Participation in independent research is one of the most valuable educational opportunities a chemistry or biochemistry major can experience during college. Not only does research require you to integrate many of the things you have been learning, it teaches invaluable laboratory skills and independent problem solving. Faculty in the department have ongoing projects in which students can be a participant. Beginning in the sophomore year, students can take course credit for CHEM 222, 322 or 422, Independent Research. Three credits of research can count towards the free elective required for the chemistry major. CHEM 393, Research Methods, can be taken in the junior year to provide the background for a project during the senior year, but is not required prior to beginning research.