Undergraduate Awards

• Christopher Knapper Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance (from the Centre for Teaching and Learning), the Alma Mater Society of Queen's University shall honour several teaching assistants who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the education of students of Queen's University.
• The Educational Excellence Teaching Assistant Award is awarded by the Engineering Society to the most deserving Teaching Assistant in any given year in Applied Science. In the eyes of the students they taught, this person will have brought concepts to life, encouraged questions and interaction, and dedicated themselves to improving the quality of undergraduate education through their actions and commitment.

Each year, the Department of Chemistry shall honour Teaching Assistants who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the education of undergraduate chemistry students of Queen's University.

These awards are presented to Teaching Assistants:

• The William Patrick Doolan Award; approximate value $500, will be awarded to the laboratory Teaching Assistant in 1^st year courses who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the education of chemistry students in first year laboratory chemistry.

• The Fisher Scientific Award; approximate value $500, will be awarded to the Teaching Assistant who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the education of chemistry students.

• The David Thomas Award for 2nd Year Synthetic Laboratory, approximate value $500, will be awarded to laboratory Teaching Assistants in 2^nd year courses who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the education of chemistry students in a laboratory setting.

• The Friends of Chemistry TA Award, approximate value $500, will be awarded to the Teaching Assistant, either graduate student or upper year undergraduate student, in a chemistry course who has demonstrated an outstanding influence on the quality of student learning.

Nomination Criteria

In order to be eligible for the award, each TA must be a graduate student (or upper year undergraduate student for the Friends of Chemistry TA Award) at Queen’s University who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the education of undergraduate students enrolled in a chemistry or an applied science chemistry course at Queen's. TAs are nominated by students who are enrolled in chemistry or applied science and/or a professor at Queen's University. Eligible candidates will be TAs who directly contribute to the learning experience of undergraduate students through help desk, leadership of tutorial or laboratory sessions, or by providing individual student academic assistance. A TA is eligible to receive one award in any specific academic year.

Nomination Procedure

Nominations will be made in the following way:

Students will have an opportunity to nominate their TA by completing an online TA nomination form through the course onQ site (or available here TA nomination form).  This evaluation should contain persuasive and compelling reasons why the TA deserves special recognition. The name of the TA and courses taught by the TA must be included in the nomination document.

Professors who have worked with a TA may write a letter of support for any nominee or may voice their support in a selection committee meeting.

Selection Process

Each of the Awards for Excellence in Teaching Assistance will be determined by a committee consisting of the TA Awards Committee. The committee will review all nomination packages and determine award winning Teaching Assistants by taking into consideration all information received from both students and professors. All decisions are final.

In general, the following criteria are examined when determining award winners:

• Excellent background preparation and solid knowledge of theory covered
• Good hands-on skills with lab equipment and instruments
• Great communication skills, especially the ability to explain complex subjects
• Ability and willingness to troubleshoot problems experienced by undergraduate students
• Great interpersonal skills - you should be approachable and willing to help when contacted by undergraduates
• Dependable and organized.

Presentation of Award

Winners of each of the Teaching Assistant awards will receive the Department of Chemistry Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance at the Teaching Assistant Professional Activity Day in September of the following academic year. Each award will consist of a certificate presented by the Department of Chemistry and a monetary award.

1^st Year

The Richard M. Dale Scholarship

Established by the family, friends, and his former instructors in honour of Richard M. Dale, a distinguished graduate of Queen's University and an out­standing scholar until his death in 1982. Awarded annually to the student entering second year in a program offered by the Departments of Physics or Chemistry with the highest combined standing in PHYS 104 and CHEM 112; approximate value $1,800.

The Dr. William H. Nichols Prize in Chemistry 112

Founded by Mr. C. Walter Nichols in memory of his father, Dr. William H. Nichols. Awarded annually to a student in the attaining high standing in CHEM 112; approximate value $200.

2^nd Year

Dr. Erwin Buncel Scholarship in Organic Chemistry

Established in September 2008 by the family of Dr. Erwin Buncel, a distinguished professor of organic chemistry in the Department of Chemistry since 1962, in memory of Ignacz, Irena and Marta Buncel. Awarded to a student in an Honours Chemistry or Environmental Chemistry program (Faculty of Arts and Science), or Engineering Chemistry program (Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science), entering third year with the highest combined average standing in either CHEM 222 and CHEM 223 (Arts and Science), or ENCH 222 and ENCH 245 (Applied Science); approximate value $1,000.

