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Chemistry Program
Master of Science - Thesis Project Course
Chemistry’s graduate students have the option to take either thesis or the capstone project course. Thesis allows students to work in research projects under the supervision of a faculty member.
If you are interested in thesis, the first thing to do is to identify the faculty member with the same areas of research interests. Schedule meetings with the faculty members to discuss potential thesis topics. The most important decision is to select your thesis supervisor. Your thesis supervisor will assist you along the process, including preparation of your thesis proposal, formation of your thesis committee, defense of your proposal, paperwork, etc.
Thesis usually requires two semesters to complete. Since you will need to defend your proposal before the semester, you should start working on your thesis at least 2 months before the semester. Some students may also want to take an independent study course to prepare for the thesis proposal. Thus, in general, the earlier you plan your thesis the better. Ideally, students should start preparing for their thesis in the first semester of their graduate study.
Why research? If your future career goal is in the academic area, research experience at university is a crucial period.
Even if you want to work in industry after your graduation, research in the form of thesis, or to a lesser degree either the capstone projects or independent studies, will provide invaluable experience for you. Regular lecture-type courses do not simulate a true working environment. Assignment specifications are well defined. Their scopes are limited and they tend to be 'quick and dirty,' to be thrown away after grading.
In the real world, the higher your career level you are in, the less defined the problems (and opportunities) you will face. Frequently, high level (and high paid) jobs are about (1) identifying problems (and thus challenges and opportunities), and (2) solving problems (through research and experimentation). Regular courses are good at equipping students with basic knowledge of the subjects. They are however relatively passive and thus do not provide training and experiment in identifying problems and researching solutions. This is where research may be very helpful.
Another big advantage of research is the opportunity to interact
deeply with a faculty member on a given subject. Much can be learnt through frequent and direct interaction with the supervisor, which is missing in regular courses. Many have argued that the apprentice system, where a student learns closely with the master, is one of the most effective ways of learning. Thesis is closest to this system.
Other benefits of research, especially thesis, are: - Better looking resume
- Potential of publishing good technical reports
- Develop deep expertise in a subject. Depth is what many companies are looking for in hiring.
- Mostly importantly, with enough dedication, research can be a lot of fun and excitement!
- Most highly successful persons will tell you that the keen love of what you are doing is one key ingredient of a highly successful career. Even though a highly successful career may not be your number one priority, it is difficult to imagine spending eight hours every day in work that you do not truly enjoy. What is not obvious is that it is necessary to learn to love one's work, just like learning to appreciate art. Research is one great way to cultivate such enjoyment.
Finally, students choose to do thesis must pay attention to the schedule about thesis proposal defense, the deadline to turn in the thesis to library, and to the Dean’s office for approval, etc. Students miss one of the deadlines may result in the delay of their graduation.
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