Senior Capstone Experience Guidelines

Department of ChemistryWashington College

Academic Year 2012-2013

These guidelines were updated by Anne Marteel-Parrish, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chair during the Summer 2012. Please forward suggestions to her attention at amarteel2@washcoll.edu.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents..............................................................................................................ii

General Overview of the Senior Capstone Experience in Chemistry...............................1

Step-by-step Guidelines for Senior Capstone Experience in Chemistry..........................3

Important Deadlines..........................................................................................................6

Instructions and Format for Senior Thesis........................................................................7

General Information....................................................................................................7

Washington College Honor Code.........................................................................7

Use of scientific vocabulary..................................................................................7

Figures...................................................................................................................7

Tables....................................................................................................................8

Equations...............................................................................................................9

Citations and References.......................................................................................9

Pagination...........................................................................................................10

Margins...............................................................................................................11

Specific Thesis Sections...........................................................................................11

Title Page............................................................................................................11

Signature Page....................................................................................................11

Acknowledgments...............................................................................................11

Abstract...............................................................................................................11

Table of Contents................................................................................................12

Introduction.........................................................................................................12

For laboratory-based research projects experimental.........................................12

For laboratory-based research projects results and discussion...........................15

For laboratory-based research projects conclusions...........................................15

For in-depth literature reviews experimental, results and discussion, and

conclusions..........................................................................................................15

References...........................................................................................................15

Appendices..........................................................................................................15

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References.......................................................................................................................16

Rubric for Senior Capstone Experience..........................................................................17

Poster Presentation and Rubric.......................................................................................18

Oral Defense for Departmental Honors..........................................................................21

Appendices......................................................................................................................22

Senior Capstone Experience Declaration Form........................................................23

Senior Capstone Experience Preference Form.........................................................24

Sample Title..............................................................................................................25

Sample Honor Code Pledge and Signatures for Honors...........................................26

Sample Honor Code Pledge and Signatures for Non-Honors...................................27

Sample Acknowledgments........................................................................................28

Sample Table of Contents.........................................................................................29

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General Overview of the Senior Capstone Experience in Chemistry

In collaboration with a chemistry faculty member, chemistry majors fulfill the senior capstone experience by conducting a yearlong research project. Senior capstone projects may take one of two forms: a laboratory-based research project (original research) or an in-depth literature review (library investigation).

Students pursuing the ACS-certified degree in Chemistry must perform a laboratory-based research project and write a thesis on the work for their Senior Capstone Experience (SCE) to meet the number of laboratory hours required by the ACS. This requirement could be waived if ACS-certified majors have already performed research for credit during the academic year or during the summer.

Students who are not pursuing the ACS-certified track in Chemistry have the choice to complete either one of the two options. Once an advisor, type of SCE and topic has been identified, no change is allowed after the Senior Capstone Experience Declaration Form is signed (see page 23 of this document in Appendices section).

Laboratory-based research projects and in-depth literature reviews are based on faculty members’ own research interests. In the case of the in-depth literature reviews, if students have identified on their own a topic that they would like to develop for their SCE, this will be acceptable as long as the topic fits in the area of expertise of a Chemistry faculty member and that the load of SCE advisees of the chosen faculty member is not exceeded.

Both types of SCE projects are intended to integrate many of the subjects learned over the course of the chemistry major. Laboratory-based research projects involve synthetic and preparative procedures and make use of the department’s research-grade analytical instrumentation. In-depth literature reviews focus on the critical analysis of the literature in a specific area of chemistry.

The results of the laboratory-based research or in-depth literature review are presented in a poster session held at the end of the Spring semester of the senior year and are included in a written, thesis-quality report. Guidelines for Chemistry Department poster presentations are available on page 18 of this document.

The senior capstone experience in Chemistry is graded according to the Washington College grading system, which involves the use of letter grades (A-F) that may be modified by a minus or a plus. Meeting the departmental and college deadlines is a part of the grading process. A rubric for the senior capstone experience in chemistry is available on page 17 of this document. Student capstone experiences receiving a grade of A- or above receive honors on the SCE.