The Solomon Lieff Prize in Physical Chemistry

Established in memory of the late Solomon Lieff, Arts 1946, by Mr. And Mrs. I. Lieff, Montreal, and the B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation of Queen's University. Awarded annually to the student obtaining the highest average standing in CHEM 212 and either CHEM 221 or CHEM 244; approximate value $40.

The Arthur Louden Scholarship in Chemistry

Established by the late Frances Drover Louden in memory of her husband Arthur Louden, B.A. (Honours) '30. Awarded to a student entering the third year of the B.Sc. program with a concentration in Chemistry based on the sub­jects of the concentration taken in the first and second years of the program, who does not have an award of higher value; approximate value $6,500.

R.T. Mohan Undergraduate Scholarships in Chemistry

Established by the estate of R.T. Mohan and awarded on the basis of academic excellence to students entering year three or year four in the Engineering Chemistry program in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science or Honours Chemistry in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Selection will be based upon a nomination by the Department of Chemistry to the Faculty of Arts and Science, Awards Committee or by nomination from the Department of Chemical Engineering to the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Operations Committee (Scholarships); approximate value $2,800.

The Robert Y. Moir Scholarship

Established by family, friends and former students as a memorial to Professor Robert Y. Moir, a dedicated teacher of Chemistry for over 40 years. Awarded to a student who has registered in the third year of a B.Sc.(Hons) program in Chemistry and has high academic standing in the courses required for the concentration; approximate value: $1,650.

The Dr. William H. Nichols Prize in Analytical Chemistry

Founded by Mr. C. Walter Nichols in memory of his father, Dr.William H. Nichols. Awarded annually to a student in the Faculty of Arts and Science or in the Faculty of Applied Science who has attained the highest standing in CHEM 213; approximate value $200.

3^rd Year

The Walter MacFarlane Smith Scholarship

Established by the family, friends and former students as a memorial to Professor Walter MacFarlane Smith. Awarded in the Fall to a student in the B.Sc.(Hons.) program in Chemistry, in the Faculty of Arts and Science, who has registered in the fourth year and has obtained the highest average in CHEM 313 and CHEM 322; approximate value $2,200.

The Susan Near Prizes in Chemistry

Founded by the late Susan Near of Toronto. Two prizes to be awarded, one to the student with the highest standing in CHEM 397, and one to the student in Applied Science with the highest standing in ENCH 398 or ENCH 399, provided that the mark obtained in each case is at least 80 per cent; approximate value $400.

The Alfred Bader Scholarship

Established by A. R. Bader, M.Sc. (Queen's), Ph.D. (Harvard). Awarded in October to a student in the Faculty of Arts and Science or in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science who has registered in the fourth year and obtained the highest grade in CHEM 311 or 345; approximate value $800.

Canadian Society for Chemistry Award

Given by the Canadian Society for Chemistry and awarded on the recommendation of the Department to the student with the highest standing on the work of the third year in the engineering chemistry program in the Faculty of Ap­plied Science or a program leading to an honours B.Sc. in Chemistry in the Faculty of Arts and Science; medal.

4^th Year

Departmental Medal

A medal is awarded annually by the University to the candidate graduating with a first-class honours degree who is deemed by the Department of Arts and Science to have achieved the highest standing in a concentration offered by the Department.

The Society of Chemical Industry Student Merit Award

Established by the Canadian Section of the Society of Chemical Industry to encourage scientific education in the universities and to recognize student achievement in scientific fields. Awards are given to students with the highest standing in the final year in each of the four fields of honours Chemistry, honours Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Engineering Chemistry, provided they have first-class averages and have completed their program in the normal number of years. The award is a plaque bearing the crest of the Chemical Industry and the winner’s name, program, University and year.

Walter MacFarlane Smith Prize in Chemistry

Established by friends of Walter MacFarlane Smith in recognition of his many contributions to Queen's University. Awarded annually to a graduating Honours Chemistry student in the Faculty of Arts and Science on the basis of outstanding achievement for a research project in CHEM 497.

North eastern Chemical Association Scholarship

Established by the North eastern Chemical Association, Inc. and awarded to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in Chemical Engineering, Engineering Chemistry or Chemistry on the basis of academic performance and interest in science issues. Students must submit a letter of application outlining goals, interests, career objectives and experience to the Head of their Department by 15 March, who will then forward nominations by 1 April to their respective Scholarship Committee; approximate value $3,800.

