UCI Chemistry Field Studies Program, Chemistry 197

Restricted to current UCI undergraduate Chemistry majors who are juniors and seniors in good academic standing with a minimum overall UCI GPA of 2.8.

The UCI Field Studies in Chemistry Program is an industrial internship program for UC Irvine undergraduate chemistry majors who have completed their sophomore year.  This program has three goals: 

  1. Provide opportunities for undergraduate majors to experience research and development in a company, and in an area of chemistry, that interests them.  
  2. Open doors for students to obtain longer term employment.
  3. Enable students to gain knowledge and experience with instrumental methods, chemical processes, etc. that may not be included in the Chemistry curriculum.

Chemistry 197: Independent Study is the course that will provide participants of the UCI Field Studies in Chemistry Program with course credit for their internship. 

Grading: Pass/No Pass. Based on the supervisor's evaluation of the student's work, and the quality of the student's written summary, required at the end of each quarter.

Credit: 4 units per quarter (maximum of 12 units can be taken for credit).

Independent Study Requirements

  • 30 hours of independent study per quarter = 1 unit of academic credit.

  • Hours worked before the first day of placement period will not be credited toward the field work requirement.

  • An evaluation form from the independent study supervisor verifying completion of field site requirements and assessing the quality of their field work.

  • All independent study sites must be approved by Director Prof. Blum in order to receive academic credit.

Steps for Enrolling in Chem 197

  1. Get an internship.  See the list of prospective employers on this page.  

  2. Submit an Independent Study Application to the Department for approval.

  3. If your internship is approved, the Department will provide authorization to enroll in Chem 197 via email.  

  4. Enroll in Chem 197 and start your internship.

Note: Students may not change their internships after the course enrollment deadline.

Introduction to the UCI Chemistry Field Studies Program

The Department of Chemistry is now offering Chem 197: Introduction to the UCI Chemistry Field Studies Program. This course is a .5 unit course that is a joint effort between the Department of Chemistry and Professor Suzanne Blum, Director, UCI Field Studies in Chemistry Program. The goal of this course is to prepare students to participate in the UCI Chemistry Field Studies Program by helping students to develop the skills needed to apply for an internship in chemistry and career positions after UCI. This course will be offered each quarter. As part of this course you will create or improve your resume and cover letter, develop a LinkendIn Profile, and conduct an informational interview. For additional information on this course please see the Fall 2019 course website: https://canvas.eee.uci.edu/courses/18916

Important Links for Students


Faculty Contact

Professor Suzanne A. Blum
Director, UCI Field Studies in Chemistry Program
Chemistry@uci.edu