Undergraduate Research

The Department of Chemistry at Dalhousie University offers a dynamic and exciting research environment, where cutting-edge research projects range from the traditional sub-disciplines of chemistry (analytical, organic, inorganic and physical) to numerous interdisciplinary areas such as materials chemistry, nanotechnology, and drug design. There are many ways for undergraduates to participate in Chemistry research, and all students are encouraged to become involved!

An undergraduate research project in Chemistry involves working in the laboratory of a faculty researcher. Projects can take place at any time during the academic year, as well as over the summer, and can last for an entire semester or continue for a year or more. In addition to awards and fellowships, students may work for pay or on a voluntary basis. Fourth year Chemistry students also have the opportunity to take part in either an Honours or Majors Research Project for academic credit, and first year students enrolled in DISP (Dalhousie Integrated Science Program) participate in a research project during the Winter term.

Undergraduate Research Awards and Fellowships

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) USRA program is a prestigious scholarship program that rewards excellent undergraduate candidates by providing funding for them to conduct summer research (16 weeks between May 1 and Sept. 1). Recipients of this award will receive financial support as well as a travel allowance as per NSERC guidelines. Projects in all areas of chemical research are available. Students are encouraged to contact specific faculty members whose research may be of particular interest, and inquire about appropriate summer projects. These awards are restricted to students registered full-time in a BSc program in the natural sciences, who are Canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants, and who have a minimum B cumulative grade point average. Students can hold a maximum of 3 of these awards during their BSc program.

Find out more.