Research exposes you to a very different side of science and engineering. In courses you solve “textbook problems” – you develop your engineering skills by analyzing and solving problems for which the solution is already known. In contrast, a research project involves working on “open-ended” problems – working at the leading edge of an area on problems that no one knows the answers to yet, and in some cases for which the problem itself has not yet been well defined.  

There are a number of opportunities for undergraduates to complete research in the Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering department.  Under the direction of a faculty member, students work on a research problem that may involve laboratory work, computer programming and data analysis, and literature searching. This provides students with experience solving open-ended research problems and is ideal for students who enjoy working in the lab or on the computer, or those who are interested in graduate school.

Students with university honors designation (cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher) have the option of completing an honors research thesis.  Completing a thesis project requires students to prepare a written final report and oral presentation to department faculty. Before beginning the project, students have the option of writing a research proposal; the College of Engineering evaluates these proposals and a significant number of applicants receive fellowship awards.  Students interested in ChBE H783 should contact Dr. Koelling and view the application for a proposal (click on "Graduation with Distinction" to gather more information about this option and submit a proposal for funding (DUE 2ND FRIDAY OF SPRING QUARTER).  Students successfully defending their thesis and completing their coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher will graduate with distinction.

Course work in undergraduate research that does not result in a thesis may count for up to six hours of technical elective credit under the course ChBE 693.  Course work in undergraduate honors research which does result in a thesis may count for up to nine hours of technical elective credit under the course ChBE H783.  These hours do not count towards the requirement of six hours in ChBE coursework.  You will still have to take two courses from the department to fulfill your elective requirements.

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