Question regarding undergrad research?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

lilmiscassie92

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Mar 14, 2010
Messages
70
Reaction score
11
My pre-med adviser told me I shouldn't even THINK about research until after completing both semesters of organic chemistry. Has anyone else been told the same thing? I am taking organic chem in the fall and spring of this coming school year, so I'm not sure if I should wait or take the research opportunity I was given by one of my professors. I would be doing research for a minimum of 3 semesters under her though, and my adviser is strongly against it. Thank you in advanced!
 
That's the first I've ever heard of advice like that. Does orgo play a big role in your potential research experience? If not, I really don't think having orgo experience (or not) will matter.

Maybe orgo is a super weed-out course at your university. Perhaps your adviser doesn't want you to be "pot-committed" until you're sure you can succeed in the pre-med courses? Dunno, either way, I say go for it.
 
The lab I worked in I started in my Junior year. However, we had people that had started their freshman year and stuck with it throughout all four years. Not entirely sure why you shouldn't start research until after organic. Maybe it is so you have learned a fair amount of lab procedures, but you can always learn those in lab.
 
Don't listen to your pre-med advisor. It screwed me over big time. If you want to pursue research then do it. The work that you will be doing as an underclassman won't involve too much thinking or analyzing. A lot of it may be bench/busy work.
 
Top