Chemistry Resources for Undergraduates
Library Research Guide
Welcome!
Welcome to the Libraries' Chemistry Resources for Undergraduates Guide! This guide is designed to help you learn how to use K-State Libraries' many resources. If this guide does not have the information you are looking for, don't hesitate to Ask A Librarian for help any time during the Libraries' service hours.
Support for Chemistry Students
Academic support
The Writing Center and tutoring services at K-State focus on the success of learning and writing processes as a whole, not just the end result. Make an appointment at any stage in your process, whether you're getting started on a project, working through an assignment, or finishing a report.
- Academic Achievement CenterThe University's Academic Achievement Center has free tutoring service for all students at K-State.
- Other Tutoring at K-StateThe Academic Achievement Center maintains this list of other tutoring programs available at K-State.
- The Writing CenterThe Writing Center provides feedback at any stage of the writing process to enable students to gain awareness of writing strategies; improve writing assignments or non-academic writing; and increase their sense of competence, confidence, and ownership in writing.
Student clubs and organizations at K-State
Chemistry clubs and organizations are a great way to meet students with shared interests, as well as professional chemists in an informal setting, and also serve as an excellent way to find out about career opportunities and what it takes to make a career in your area of interest. They support your learning by connecting you with a community of undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in or have taken the courses you are taking.
- K-State Clubs and OrganizationsSign in to find ways to get involved, events, and news about student involvement at K-State.
- NOBCChENOBCChE (pronounced no-be-shay) spreads knowledge and understanding of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering via public engagement with a goal of increasing the participation of underrepresented minorities in the chemical sciences; and to provide a platform for student members to develop scientific, professional, and leadership skills; cultivate professional networks; and foster a sense of community at Kansas State University.
- American Chemical Society K-State Student ChapterThis group strives to enhance professional development by hosting events such as research forums and guest lectures.
- KSU Alpha Chi Sigma ChapterCo-ed chemistry-based fraternity which aims to 1) bind its members with a tie of true and lasting friendship, 2) strive for the advancement of chemistry both as a science and as a profession, and 3) aid its members by every honorable means in the attainment of their ambitions throughout their mortal lives.
- Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Phi Lambda Upsilon (PLU)PLU is an honorary society for graduate students in chemistry. Members must be qualified students or faculty in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Kansas State University. For students, eligibility for initiation includes enrollment in a graduate degree program and a minimum of one semester of graduate courses completed in good academic standing (GPA ≥ 3.0).
Other resources
- inChemistry (ACS student magazine)Articles, workshops, webinars with advice for undergraduate chemistry students
Research Process
Research can be challenging, non-linear, monotonous, frustrating, and rewarding. Breaking parts of the process into smaller pieces
makes it manageable. Below are some steps you might experience as you begin a research project. If you get stuck at any time in this process, Ask A Librarian or make an appointment with your librarian.
First steps in the research process
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Research notes and reflection
This process takes days, weeks, or months. It is helpful to take notes as you go to track your thinking. Reminders to yourself will save time.
Ask yourself: What am I thinking about as I develop my research question(s)? What types of information do I need to answer this question? Where am I searching and what search terms am I using to find resources? What is interesting to me and my research about this specific article?
- Research Process WorksheetThis 2-page worksheet has sections to help you choose a topic, brainstorm search strategies, find resources on your topic, and modify your search.
- Research TemplateSuggested format for taking notes while you're searching.
- Searching Reflection QuestionsAdditional questions for reflecting on your search process. These questions are training for more efficient searching.
- Kirmser Undergraduate Research AwardUndergraduates doing research for a class at K-State can apply for this award. The reflective questions on this page are for preparing the essay but they are useful for your research too.
