Introduction to science research: An honors colloquium to develop proposal writing skills

CHED 128

Steven C. Haefner, shaefner@bridgew.edu and Edward J. Brush, ebrush@bridgew.edu. Department of Chemical Sciences, Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA 02325
Undergraduate research is taking on an increasing role in the curriculum at Bridgewater State College (BSC). In response to the need to introduce students to undergraduate research and increase their ability to develop a sound scientific research proposal, we have developed a 1-credit honors colloquium, “Introduction to Science Research”. Students learn to identify a research question, search the literature to garner a better understanding of its significance, and propose an experimental solution. By semester's end, students have developed a research proposal that they “defend” to science faculty and peers, and can be used to apply for summer research grants offered by BSC's Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research. This colloquium represents one of several new initiatives within the department to prepare students for and encourage their participation in undergraduate research. A description of this course, its implementation, and its impact on science majors at Bridgewater State College will be presented.
 

General Posters
7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Sci-Mix

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008