Introduction to Chemical Research - Guidelines for Success

This user-friendly student text presents a comprehensive and novel approach to preparation for chemical research. It can be adopted as a textbook for research courses, but also for individual study. The author provides both undergraduate and graduate students with the necessary information for launching a research study. Useful details such as ordering supplies and dealing with granting foundations are included. Even working with maintenance crews is discussed. The text saves research directors valuable time in the development of courses and it even highlights foundational material with examples and case studies from the research world. It serves as the 'go-to' text and first resource in the exciting field of chemical research.
Key Features

• An A-to-Z guide for anyone in chemical research, the text offers practical information grounded in scientific principles.
• Provides end-of-chapter problems for additional study.
• An inclusive international approach highlights contributions of scientists from around the world.
• An excellent, user friendly and thought-provoking presentation which will appeal to students with little or no science background.
• This text focuses on chemistry but is a valuable guide and resource for research in other sciences including biology, environmental science, geology, physics, and more.

List of contents

Unit I. The Five W's of Chemical Research. Chapter 1. The What of Chemical Research. Chapter 2. The Who of Chemical Research. Chapter 3. The Why of Chemical Research. Chapter 4. The When of Chemical Research. Chapter 5. The Where of Chemical Research. Unit II. The How of Chemical Research. Chapter 6. Graduate School: A Powerhouse for Chemical Research. Chapter 7. Ethics: An Essential Element of Chemical Research. Chapter 8. Safety: Another Essential Element of Chemical Research. Chapter 9. Hazardous Waste Management: Some Rules for Chemical Research. Chapter 10. Topic Selection: A Seed of Chemical Research. Chapter 11. The Scientific Method: A Foundation of Chemical Research. Chapter 12. Research Project Design: A Plan for Chemical Research. Chapter 13. Literature Searches: Ideas for Chemical Research. Chapter 14. Financial Support: Fuel for Chemical Research. Chapter 15. Procurement: Supplies for Chemical Research. Chapter 16. The Laboratory Notebook: An Invaluable Tool for Chemical Research. Chapter 17. Data Collection: The Harvest of Chemical Research. Chapter 18. Teamwork: Collaboration for Chemical Research. Unit III. The Communication of Chemical Research. Chapter 19. Data Analysis: The Product of Chemical Research. Chapter 20. Sharing Chemical Research: Written Presentations. Chapter 21. Sharing Chemical Research: Spoken Presentations. Unit IV. The Impact of Chemical Research. Chapter 22. The Baconian Dream Realized: The Fruition of Chemical Research. Unit V. Epilogue. Chapter 23. Public Perceptions and Final Reminders: The Frontier of Chemical Research. Appendix A: Some Useful Chemical Research Forms. Appendix B Biographical Notes: Shining Stars Supporting Chemical Research. Appendix C Glossary: Helpful Terms for Chemical Research.

About the author

Ruth Ann Murphy, PhD, earned a BS in Chemistry and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin with additional graduate studies in Organic Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After teaching appointments in Chemistry at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, and the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, she served as Chemistry Coordinator and Assistant Professor at the University of Albuquerque. As Professor of Chemistry, she then chaired the Division of Science and Math at Howard Payne University, Brownwood, Texas. This was followed by a teaching appointment at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB), Belton, Texas, where she continues as tenured Professor of Chemistry. At UMHB she has served as Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Geology; Amy LeVesconte Professor of Chemistry; Chair of the Health Professions Advisory Committee; Director of the Campus Recycling Program; and Principal Investigator for the Robert A. Welch Foundation of Houston chemical research grant. She has served as Chair of the Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, and is a member of the Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions and the American Chemical Society including the Division of Chemical Education, Division of Chemical Health and Safety, and Division of Fluorine Chemistry. She is the author of Environmental Chemistry in the Lab, and co-author with Dr. James Beard of Environmental Chemistry in Society, Third Edition, both published in 2022 by CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL. Dr. Murphy enjoys introducing her students to chemical research and developing studies for them which align with their individual interests.

Product details

• Authors: Ruth Ann Murphy
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 09.04.2026
• EAN: 9781032463285
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3246328-5
• No. of pages: 280
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Technology > Chemical engineering; SCIENCE / Chemistry / Industrial & Technical, SCIENCE / Chemistry / General, MEDICAL / Biochemistry, SCIENCE / Chemistry / Physical & Theoretical, biochemistry, chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial chemistry and chemical engineering, Chemical physics