The Capstone Requirement

The capstone requirement for all baccalaureate programs at the University of Cincinnati was instituted in 2001, as a part of the University's General Education Program. The capstone allows the student to demonstrate proficiency in the four Baccalaureate Competencies of the General Education Program (Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Knowledge Integration, and Social Responsibility), as well as in the content of the degree program or major. The capstone enables a student to draw upon and integrate knowledge and skills of chemistry, including information literacy and relevant communication skills. The capstone requirement for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors depends on the degree program being followed. The four baccalaureate degrees offered by the Department of Chemistry are listed below, with the capstone requirements for each.

  1. B.S. in Chemistry with ACS certification (BSCHEM-ACS): Two semesters of undergraduate research, CHEM5030, with a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry are required. The two semesters must be completed no sooner than the end of Spring Semester of the junior year or during the senior year. In addition to passing grades in both semesters of CHEM5030, a written report is required to complete the capstone requirement. This report is to be according to the format requested by the research supervisor and at such a time as he/she deems appropriate. For example, a report may be required each semester or at the end of each academic year, or at the completion of a project. It is recommended that the grade of "IP" be assigned each semester until the final report is written. In addition, an oral presentation of the results must be made either to the committee comprised of the research supervisor and a second faculty member of his or her choosing, or at a poster session or talk at a meeting. The research director will certify successful completion of these requirements by his/her signature on the Capstone Completion Certification Form. This form will be given to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
  2. B.S. in Chemistry (BSCHEM): The capstone requirement for the B.S. in Chemistry may be satisfied either by one semester of undergraduate research, CHEM5030 or one semester of library-based chemical research (CHEM5020) with a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry. The one semester must be completed no sooner than the end of Spring Semester of the junior year or during the senior year. In addition to a passing grade in CHEM5030, a written report is required to complete the capstone requirement. This report is to be according to the format requested by the research supervisor. In addition, an oral presentation of the results must be made either to the committee comprised of the research supervisor and a second faculty member of his or her choosing, or at a poster session or talk at a meeting. The research director will certify successful completion of these requirements by his/her signature on the Capstone Completion Certification Form. This form will be given to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
  3. B.S. in Biochemistry (BIOC): The capstone requirement for the B.S. in Biochemistry may be satisfied either by one semester of undergraduate research, CHEM5030, with a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry or one semester of Senior Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM5040L). The one semester must be completed no sooner than the end of Spring Semester of the junior year or during the senior year. In addition to a passing grade in CHEM5030 or 5040L, a written report is required to complete the capstone requirement. This report is to be according to the format requested by the research supervisor or course instructor. In addition, for CHEM5030, an oral presentation of the results must be made either to the committee comprised of the research supervisor and a second faculty member of his or her choosing, or at a poster session or talk at a meeting. The requirements for CHEM5040L will be communicated by the instructor in the course. The research director or instructor will certify successful completion of these requirements by his/her signature on the Capstone Completion Certification Form. This form will be given to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
  4. B.A. in Chemistry with a concentration in Biological Chemistry (BACHM-BIO): The capstone requirement for the B.A. in Chemistry with a concentration in Biological Chemistry may be satisfied either by one semester of undergraduate research, CHEM5030, with a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry or one semester of Senior Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM5040L). The one semester must be completed no sooner than the end of Spring Semester of the junior year or during the senior year. In addition to a passing grade in CHEM5030 or 5040L, a written report is required to complete the capstone requirement. This report is to be according to the format requested by the research supervisor or course instructor. In addition, for CHEM5030, an oral presentation of the results must be made either to the committee comprised of the research supervisor and a second faculty member of his or her choosing, or at a poster session or talk at a meeting. The requirements for CHEM5040L will be communicated by the instructor in the course. The research director or instructor will certify successful completion of these requirements by his/her signature on the Capstone Completion Certification Form. This form will be given to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.