the semester are required. Students are also required to make a presentation in the fall semester; spring semester students will present at one or more of the following conferences: National American Chemical Society (ACS), Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM), Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), the Honors Conference at QCC, or any other related conference. Students may only register for one credit of research per semester.

CH-912:

The second semester is intended for students to continue with their research project and acquire more experience with modern instrumental techniques NMR, IR, UV-Vis, SEM, HPLC, or X-ray fluorescence. Students meet with their faculty as necessary to discuss progress of their research. A minimum of 45 hours of work and submission of a paper that summarizes their work at the end of the semester are required. Students are also required to make a presentation in the fall semester; spring semester students will present at one or more of the following conferences: National American Chemical Society (ACS), Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM), Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), the Honors Conference at QCC, or any other related conference. Students may only register for one credit of research per semester. 

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

May be used as an elective in any STEM A.S. degree program, including Chemistry, Engineering Science, Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science), and Science for Forensics.

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

1. Communicate effectively in various forms

2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

3. Reason quantitatively as required in various fields of interest and in everyday life

4. Apply information management and digital technology skills useful for academic research and lifelong learning

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Attempt to solve a well-defined problem by learning and applying experimental methods relevant to their field.

2. Use analytical and quantitative reasoning to interpret and evaluate data and make informed decisions relevant to their project.

3. Work collaboratively and constructively with their mentors and peers.

4. Follow relevant laboratory safety protocols.

5. Understand and engage in the ethical practice of scientific research, including maintaining a laboratory notebook.

6. Communicate their findings orally and in writing, using methods appropriate to the field of study.

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

1. Integrate knowledge and skills in the program of study

2. Make ethical judgments while recognizing multiple perspectives, as appropriate in the program of study

3. Work collaboratively to accomplish learning objectives

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

1. Laboratory notebook
2. Conference abstract(s) and presentation(s)
3. Final paper and reflection
4. Overall performance evaluation by research mentor

All students are mandated to complete Responsible Conduct of Research and Laboratory Safety workshops. Other relevant tasks may be assigned at the discretion of the student’s research mentor.

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window.

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.