Undertaking Chemical Research at a Community College

David R. Brown
Physical Sciences Department, Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA 91910
J. Chem. Educ., 2006, 83 (7), p 970
DOI: 10.1021/ed083p970
Publication Date (Web): July 1, 2006

Abstract

The merits of involving undergraduates in research activities have been publicized in numerous reports and have been promoted through various programs. Moreover, the value of offering research experiences specifically to first and second year students has been lauded. Undergraduate research is generally accepted to be a vehicle through which essential skills such as critical thinking can be sharpened, while it also serves to enhance recruitment and retention strategies for students in the sciences. Traditionally, community colleges have provided quality instruction in the chemical sciences, but research experiences for community college students have been relatively rare. As community colleges serve a large proportion of the nation's first and second year students in the chemical sciences, providing research experiences to community college students, whenever feasible, could have a major impact on the landscape of chemical education. This article addresses issues faced by community college educators who choose to participate in research activities and offers specific information about research projects undertaken at Southwestern College.

Keywords:

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords:

Association Report: 2YC3

Keywords:

Student / Career Counseling
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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

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    Research at Two-Year Colleges

    Onofrio G. Gaglione
    Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (7), 1108

    • Research at Two-Year Colleges

      Onofrio G. Gaglione
      Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (7), 1108

      Student retention is enhanced and undergraduate transitions to baccalaureate and graduate programs in the chemical sciences are improved when students conduct research while attending two-year colleges.

      Abstract | PDFHi-Res PDF | PDFPDF w/ Links
  • Cover Image

    Research at Two-Year Colleges

    Jane Slezak
    Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (7), 1108

    • Research at Two-Year Colleges

      Jane Slezak
      Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (7), 1108

      Reports on research projects for students at the associate-degree level.

      Abstract | PDFHi-Res PDF | PDFPDF w/ Links

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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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