To be eligible for departmental honors, students must

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have a GPA of 3.4 or higher in their chemistry courses receive a grade of A- or higher on the senior capstone experience pass a departmental oral examination based on the thesis.

If a student wishes to be considered for departmental honors, he/she must notify the Department Chair by April 15 in order for the examination to be scheduled. The exam usually occurs on one of the days set aside for senior comprehensive exams. In this case, a completed thesis is due to all members of the department one full week before the scheduled oral exam.

If a student has a double major, he/she should discuss the various options for fulfilling the senior obligation with the chairs of the appropriate departments. Double majors pursuing the ACS-certified degree in Chemistry must perform a laboratory-based research project for their Senior Capstone Experience to meet the number of laboratory hours required by the ACS. This requirement could be waived if ACS-certified majors have already performed research for credit during the academic year or during the summer. Timelines and guidelines for both departments must be met. For many double majors, especially if the double major is in the sciences, a single thesis can be written.

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Step-by-step Guidelines for Senior Capstone Experience in Chemistry

Step 1: Meeting with each Chemistry Department member

In the first two weeks of the semester, students will meet with all Chemistry Department faculty members to discuss options. Each senior is responsible for arranging a meeting with each faculty member in the Chemistry Department and must have each faculty member sign the Senior Capstone Experience Declaration Form (see page 23 of this document in Appendices section).

Step 2: Selection of topic and advisor

After meeting with each faculty member, students will be able to identify a project type and topic as well as advisor. Students need to rank their preferences (1 through 3) including the type of project (laboratory-based or literature review), the general topic, and the advisor’s name. The Senior Capstone Experience Preference Form needs to be completed and given to the Chair of the Chemistry Department by the second Friday of the Fall semester (see page 24 of this document). The Chemistry Department faculty members will meet during the third week of the semester to figure out how to accommodate students’ first or second choice, if possible. The Chair will communicate the final selection to all students shortly after.

Step 3: The starting point

For both laboratory-based research projects and in-depth literature reviews, after having selected an advisor and a topic, each senior should start by doing some general background reading about the topic.

Background reading can be found in Chapters of your Chemistry textbooks in courses taken at Washington College that are relevant to the chosen topic, references annotated at the ends of the chapters which are more in-depth texts or scientific journal articles published on the chosen topic. If there are no such references, the next step should be to look for more advanced texts and articles using the library catalog and databases. Notes from Junior Chemistry Seminar about how to search the literature should be reviewed. Materials not available through the Miller Library can be ordered using interlibrary loan. You also need to make sure to keep a running bibliography of your references as you go along, preferably with RefWorks or other program.

Review articles are a perfect place to start (if they are written for your topic)! These articles provide a summary of the general state of knowledge on the topic (at the time the review was written) and also provide references to relevant primary peer-reviewed articles. Students should not hesitate to seek assistance from Miller library staff regarding literature searches. Students are also encouraged to consult faculty members or professionals outside the department to complement their existing knowledge.

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Each student should print all relevant references and organize them in a binder or upload them on Blackboard depending on their advisor’s preference. It is preferable that all references are peer-reviewed scientific articles saved using the PDF format. There is no limit on the number of references but a minimum of 15 primary, peer-reviewed journal articles is required.

It is highly recommended that after reading a paper or book chapter or other reference, students summarize the objectives and results of each article in their own words. This summary should not be a word-for-word copy of the abstract of the paper and should not be longer than half a page. This task will be extremely helpful for the following reasons:

students realize how much of the article they understood it is the first step towards organizing and writing the introduction

of the thesis it is easier to organize a power point presentation looking at

summaries of articles in many cases it prevents plagiarism if students use their own

words.

The binder should contain the student’s name and topic, all relevant references and accompanied summaries if written. It should be presented to the advisor no later than October 15. It is assumed that additional references will be added to this binder as the project progresses.