The G.B. Dyer/DuPont Canada Scholarships

Established by DuPont Canada Inc. to recognize the significant contribution of Gerry B.Dyer, B.Sc. '52, D.Sc. '94, to the improvement and advancement of science education. Two scholarships will be awarded, one to a male and one to a female, who are Canadian or permanent residents and entering the second year of study in the Departments of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Chemistry or Chemistry. Selection is based on high academic standing with consideration given to participation in the community or extra-curricular activities. In the case of students being equally eligible, financial need will be considered. Letters of application must be submitted by 1 June to the Heads of Departments of Chemical Engineering or Chemistry who will then forward nominations to their respective Scholarship Committee; approxmiate value: $1,700 each.

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)

These awards are for undergraduate students working as summer research assistants in laboratories of NSERC-funded faculty members. The awards are primarily based on academic merit.  The official minimum criterion for application is a B average, but in practice successful students usually have A averages. Approximately 14 NSERC USRAs are held in the department each summer.

Check the NSERC USRA site for the departmental application deadline. Application forms (Forms 201 and 202) may be downloaded from the NSERC web site. Completed applications are accepted at any time up to the deadline and should be handed in to the Undergraduate Assistant (Chernoff Hall, Room 200).  A short description of the research, written by a faculty member, is required as part of the application (Form 202). Consequently, a faculty member and project must be selected prior to submission of the application form; approximate value $4,500 + top-up from research supervisor.

Applications for bursaries are available on-line at: www.queensu.ca/studentawards/forms.html and must be submitted to the Associate University Registrar (Student Awards) prior to October 31. Funds will be distributed at the beginning of the Winter term.

The Department of Chemistry Bursary

Awarded on the basis of financial need to a student in the second, third, or fourth year of the Honours Chemistry program in the Faculty of Arts and Science or the Engineering Chemistry program in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

The Oren A. Earl Bursary

Established from a bequest by Oren A. Earl and awarded to an undergraduate student in an Honours B.Sc. program in Chemistry. The award will be based on academic achievement and financial need.  Preference will be given to a woman.

Chris Ingold Memorial Bursary in Chemistry

Established in November 2006 by members of the classes of Arts & Science 1980 and 1981 and awarded on the basis of financial need to students in second year in a Chemistry degree program (SSP, Major, or Medial) in the Faculty of Arts and Science.

The Arthur Louden Bursaries

Established by the late Frances Drover Louden in memory of her husband Arthur Louden, B.A. (Hon.)'30. Awarded on the basis of need to students registered in a B.Sc. program with a major concentration in biology, chemistry or physics.

Walter MacFarlane Smith Bursary

Established in April 2002 by family, friends and former students as a memorial to Professor Walter MacFarlane Smith and awarded to a student in the B.Sc.(Hon) program in Chemistry in the Faculty of Arts and Science on the basis of financial need.

The Robert and Margaret McIntosh Award

Established through the bequest of Robert and Margaret McIntosh and from generous gifts in their memory from family and Friends. Dr. Robert L. McIntosh (B.A. 1935 Dalhousie, M.Sc. 1936 McGill, Ph.D. 1939 McGill) was Head of the Chemistry Department (1961-1969), Associate Dean of Arts and Science (1969), and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies (1970-1979) at Queen’s University. He was also a distinguished scholar. Awarded on the basis of financial need and academic achievement to a student in the second or third year of an Honours B.Sc. program in Chemistry.

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards

Interested in a summer of exciting research at a great university?

Every year, the Department of Chemistry is awarded a number (10-20) of NSERC Undergraduate Summer Research Awards (USRA). These awards allow undergraduate students to spend the summer (May 1st - August 31st) doing research in the Department of Chemistry, Queen’s University under the supervision of a faculty member.

Eligibility for this program requires the student to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, to have an overall B- average (2.70 GPA at Queen's) and to be registered in an undergraduate program in the natural sciences or engineering. Any eligible and interested students should:

1. Contact a Chemistry Professor whose research matches her/his interests, and who is willing to supervise the student during the summer term. Please consult the list of Chemistry faculty by research fields .

2. Put together a description of a research project, in consultation with the professor. This information will be submitted as part of the student's application.

3. Log on to the NSERC website and fill out an application form (Form 202).  An official transcript will be required if a student is awarded an NSERC USRA.

   Note: Forms must be completed online (hand written applications will not be accepted).

4. Submit a printed copy of the application to the Undergraduate Assistant in the Main Office, Department of Chemistry by noon on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

5. Only one application per student to the Department of Chemistry.

The award is valued at $6,000 for a full 16-week work term. Professors who supervise award winners will supplement the award and students will receive a minimum total of $9,800.