Several options are available for student to pursue research projects and independent study in chemistry on campus.
During the academic year:
Independent Research (IR, Chem 398) is a one credit course taken under the direction of a faculty mentor. Generally, this is a hands-on laboratory experience.
Independent Study (IS, Chem 298) is also a one credit course taken under the direction of a faculty mentor. General, this is a library based exploration of the literature focused on a chemistry related topic.
Applications for both IR and IS must be filed with the registrars office. http://www.stolaf.edu/offices/registrar/forms/ISIRFORM.pdf
Advanced Lab (Chem 375) is a 0.25 credit course taken under the direction of a faculty mentor. Generally, this is a hands-on laboratory experience. The primary difference between advanced lab and independent research is related to the expectation needed to fulfill a 0.25 credit course and a 1.0 credit course respectively.
Please check with your faculty advisor or any member of the chemistry faculty for more information about research and independent study.
During the summer:
Here on campus
http://www.stolaf.edu/people/ceumb/research.html
Throughout the nation:
http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/index.jsp