Step 4: Working on the thesis

A complete draft of the introduction is due on November 15 for both types of SCE. The introduction to thesis is also the basis for a Power Point presentation in the Senior Chemistry Seminar in the Fall. Students should consult their research advisor, the timeline given on page 6 and the syllabus for senior seminar details and deadlines. In senior seminar students will receive guidelines and will practice their introduction to SCE presentation. Instructions and the format for senior theses are provided starting on page 7 of this document. A rubric for grading the senior capstone experience can be found on page 17.

For students working on a laboratory-based research project, advisors are responsible for assigning research space and for providing laboratory schedules for research. Laboratory work can start as soon as possible. In either type of SCE, it is the responsibility of both students and research advisors to follow the timeline below.

By the last day of the Fall semester an interim report is due to the research advisor. This report should include a complete draft of what has been accomplished so far.

Students are encouraged to look at senior theses on file (available on the Miller Library website). This should provide an idea of what is expected and the types of topics appropriate for a senior thesis.

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Step 5 and final step: SCE poster presentation

The complete thesis draft is due on April 1. All revisions must be made before April 15. By the last day of the semester final and approved thesis must be submitted to the research advisor and Miller Library through Blackboard. On the last day of classes, which is also the last Thursday of Junior Chemistry Seminar, all seniors will present the results of their senior capstone experience in a poster format. The poster presentation guidelines and rubric are provided on page 18 of this document. Oral defense guidelines for Departmental Honors are found on page 21 of this document.

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Important Deadlines AY 2012-2013

First two weeks of the Fall Semester Meet with each Chemistry faculty member.

Second Friday of the Fall Semester

By third week of Fall Semester

Give SCE preference form to the Chair.

Research advisor and topic selected.

September/October of senior year Start literature research.

October 1 Begin laboratory research.

October 15 Introduction/literature review due to research advisor.

November 15 Submit complete draft of introduction and references to advisor.

Last day of classes, Fall semester Submit interim report to research advisor.

February 1 Submit second draft of introduction and references to advisor.

April 1 Submit complete thesis draft to advisor.

April 15 Submit revised thesis draft to advisor.

April 15 Notify Department Chair of desire to be considered for Departmental Honors.

Last day of classesSubmit final, approved thesis to advisor and Miller Library. The submission to the library is through Blackboard.

College reading days Oral defense of thesis for Departmental honors candidates.

IT IS A WASHINGTON COLLEGE ACADEMIC POLICY THAT ALL WORK ON THE SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (INCLUDING THE FINAL THESIS REPORT) MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE LAST DAY OF CLASSES IN THE LAST SEMESTER OF THE SENIOR YEAR. FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE COLLEGE WILL PREVENT A STUDENT FROM GRADUATING AT THE END OF THE SENIOR YEAR.

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Instructions and Format for Senior Thesis

Senior Capstone Experiences are divided into two categories: those based on original laboratory research; and those based upon an in-depth literature review. Both types will follow the same general format but there will be some specific differences (see below).

General InformationThe report should be constructed in Microsoft Word, and the font in the body of

the text should be 12-point Times New Roman. The body of the text (except the abstract) should be double-spaced.

A sample title page is provided on page 25 in the Appendices section.

Washington College Honor CodeStudents are required to write the Washington College Honor Code statement,

with their signature, on their senior thesis, verifying that they have completed the assignment in accordance with the Honor Code (see samples provided on pages 26 and 27 of this document).

Plagiarism is not acceptable under any circumstances and will be cause for failure. Each professor has the right to submit all drafts, interim report and final version of your thesis to Turnitin.com.

Use of scientific vocabularyOften students are so conscious about avoiding plagiarism that they are reluctant

to use the commonly published scientific words to describe a procedure or process. There is not always a synonym for a scientific topic or concept so using the correct terms is absolutely necessary to the understanding of the science. If students do not know the meaning of a word, they must look it up!

