Independent Study (CHEM 595)

Laboratory and/or library research conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Final written report required. A total of six units in CHEM 595 may be applied toward the major. Prerequisites: a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5, consent of instructor and departemntal approval of a written proposal of a project submitted on a standard application filed in advance of the quarter in which the course is to be taken. (1-6 units)

1. Candidates should have senior status or have completed the core courses.
2. Candidates should have a 2.5 GPA in Chemistry or include in their application for consent to take this course a convincing argument that they are sufficiently knowledgeable and self-motivated to undertake the proposed independent study.
3. The candidate should arrange, before preparing his application, a specific Chemistry faculty member to sponsor and direct his work. The project may be the candidate’s idea or one suggested by a faculty member.
4. The candidate must complete the application form (including a research proposal written by the candidate) and submit it to the Department Chair no later than the following deadlines:
   1. Fall quarter: 10 days (weekdays) before the first day of registration.
   2. Winter and Spring quarters: 10 days before the last day in the preceding quarter.
5. The Department Chair will circulate the application throughout the Department and determine the consensus on the acceptability of the candidates’ application within five days following the above deadlines.
6. The candidate should ask the Chair the status of his application five days after the above deadlines. If revision is necessary, the revised application must be returned to the Chair three days later.
7. Candidates must obtain signatures of the Department Chair and the sponsoring faculty member on the “Consent of Instructor” card prior to registration, or he will not be validly registered in the quarter.
8. Is I the responsibility of the sponsoring faculty member to make arrangements for any space, equipment, or materials needed in the study prior to registration.
9. The final grade is partially based on a Final Report written by the student. A copy of the Report is to be place in the Department files by the sponsoring faculty member.