Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry

About this opportunity

The School of Molecular Sciences  (SMS) at ASU is a diverse school consisting of scholars from a wide range of scientific backgrounds. Students and researchers at all levels participate in a wide range of educational and research activities to address critical scientific problems in areas ranging from development of new pharmaceutical agents to new green energy technologies to understanding the fundamental processes of photosynthesis. Furthermore, students are challenged to master subject matter and skills that will benefit them throughout their careers. In addition to subject knowledge, students completing undergraduate degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular sciences can expect to receive substantial training in a number of transferable skills, including data acquisition and analysis, use of computing and information technology, presenting verbal and written reports, and evaluating the work of others. 

It may be obvious that many people who study chemistry or biochemistry go into careers in research, but there are many areas in which chemists and molecular scientists work:

• all areas of industry, especially energy, pharmaceuticals, as well as new and specialized industries (e.g. green technology, nanotechnology)

   

• medicine
• forensics
• patent agencies
• research in government, industry, university and private institutions
• all levels of teaching
• museums
• scientific journalism
• science policy and funding

For more details, please see our website: https://sms.asu.edu

Thesis

Generally, thesis projects in SMS involve original research in (bio)chemistry or closely related field.

Barrett students are required to complete an Honors Thesis Project. SMS students should enroll for 3 credits of CHM/BCH492 (Honors Thesis Research) in the semester before they plan to defend their thesis. In the following semester, they should take CHM/BCH493 (Honors Thesis) for their thesis defense. Please submit your Thesis Prospectus to the professor in charge (currently Prof. Chad Borges) when you register for 492 to ensure that your thesis topic is appropriate for SMS and that your committee is properly constituted (see details below).

It is expected that in most cases a student will have started their research project before taking CHM/BCH492. Students can take research for credit as CHM/BCH392 in that case. Remember that students taking research for credit will be expected to spend at least 4 hours per week in the lab on average for each credit hour received. Most people will take research for 3 credits each semester and work at least 12 hours (on average) per week on their project.

Students may choose any area of interest to complete their project. For credit in CHM/BCH 492/493, the student must (1) be a chemistry or biochemistry major, and (2) be engaged in a thesis project with substantial (bio)chemistry content. It is not necessary that the project be undertaken in the laboratory of an SMS faculty member. (Majors doing research in other areas can always get credit in HON 492/493.) All chemistry and biochemistry students are encouraged to consider the opportunities within SMS and elsewhere at ASU, as well as in the Phoenix area or at other research institutions.
The American Chemical Society provides exceptional guidance for the advantages and challenges of undergraduate research in chemistry as well as tips for selecting a supervisor on their website. There are books on the topic as well. (Getting In by Oppenheimer and Grey is an excellent book published in 2015 and available on Amazon in softcover.)

Guidelines for membership of your Thesis Committee: 

Your thesis committee must include at least two committee members:

1. Your Thesis Director must be an ASU faculty member.
2. At least one committee member must be a faculty member in the School of Molecular Sciences (SMS).

If you are conducting research with a mentor outside ASU (for example at TGen, Barrow Neurological Institute, or the VA Hospital), that research mentor may serve as your second committee member. In this case, you must still recruit an SMS faculty member to serve on your committee.

You may also include an optional third committee member:

• The third member must hold a PhD but does not need to be a faculty member.
• The third member cannot be a subordinate of another committee member (for example, a postdoctoral fellow working in the same research group as one of the other members).

Academic Preparation

No specific courses required. Due to safety and other concerns, every laboratory has its own requirements.

Recommended Timeline

A successful thesis experience develops over time, so starting early is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success. The timeline below outlines key milestones to help you explore research opportunities, build relationships with mentors, and stay on track toward completing your thesis.

Years 1–2: Explore & Connect

Start exploring research opportunities early. Identify faculty whose work interests you and reach out about joining their lab or project. You do not need a fully developed project idea — curiosity, motivation, and genuine interest go a long way.

Research opportunities can be found across ASU and at partner organizations like TGen, Mayo Clinic, or Barrow Neurological Institute. Since faculty receive many requests, contacting multiple mentors and following up professionally is encouraged.

Year 3: Begin Research & Submit Prospectus

Once you join a research group, meet regularly with your mentor and begin developing your thesis project.

By the end of junior year, you should submit your Thesis Prospectus to Barrett identifying your project and committee members. Starting research before senior year is strongly recommended so you have enough time to complete meaningful work and build relationships for future recommendation letters.

Year 4: Write & Defend

In the fall, begin organizing and writing your thesis while continuing your research.

In the spring, schedule your thesis defense and provide your committee enough time to review your thesis before the defense date. Work closely with your mentor throughout the process to make sure you are on track for a successful defense.

Other Honors Opportunities

Honors Contracts

Most courses in Chemistry and Biochemistry can be taken for Honors credit; contact your instructor as soon as possible at the beginning of the semester to arrange honors credit for a course. Assignments may include a number of activities such as attending research seminars, reading primary chemical research literature, preparing activities for a class, writing papers, or making a presentation. 

Completion of an honors contract is an excellent opportunity to:

(1) Undertake preliminary reading in an area in which you may wish to complete your thesis,

(2) Develop a closer relationship with faculty members who may serve as your thesis advisor or referees for graduate or professional school applications.

When considering an honors contract, we encourage you to think carefully about your overall commitments and available time. Successful completion depends on strong planning and follow-through, and meeting those commitments helps build positive, professional relationships with faculty mentors.