FiguresExamples of figures are graphs, diagrams, chemical structural formulas, maps,

and illustrations. All figures must be numbered consecutively, corresponding to the order in which they are introduced and discussed in the text. BELOW each figure should be a Figure number (in bold), followed by a period, and a brief descriptive caption (not in bold), also followed by a period. Axes on graphs should be labeled and have appropriate units of measurement. An example appears below in Figure 1.

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Standard Additon Calibration Curve for Problem 1-11

y = 3.164x + 3.246R2 = 0.9999

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

-1.50 -1.00 -0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00

Volume of Standard (mL)

Sign

al

Figure 1. The plot illustrates the standard addition calibration method.

N

N NH2

NH2

Figure 2. The structure of 2,3-diaminophenazine drawn using ChemDrawTM.

TablesAll tables must be numbered consecutively, corresponding to the order in which

they are introduced and discussed in the text. ABOVE each table should be a Table number (in bold), followed by a period, and a brief descriptive caption (not in bold), also followed by a period. It is suggested that text-only tables NOT be constructed in MS Excel. Columns/rows should be labeled and have appropriate units of measurement. An example appears below in Table 1.

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Table 1. Selected Data from CHE 111 Roster.Quiz 1 (%) Paper 1 (points/25)

student A 75 15student B 97 13student C 88 20

EquationsMathematical and chemical equations should be set apart from the body of the

text on their own line(s) and should be numbered consecutively, with a number in parentheses on the right hand margin of the page. Reaction arrows (including equilibrium arrows) should be chosen from an appropriate font, such as "Wingdings3". Mathematical equations should be done using Equation Editor. Examples appear in Equations 1, 2, and 3 below.

C6H12O6 (g) + 6 O2 (g) 6 CO2 (g) + 6 H2O (l)(1)

HC2H3O2 (aq) + H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + C2H3O2- (aq)

(2)

dTCHT

Tmp

2

1

,

(3)

Citations and ReferencesAll information presenting prior knowledge must be documented and referenced.

Students need to use their own words; quoting from sources is not acceptable unless absolutely necessary.

The references should follow the style of the Journal of Organic Chemistry. Using RefWorks and Write-N-Cite students should select this journal for the reference style. The following discussion presents this reference style.

References should be cited as superscript numbers following the referenced information, starting with 1 and numbering consecutively. If a reference is cited more than once, the original reference number should be used – not a new number. An example paragraph with citations appears below.

Polyoxometalates are highly symmetric polynuclear assemblies of linked MOx units, dominated by vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten (M = V, Mo, W) in high oxidation states.1 The majority of polyoxometalates have been synthesized and analyzed in aqueous environments.2 Only recently have they been discussed as possessing biological activity, possibly due to their unique properties, such as size and shape, electron- and proton-

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transfer/storage abilities, stability under physiological conditions, etc.3-4

They may play important roles as enzyme/protein mimics and are also being investigated as antitumor and antiviral agents.2 Research projects would involve inorganic synthesis of new complexes, as well as their characterization via IR, NMR, EPR, UV-Vis, X-ray crystallography, and magnetic susceptibility studies.5

In the References section at the end of the thesis, references should appear in a numbered list (not superscripts) corresponding to the citations in the body of the thesis. The recommended formats of some common types of references appear below; please consult Chapter 6 of the ACS Style Guide for complete guidelines for citations and references, including appropriate journal abbreviations.1

Journalsformat: Author 1 (last name first, etc.); Author 2; etc. Journal Abbreviation

Year, Volume, Inclusive Pagination.example: Smith, J.A.; Doe, J. B.; Jones, M. A., Jr. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2003,

125, 12-19.

Books without Editorsformat: Author 1 (last name first, etc.); Author 2; etc. Book Title, Edition

Number (if any); Series Information (if any); Publisher: Place of Publication, Year, Volume Number (if any), Inclusive Pagination.

example: Smith, J. A.; Doe, J. B.; Jones, M. A., Jr. Chemistry is Fun, 2nd ed.; Academic: New York, 2003, 50-75.

