Starting Master's in Fall -- How to Prepare?

[Justification]

I'm starting my Master's in Chemical Engineering this fall. I have no research experience from my undergrad. What is the best method of preparing for this? Would reading journals that relate to the area that I will be doing research be helpful?

[ANDS!]

Does your program even require you to do research?

[Justification]

Does your program even require you to do research?

Yes it's a research based masters.

[MaxiJaz]

I'm also starting in the fall, though coming from a biological sciences background, I've clocked up a few years of research now. My program that starts in the Fall requires me to have selected a research supervisor already. I got in touch with him, talked about potential research topics and he sent me a bucket load of papers to read. If you are in a similar position, I would recommend focusing on relevant readings so that you can focus on your research proposal early.

Research proposals take ages to formulate, and really give the first impression of how you are as a researcher to your supe and advisers. If you prepare for it early, it'll help you big time, while not having to cram all the intricacies of your research if preparing for a Q/A session with them, post research meetings.

You might also want to research potential funding options early as some deadlines are in Oct/Nov..so it'll be good to plan your course of attack.

[htrm]

Stock up on lots of coffee, or other caffeine product of your choice. Practice staying up all night and the next day. Read journal articles in your area and pay close attention to the formula they use (how the lit review is set up, what they discuss for the method of their research, what types of things they discuss in their conclusions and the order they are placed, etc.). Find out if there are particular computer programs you will have to use or language you will have to learn, and start familiarizing yourself with them. If you can get your hands on the old syllabi for the courses you will take, look them over and do some of the readings/activities they specify. Also, keep in mind that if you weren't capable of doing it, they would not have let you in (and no, you did not trick them into letting them in--unless you're a huge cheat, and if that's the case you still might be perfectly capable).