Undergraduate Research

A majority of the chemistry undergraduates perform research. A typical route to finding a research position during the freshman year starts with taking Frontiers in chemistry (Ch10), a course that offers weekly seminars by a member of the chemistry department on a topic of current research. The topic is presented at an informal, introductory level, over lunch (hence the informal name, 'the pizza course' in chemistry). Upon identifying projects of interest, students connect with faculty and discuss research opportunities.

Students can reach out to faculty to inquire about research opportunities at any time and independent of Ch10. Students do research during the academic year typically as part of a course (Ch10c, Ch82, or Ch80) and during the summer, as SURF researchers.

Undergraduates have contributed to many exciting research projects and discoveries in all areas of chemistry. Check out the webpages of chemistry labs and undergraduate research programs at Caltech for more information.