Books with Editorsformat: Author 1 (last name first, etc.); Author 2; etc. In Book Title,

Edition Number (if any); Editor 1; Editor 2; etc., Eds.; Series Information (if any); Publisher: Place of Publication, Year, Volume Number (if any), Inclusive Pagination.

example: Bolcar, M. A. In Chemistry is Really Fun; Smith, J. A., Ed.; Academic: New York, 2004, 40-48.

Note: Internet resources (for example a website such as http://www.webelements.com/index.html) are not a source of direct information and should not be used in a senior thesis.

PaginationPage numbers should appear in 12-pt Times New Roman font in a footer 0.5"

from the bottom, in the center of the page. The front matter of the thesis (Title, Signature, Acknowledgments, Abstract, and Table of Contents) should have lowercase Roman numeral pagination. The Title Page is considered to be page i, but the number is not shown on the page itself. The Introduction begins on page 1 and its

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number is shown. A section break is needed to begin a new page number for the Introduction.

MarginsThe top and bottom margins should be 1". The left and right margins should be

1.25".

Specific Thesis SectionsEach section of the thesis should begin on a new page, and the title of the section

should be centered at the top of the page in bold Times New Roman 16-pt font. Any abbreviations should be defined at first use.

Title PageThe title of the senior obligation should appear on the top page of the thesis, along

with the author, location, and the date. The title itself is 18-pt bold, and the remaining text on the page is 14-pt. The "submission" statement should be italicized. The Title Page is considered to be page i, but the number is not shown on the page itself. Please see the sample title on page 25 in the Appendices section of this document.

Signature PageThe second page of the thesis is a page where the student signs the Washington

College Honor Code Pledge and where the faculty member(s) approving the senior obligation sign. Please see pages 26 and 27 in the Appendices section of this document.

AcknowledgmentsThe third page of the thesis is where the student can thank people or groups

instrumental to the completion of the project, including sources of funding. Please see the sample Acknowledgments on page 28 in the Appendices section of this document.

AbstractThe abstract should not exceed one page and should be single-spaced. [Note that

this is the only part of your thesis that will be single-spaced with the exception of Figure and Table legends]. The abstract is a summary of all aspects of your investigation: the introduction, methods, results and discussion.

For laboratory-based research projects: The abstract should concisely summarize the background relevant to your topic,

the research problem, the experimental method(s) you used to investigate the problem, and a summary of your principal results and conclusions about the investigation. If appropriate, you should state how your results fit into the framework of what was already known about the topic and you should suggest future possibilities for research.

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For in-depth literature reviews: The abstract should summarize the background material relevant to your topic, the

research problem, the methods researchers have developed to investigate the problem and what recent examinations have revealed about the topic. Conclusions should include an assessment of the current state of knowledge about the topic and if possible, you should suggest future research directions.

The abstract should be written in the past tense, except for the suggestion for future work, and there should be no citations or references. Abbreviations should be defined at first use. Although it is not always practical, the abstract should be written last, as an overall summary of the thesis. Please see pages 18-20 of the ACS Style Guide1 for further information.

Table of ContentsThe Table of Contents should only contain major headings, connected by

dotted-underline to their corresponding starting page numbers. Please see the sample Table of Contents on page 29 in the Appendices section of this document.

Introduction (background)Generally, this is a brief discussion of the history of the problem or experiment, a

review of the literature pertinent to the problem, and a discussion of what you were attempting to accomplish. The thesis or goal of your thesis should be clearly provided at the end of the introduction. It should be written in present tense, since you are discussing established knowledge.2 Please see page 20 of the ACS Style Guide for further information.1

Note: if your introduction section is very long, it is recommended that you use subheadings to organize this background section.

*The following three sections depend on whether you are writing a thesis based on an original laboratory research project or whether you are writing an in-depth literature review.

