Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry Honors Program
The Department of Chemistry strives to provide students with innovative, hands-on instruction and research experiences to prepare them for careers in science, education, and health professions. The four semester Chemistry Honors Program is designed to support highly qualified students in the application of their understanding of chemical concepts through service and original scientific research.
Participation in the program enhances honors students’ critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills while they develop their professional network including meaningful 1-on-1 relationships with faculty and collaborators.
Program Overview
The Chemistry Honors program is a 10-unit program completed in the last four or five semesters of a student’s undergraduate degree program. In addition to four honors courses, students are required to complete an independent research project resulting in an undergraduate thesis, complete a peer-instruction service requirement, and present their research at a scientific conference appropriate to their field.
Typical Timeline of Honors Program
| Semester | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Spring |
February - students submit applications to the department office March – students are notified of acceptance to honors program April – student interview prospective faculty research advisors May – welcome and program orientation
|
| Year 1 Fall |
CHEM 165SH – Peer Instruction in ChemistryStudents identify a faculty mentor and begin work in the lab |
| Year 1 Spring |
CHEM 160H – Research TechniquesStudents develop a thesis proposal |
| Year 2 Fall |
CHEM 180H – Honors Seminar in ChemistryStudents submit research progress reportStudent registers to present at a scientific conference approved by their research advisor |
| Year 2 Spring |
CHEM 199 – Undergraduate ThesisStudent presents research at a scientific conferenceStudent submits thesis |
How to Apply
Students should apply for the program in the spring semester when they have 4-5 semesters remaining in their undergraduate program.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Fresno State Student or a transfer student that has been accepted for the following fall semester.
- Declared major in chemistry or biochemistry.
- GPA of 3.5 or better
- Be able to complete all university degree and honors program requirements in 4 or 5 semesters taking less than 20 units a semester.
- Though not required, students should generally have completed one semester of organic chemistry lecture and laboratory and be enrolled in the second semester of organic chemistry lecture.
To apply, complete the Adobe Sign Application Packet, linked below. Be sure to follow the directions on the first page of the Adobe Sign Packet.
Application Requirements:
The Chemistry Honors Program Application is an Adobe Sign Application Packet. Once you complete your information and sign it, the review committee will automatically receive a copy. Honors Program applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications that are completed before the end of February or September and will be evaluated before registration appointments are assigned.
Required Materials:
You will need the following documents as PDF files to complete the application:
● A Cover Letter describing your motivation in pursuing undergraduate research and the Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors Program. This should be limited to one page and I suggest talking with potential research advisors before writing this statement. If you are already active in research, please substitute a description of your proposed honors research project.
● A Resume or CV that includes education, academic achievements, honors and awards, student and professional organizations, and work experience. Please include hours per week for work experience.
● Unofficial Transcripts for college level coursework (Fresno State and Community Colleges), you can typically print to PDF when viewing the transcripts on the campus portal.
● Degree Plan showing your planned schedule of coursework including the required honors program courses (165SH, 160H, 180H, and 199). You must have at least three full semesters remaining to complete the required coursework and research objectives. Students often work out this plan with the assistance of an advisor in the Advising Resource Center (ARC)
● Contact information for Two Faculty or Professional References who have agreed to write recommendation letters. If you have already chosen a research group, one of these letters should be from your research advisor.