UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN RADIOCHEMISTRY - A 30-YEAR PERSPECTIVE

Students at the UniversitY of Kentucky are introduced to radiochemistr y through an introductory lecture course offered yearly. The course is designed to assure that juniors and seniors can master the fundamenta l concepts and are exposed to a variety of applications. Enrollment is typically 25-35 students, about 1/2 of whom are undergraduate chemist ry majors. The course prompts several students each year to elect unde rgraduate research projects in radiochemistry. Research is conducted u nder a course entitled ''Independent Work In Chemistry'' and may be el ected for up to 9 credits towards B.A. or B.S. degree requirements. St udents are required to present the results of their research as a writ ten report, and also in a seminar or an undergraduate research poster competition sponsored yearly by the department.