For laboratory-based research projects:

Experimental (your own methods)This is an account of the actual procedure as you actually did it for your project,

including observations. No results or discussion should be mentioned in this section. The Experimental section should be written in the passive voice and in past tense. Some examples regarding the passive voice are provided below:

Correct: The reaction mixture was added to a 100-mL Erlenemeyer flask.

Incorrect: I added the reaction mixture to a 100-mL Erlenmeyer flask.

Incorrect: Add the reaction mixture to a 100-mL Erlenmeyer flask.

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Some guidelines useful to write your experimental section include:

1. Always include the amounts of reagents or products (grams and number of moles) and solvents (volume, usually in mL). Use a space between the number and the unit (except %). Use an initial zero before a decimal.  

Correct: 0.200 mol

Incorrect: .015 mol

2. Never begin a sentence with a number or with a molecular formula.

Correct: Dimethylglyoxime (2.20 g, 19.0 mmol) was added to the solution.

Correct: To the solution was added 2.20 g (19.0 mmol) of dimethylglyoxime.

Incorrect: 2.20 g (19.0 mmol) of dimethylglyoxime was added to the solution.

Correct: Hydrochloric acid (0.1 M, 25 mL) was then added drop-by-drop.

Incorrect: HCl (0.1 M, 25 mL) was then added drop-by-drop.

3. Compound adjectives are hyphenated.

Correct: A 30-mL portion of diethylether was placed in a 100-mL three-necked round-bottom flask.

However: Add 30 mL of diethylether.

4. Write out the full name of all starting materials and products. Molecular formulas may be used in place of the names of reagents and solvents in a sentence but not at the beginning of a sentence (see point 2.)

5. The following abbreviations should be used:

  boiling point bp

gram(s) g

degrees Celsius C

hour(s) h

infrared (spectrum) IR

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liter(s) L

melting point mp

milligram(s) mg

milliliter(s) mL

millimole(s) mmol

minute(s) min

mole(s) mol

nuclear magnetic resonance (spectrum) NMR

  ultraviolet-visible (spectrum) UV-vis

X-ray diffraction XRD

6. You must use superscripts and subscripts appropriately. For example, Sn[N(SiMe3)2]2 or 6.021023. In Word, highlight the desired letters or numbers and use Ctrl/= for subscript or Ctrl/Shift/= for superscript.

7. You must use the appropriate degree symbol () when reporting temperature, not a superscripted “o.” In Word go to Insert/Symbol and you will find the degree symbol in several of the font choices. Look in the Symbol font, for example.

8. In the text keep everything lower case except proper nouns. Do not capitalize chemical names and nonproprietary drug names unless they are the first word of a sentence or in a title or heading. Capitalize trade names such as “Plexiglas”.

9. Use numerals with units of time or measure. With items other than units of time or measure, use words for numbers less than 10; use numerals for 10 and above, expect as the first word of a sentence.

For projects involving syntheses, quantities of reactants (grams and moles), yield in grams, and percent yield should be included. Attention should be paid to significant figures in quantities and yields. Routine characterizations, such as physical appearance, melting point, IR or NMR peaks should be included here. A brief description of the instruments or equipment used, manufacturers, computer programs, as well as any appropriate configurations/settings should be presented. An Experimental section from a current issue of an ACS journal should provide a helpful model for overall format and content. If an Experimental section is written properly, any chemist should be able to duplicate your work.

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Results and Discussion (your own results)This section will most likely be the longest section of your thesis, and its main

goal is the summary and interpretation of data. Some things to include are data and results in tables, graphs, and figures; equations used for calculations; discussions of how your data relate to existing knowledge; and the limitations of your study.

In some cases you may want to separate Results and Discussion into two different sections. Consult with your advisor.

ConclusionsThis section summarizes your experimental results in the context of the original

research problem. Future experiments or techniques can be suggested that may enhance the project and provide further understanding.

For in-depth literature reviews:

Experimental (investigations)This section summarizes previous experimental procedures or studies carried out

in the last few years. It should describe the type of studies and experimental methods researchers have used to investigate a scientific inquiry as well as what instrumentation has been used during the investigations.

