The Chemistry Advisor
Junior Chemistry Majors
Chemistry, Biochemistry Specialization, Premedical Programs
This page has specific information and advice for chemistry majors
who have reached
junior status. Most of the advice is directed at students who
will graduate by May or December of the following year. Students
who will need additional time to complete their degree have additional
time and will probably follow somewhat different patterns.
(edited October 7, 2000-- document: advisor_juniors.htm)
(during October 2000 this document is being edited and linked to
other Web pages. During that time some of the linkages will return
"page not found" errors. We have tried to tag those lines
with a note: ...Sorry, in preparation yet
We made a decision to make
material available as it is prepared rather than waiting until
all related files have been completed. We apologize for the
inconvenience.)
Advisors:
chemistry: Paul Endres (Overman 152)
e:mail link:
biochemistry and premedical: William Scovell (PSLB 207)
e-mail link:
At this point, you would normally have completed
- Chem. 125-127 and 128 or Chemistry 135-137-138
- Chem. 201 (if you took Chem 125)
- Chem. 341-342
You would normally be enrolled in one or more of these courses
this year
- Chem. 405-6 Physical Chemistry
- Chem. 407-8 Integrated Laboratory
- Chem. 445 (446, 447) Biochemistry
- If enrolled in Chem 405, you may be taking Chem 454 (Instrumental
Analysis) in the Spring
Some of you got off to a later start and may be enrolled in 341-342
this semester. If you plan to complete a full ACS Major or to Specialize
in Biochemistry you will probably need to remain in school for a fifth
year.
Some students have deferred Physics until their junior year. Since Physics
202 or 211 is a prerequisite to Physical Chemistry (Chem 405 or 352)
the Physics sequence should not be put off any longer.
Official and Unofficial Deadlines and Requirements
- junior audit
(a formal requirement)
- You should complete a formal audit of the courses you have taken
and plan to take. This should be done by filling out the Checklist
for your degree option. You should review this document with your
advisor and get his signature.
- This sheet should be filed with the College of Arts and Sciences
office before the end of your junior year. A good time is prior to
registering for spring course during your junior year. You definitely
should do it before registering for next fall's courses. The audit
lets you see exactly what you need to do to complete your degree.
The college office will check and inform you of any problems.
- Some specific requirements may be waived or you may be permitted
course substitutions. This requires a formal request by your advisor
and it's not a done deal until a college dean has signed off.
This is a good time and place to get these details resolved.
We want no surprises when you register for graduation next year.
- If you need a copy of the checklists they are available
-
Career Plans
- This is the point where you should begin to think seriously about what you will do after graduation. The usual options include seeking a chemistry job on graduation or continuing in school for an advanced degree (in chemistry or a related science or in one of the medical fields.)
-
General Course Advising
We offer degrees that lead to certification by the
American Chemical Society as well as degrees which do not lead to
certification. What's the difference?
ACS vs. non-ACS Degrees
- Biochemistry Specialization
...Sorry, in preparation yet
- We generally feel that an undergraduate degree in chemistry
is incomplete without
Undergraduate Research or some other form of
independent work. This might also include Work Study,
Internship positions or suitable summer employment.
-
Graduation with Honors
- Specialization within Chemistry.
How specialized should an undergraduate education be?
...Sorry, in preparation yet
- Courses outside of chemistry
...Sorry, in preparation yet
Portfolio Building
- At some point you will be applying for a job or for admission
to a graduate program. Of course, the courses you take and the grades
you receive are at the core of your resume. There are things you can
do now to honestly enhance to your resume and improve your ability to
compete for the best opportunities. Since these items require planning,
you won't be able to much if you wait until your senior year.
- Prepare a formal resume. Advice on
chemistry resumes
...Sorry, in preparation yet
- Do this as early as you can and update it periodically.
- Have your advisor and other faculty members review it and offer suggestions.
- Take a copy and pencil in items you would
like to be able to say. Use this version of the resume to help you plan ways to build your resume before graduation.
- Keep the resume ready and up to date. Sometimes an opportunity, like summer jobs, comes along unexpectedly and quickly.
- Look for opportunities that can be cited on a resume
- seminars or workshops in areas like Laboratory Safety, Radiation Safety, Training on Specific Instruments like GCMS
- research presentations at local or regional meetings
- research that leads to a publication
- participation in programs like tutoring, mentoring,
acting as departmental tour guide
There's still no substitute for sitting down with your advisor
and other faculty members and discussing your goals, your concerns
and asking questions. This is especially important if you don't have
a clear set of professional plans.
comment, suggestions: direct by e_mail to
endres@bgnet.bgsu.edu
return to Advisor's Home Page
return to Advisor's Index Page