The Chemistry Research Academy provides students with the foundational knowledge to understand the cutting-edge research of Penn Chemistry, while providing opportunities to hear and learn directly from several of the research professors and students.

Non-credit

Residential

Accepts International Students

Financial Aid

Final project

Application fee waiver

Penn Chemistry is a leading center for molecular research and instruction, whose researchers are at the frontier of modern chemistry, tackling a wide variety of important societal challenges.
Specific topics included in the Academy will be derived from departmental research goals.

1 - Hands-on laboratory experience (~50% of class time):

• Analytical techniques like spectroscopy and gas chromatography
  
• Optimization of synthetic methods using experimentation
  
• Open-ended laboratory challenges

2 - Research lectures (topics will vary):

• Introduction to nanoscale materials
  
• Chemical protein modification to study disease
  
• Chemistry of the rare earth metals
  
• Applications of coordination complexes

3 - Classroom learning:

• Chemical bonding principles in organic and coordination chemistry
  
• Analytical techniques – why and how they work
  
• Materials science fundamentals and applications

4 - Tours (tour availability will vary):

• Science History Institute
  
• Singh Center for Nanomaterials
  
• Department research labs

5 - Skills for independent research:

• Finding, using, and understanding research articles
  
• Capstone project including steps to begin an independent research project.

Meeting times: Monday – Friday. 6 instructional hours and a 1-hour lunch break each day. Homework will vary based on the day’s activities and will average no more than 1 hour/night of formal work.

Research: This is an instructional program where students build research skills and meet professors and students who are active in a broad range of chemistry-related research. The program does not involve placement into a research group.

In the lab: Approximately half of the instructional time involves students working in the chemistry lab. Here, students will learn about different types of chemical instrumentation while testing out their research skills using open-ended lab investigations. Collaboration and peer review activities allow students to deepen their understanding and skills throughout the program.

In the classroom: When not working in the lab, students will be engaged in learning via

• Topic lessons and interactive activities
  
• Large- and small-group discussions
  
• Presentations to peers
  
• Research lectures by professors or students
  
• Journal Clubs with research students
  
• Tours of research labs and spaces
  

Capstone project: Throughout the academy, students will be guided through a process to choose and plan their own independent research project using Penn’s extensive online resources. They will leave with a plan they can use for entering a science fair or for meeting their high school’s independent research requirements.

Chemistry Research Academy

Jul 06 - Jul 27

3 weeks

Residential

9700 USD

Tuition for 2024 - TBA.
2023 Summer Academies tuition:
Chemistry Research Academy: $9,700.
There is a $1,500 nonrefundable deposit for all programs. There is also a nonrefundable application fee of $75, payable by credit card through our online application system.

On-campus program fees include: Use of Penn academic facilities, on-campus housing, three meals a day Monday–Friday, two meals on Sunday (no meals Saturday due to excursions/activities), extracurricular activities and trips, and student supervision.

On-campus program fees DO NOT include: Non-refundable $75 application fee, travel to/from campus, airport transfers, gym access (may be available for an additional fee); linens; class materials; meals eaten off campus; medical expenses; laundry; souvenirs; and personal spending money.

Financial Aid

If you attend a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school you may be eligible to attend a Penn Summer Academy free of charge with a Penn Summer Scholarship.

Application fee waiver
Any applicant from the School District of Philadelphia who attends a public or charter school or one of the following organizations is eligible for an application fee waiver. Applicants indicating that they are from the School District of Philadelphia will automatically have the application fee waived.
Eligible organizations include:
Achievement First
Amerigo Education
Minds Matter
Philadelphia Futures
Schuler Scholars Foundation
If your organization would like to have a conversation about initiating a partnership with our office, please email [email protected] to set up an informational meeting.