Results and Discussion (past results)This section presents the results of previously investigated phenomena. The

discussion should focus on assessing what the most current research added to the field, how the leaders in the field have answered the question as well as what you have found most interesting and why.

ConclusionsThis section summarizes past experimental results in the context of the original

research problem. Future experiments or techniques can be suggested that may enhance the investigation of the research problem and provide further understanding.

The last two sections need to be included in both types of thesis:References (Bibliography)

Please see the general discussion of Citations and References on page 9 of this document.

AppendicesThis section (or sections) of the thesis provides information supplemental to, but

not critical to, understanding the text. Copies of IR spectra, chromatograms, and computer methods are some examples.

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References

1. The ACS Style Guide A Manual for Authors and Editors, 2nd ed.; Dodd, J. S., Ed.; American Chemical Society: Washington, D.C., 1997.

2. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 5nd ed.; Day, R. A., Ed.; Oryx Press: Phoenix, AZ, 1998.

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Rubric for Senior Capstone Experience

The overall grade for the Senior Capstone Experience will be determined based on the composite scores of each of the three main categories below:

a. Laboratory Research/In-depth Literature Review:a. Respect of deadlinesb. Appropriate level of difficulty c. Originality of the project d. Level of independencee. Effectiveness of interactions and responsiveness of the student to

suggestionsf. Mastery of Laboratory Techniques or Mastery of Literature

Search Methodsg. Work ethich. Critical thinking/problem solving skillsi. Ability to effectively interpret and communicate information

from journal articles j. Literature review

b. The final thesis document:a. Writing and grammar skillsb. Page layoutc. Overall organizationd. Use of appropriate scientific terminologye. Abstractf. Introductiong. Experimentalh. Results and Discussioni. Conclusionsj. References (correctly formatted)

c. The poster presentation (see guidelines and rubric on page 18)

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Poster Presentation

The poster presentation will take place during the last day of classes in the Spring semester of your senior year. The posters will be displayed in the McLain atrium from 3:45 to 6:00 PM. Students will stand beside his/her poster to discuss the topic and content of the poster. You are welcome to invite your family and close friends to attend the poster session. Your poster presentation will be graded by your advisor and a full-time member of the Chemistry department.

All posters should be up no later than 3:45 PM on the day of the presentation. You are responsible to have all materials printed on time.

The final copy of your poster should be sent to your advisor and evaluator the day before the presentation is due.

Half of the students will present from 4:30 to 5:15 PM; the other half from 5:15 to 6:00 PM.

Information to include on your poster:

1. A heading giving the title of the poster. Under the title you should have your name and the name of your faculty advisor(s).

2. An abstract (not necessarily the same abstract as the one in your final thesis document). This abstract should be about one paragraph in length and should focus on the information displayed in the poster.

3. Introduction (or Background) 4. Experimental section (or Methods)5. Results and discussion6. Conclusions7. Future directions8. References9. Acknowledgments

Guidelines:

10. You do not have to go over every slide in details but you should be ready to provide a summary of your findings and answer questions.

11. All materials displayed on your poster should be easily readable from a distance of 3 to 4 feet

12. It is recommended to display information graphically using pictures, tables and figures rather than rely on lots of text; it will help you communicate your ideas in an organized and logical manner

13. Be sure to check for typos and grammatical errors14. Be sure to reference your material appropriately 15. Be sure to include coordinates and headings on graphs and figures

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Poster grading rubric:

For laboratory-based research posters:

1. Neatness and appearance of poster

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2. Organization of poster

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

3. Effective use of graphs and other visual aids

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4. Effective writing (grammar, spelling, coherent writing)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5. Effective use of literature searching (background)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6. Ability to learn various laboratory skills and instrumentation useful for the project

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7. Ability to collect useful data useful for the project

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8. Ability to use technical vocabulary

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

9. Ability to draw generalizations and conclusions with appropriate evidence

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10. Ability to answer questions during poster presentation

