CHEMISTRY 29400
Fall 2013, T 1:30-2:20, WTHR 104
Mark Lipton WTHR 409
Professor
494-0132
lipton@purdue.edu
Objective:
The goal of this class is to help students appreciate the various options available to
chemistry majors at Purdue as well as to promote the development of useful career skills.
Students learn about current chemical topics and their own opportunities in chemistry
including undergraduate research, chemistry electives, cooperative study program, study
abroad program, and career opportunities. The skills include learning to use the
chemistry library, resume writing, and working in a group to prepare a written report and
an oral presentation.
Resumes:
Each student in this class is required to prepare a resume. The resume should be written
with the goal of obtaining a summer job which uses your knowledge of chemistry. It
should be no longer than 1 page. It should use 12-point type, be double spaced with 1"
margins all around. Due date: October 1.
Group report:
Each student will participate in a group of 3 students to prepare a written report
on a Professor in the Chemistry department. This report should be 3-4 pages long.
(Please observe these limits.) It should use 12-point type, be double spaced, with 1"
margins all around. Signups for groups will take place at the end of class on Sept. 3.
The subject of your report must be selected and signed up for in the Sept. 17 class.
Earlier submission is encouraged. Each group must submit their report at the beginning of
class on Oct. 15. The report should consist of a brief biography of the Professor
(education, rank, years at Purdue), a brief synopsis of their research interests and a
detailed discussion of a publication of theirs published in the last 5 years.
Oral report: Each group must select one member to present an oral presentation to the class. The
presentation should be 10 minutes in length, prepared using PowerPoint and cover the
information in that group’s written report. Each member is expected to participate in the
preparation of the oral report.
Problem resolution: Any problems experienced with conflict or non-participation in group activities
should be brought to the attention of Prof. Lipton. In the event that problems cannot be
readily resolved, points will be deducted from offenders’ grades.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend class every week. If a conflict arises with an official
function, please bring a written explanation to the attention of Prof. Lipton
Grading:
1. Resume
2. Written report
3. Oral presentation
4. Attendance
Total 1-4
Cheating:
Any student found cheating will receive an F for the course.
Letter grades: Letter grades will be assigned on a curve.
25 pts
35 pts
30 pts
10 pts
100 pts
CHM 294 Class Schedule
8/20
Introduction
8/27
Prof. J. Garritano, “Introduction to Chemical Information Resources”
9/3
Beatriz Cisneros, “Career Opportunities for Chemists”
9/10
NO CLASS (ACS meeting in Indianapolis)
Taneisha Springfield-Jones, Proctor & Gamble
9/17
Cher Yazvac, Center for Career Opportunities, “How to Prepare a Resume”
9/24
Rachel Clayton, Joe Thomaz, “Undergraduate Resarch Experiences”
10/1
Prof. Paul Shepson, Study Abroad; Prof. Paul Wenthold, “Co-op Program”
10/8
OCTOBER BREAK – NO CLASS
10/15
Prof. Kavita Shah, Biochemistry; Prof. Dor Ben-Amotz, Physical
10/22
Prof. Suzanne Bart, Inorganic; Prof. Scott McLuckey, Analytical; Prof. David Thompson,
Organic
10/29
Student Presentations
11/5
Student Presentations
11/12
Student Presentations
11/19
Student Presentations
11/26
Student Presentations
12/3
Student Presentations