Chemical Forums

Specialty Chemistry Forums => Chemical Education and Careers => Topic started by: SheffieldWednesday4ever on October 06, 2010, 02:56:36 AM

Title: Are undergrads able to work for a theoretical chemistry/physics prof summer?
Post by: SheffieldWednesday4ever on October 06, 2010, 02:56:36 AM

I'm quite interested in the quantum chem course I'm taking. I'm just wondering if an undergrad can do research with a prof in it. And if so, what would it be like.

Title: Re: Are undergrads able to work for a theoretical chemistry/physics prof summer?
Post by: Mitch on October 06, 2010, 04:12:33 PM

I had a friend who did it. She described it as intense and frustrating. Most of her difficulty dealt with having to learn Linux.

Title: Re: Are undergrads able to work for a theoretical chemistry/physics prof summer?
Post by: tamim83 on December 01, 2010, 10:39:14 AM

Hi,
I do theoretical chemistry and have worked with undergraduates in both of my research groups.  It is possible and is really dependent on the project.  You can do a project where you won't need any programing experience.  For example, if you use a software package like Gaussian or Q-chem, you can use some graphical interface to generate input, submit calculations, and analyze the results.  Again, it is not that hard to pick up.  Also, if you are working with a very helpful professor or grad. student, you will pick things up in no time.  

Title: Re: Are undergrads able to work for a theoretical chemistry/physics prof summer?
Post by: TheUnfocusedOne on December 08, 2010, 02:24:25 PM

What kind of quantum do you want?  I personally think using software that do quantum based off of models is boring, tedious and frustrating.  I've also heard that there isn't too big of a market for people with just computer modeling skills, unless you're going to graduate school for theoretical. I personally think that the two best skills to develope before graduating are your instrumentation and synthetic skills; they'll open doors for you.  There a plenty of experiments going on, check out J. Chem Phys or J. Phys Chem for some examples of current quantum stuff.

With that said, I'm sure there are plenty of places you could do an internship for a professor doing quantum chemistry work.  I personally think hands on experimentation followed by good old fashion chalkboard math is better than straight computer based modeling and computation.  Google "internship in physical/quantum chemistry" and I'm sure you'll find something. Syracuse had a really good database for undergraduate internships.

Also, talk to the professors at your school, see if they have anything brewing that you could try.