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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For in-depth literature review posters:

1. Neatness and appearance of poster

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2. Organization of poster

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

3. Effective use of graphs and other visual aids

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4. Effective writing (grammar, spelling, coherent writing)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5. Effective use of literature searching (background)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6. Ability to use analytical skills to address research done by others

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7. Ability to summarize important points

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8. Ability to use technical vocabulary

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

9. Ability to draw generalizations and conclusions with appropriate evidence

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10. Ability to answer questions during poster presentation

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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Oral Defense for Departmental Honors

Students eligible for Departmental Honors in Chemistry must:

have a GPA of 3.4 or higher in their chemistry courses receive a grade of A- or higher on the senior capstone experience pass a departmental oral examination based on the thesis.

If a student wishes to be considered for departmental honors, he/she must notify the Department Chair by April 15 in order for the examination to be scheduled. The exam usually occurs on one of the days set aside for senior comprehensive exams. In this case, a final thesis is due to all members of the department one full week before the scheduled oral exam.

The oral defense consists of a 20-minute Power Point presentation summarizing the background, methodology, results, future directions of your senior capstone experience followed by questions from Chemistry Department members. Questions will test your familiarity with the project as well as your scientific knowledge related to the SCE topic or learned in your required courses for your major.

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Appendices

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Senior Capstone Experience Declaration FormDepartment of Chemistry

Name of Student (print): __________________________________________

The student named above has discussed various research projects with me:

Anne E. Marteel-Parrish Ph.D., Chair _____________________________

James R. Locker, Ph.D. _____________________________

Aaron W. Amick, Ph.D. _____________________________

James M. Lipchock, Ph.D. _____________________________

I have read the Senior Capstone Experience Guidelines for the Department of Chemistry and have selected a research advisor.

Student Signature: _____________________________

Research Advisor Signature: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

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Senior Capstone Experience Preference FormDepartment of Chemistry

Name of Student (print): __________________________________________

Please indicate below on which type of project (laboratory-based or literature review), which topic, and with whom you would want to work with:

Choice #1:

Type: __________________________________________

Topic: __________________________________________

Advisor: __________________________________________

Choice #2:

Type: __________________________________________

Topic: __________________________________________

Advisor: __________________________________________

Choice #3:

Type: __________________________________________

Topic: __________________________________________

Advisor: __________________________________________

The Chemistry Department will try to honor your first choice based on available research space and faculty load.

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[SAMPLE]The Effects of Temperature on Diffusive Transport of Phosphorus Metabolites in Goldfish Skeletal Muscle

John A. Smith

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirementsfor the degree of Bachelor of Science

Department of ChemistryWashington College

Chestertown, MD 21620

May 2013

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[SAMPLE –ONLY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS]I pledge my word of honor that I have abided by the Washington College

Honor Code while completing this assignment.

________________________________John A. Smith

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirementsfor the degree of Bachelor of Science

________________________________James R. Locker, Ph.D., Thesis Advisor

________________________________Leslie A. Sherman, Ph.D.

________________________________Anne E. Marteel-Parrish, Ph.D.

________________________________Aaron W. Amick, Ph.D.

________________________________James M. Lipchock

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[SAMPLE]I pledge my word of honor that I have abided by the Washington College

Honor Code while completing this assignment.

________________________________John A. Smith

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirementsfor the degree of Bachelor of Science

________________________________James R. Locker, Ph.D., Thesis Advisor

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[SAMPLE]Acknowledgments

Special thanks are extended to Professor XXX, for his/her help and guidance

throughout this senior capstone experience. Thank you also to Ms. ZZZ, for her help in

the design of the extraction apparatus. This research was supported by a generous grant

from the National Science Foundation.

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[SAMPLE]Table of Contents

Title i

Signatures ii

Acknowledgments iii

Abstract iv

Table of Contents v

Introduction 1

Experimental 10

Results and Discussion 19

Conclusions 26

References 28

Appendices 30

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