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PROGRAM
DETAILS
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The Graduate Program Timeline |
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First Year |
- Much of the first year of study
consists of course work that builds a broad background in chemistry.
- Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the core courses in
quantum chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry,
biochemistry and inorganic chemistry.
It is possible to demonstrate proficiency either by taking the
appropriate course or passing a placement examination.
- Graduate students also take advanced courses related to their specific
fields of specialization.
- Most students choose a research advisor and begin a research program
by the end of their first semester.
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| Second Year |
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A student is admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. by fulfilling the following
requirements: - Demonstration of knowledge of the core curriculum outlined above.
- Passing a specified number of progress examinations, given approximately
six times each academic year. These examinations are based on articles in the current literature and are
designed to encourage graduate students to keep up with the latest developments
in chemistry. In addition, they are a valuable tool for monitoring the expected
steady growth of a student's analytical and intellectual abilities.
- Developing teaching skills by assisting in undergraduate courses for at
least one year.
- Originating and presenting in both written and oral forms a research
proposal.
The essence of the graduate program is, however, the Ph.D. thesis research,
which is carried out in collaboration with a faculty thesis mentor. This work
must represent an original contribution to science and be worthy of publication.
The dissertatation describes before the chemistry faculty. The candidate has the
opportunity to present his/her work at the department colloquium.
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Fourth Year |
| - Students must submit
and defend a second research proposal as the last formal requirement for
the degree of doctor of philosophy before the dissertation. This
proposal should be unrelated to the student's thesis or group research.
Proposals are judged on originality, creativity, significance and
feasibility. |
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for the degree of doctor
of philosophy
The degree of doctor of philosophy is awarded as the
result of the demonstration of originality and scholarly achievement. It
demands intensive specialization in one field as well as broad knowledge of
related areas.
Course requirements are intended to achieve two basic goals. 1)
Acquisition of background knowledge. There is a central core of material
that is basic for all well-trained chemists. Therefore, graduate students are
initially expected to develop or demonstrate knowledge of an appropriate
one-semester course in each of the areas of organic chemistry, inorganic
chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and quantum chemistry. 2)
Continued scholarly growth. Graduate students are expected to take one
course or its equivalent every semester. This may be a regular advanced course
in chemistry or a related discipline, a seminar, or a tutorial designed to meet
the special needs of an individual student.
Progress examinations are given multiple times each academic
year. Based on articles in the current literature, these examinations are
designed to encourage graduate students to keep up with the latest developments
in chemistry. In addition, they are a valuable tool for monitoring the expected
steady growth of a student's ability to read the chemical literature critically
as well as identifying any areas where he or she is deficient.
Proposal
writing is one of the most important parts of the entire graduate
program in chemistry. Writing scientific proposals teaches evaluation of the
literature, integration of knowledge from several areas, formulation of
scientific questions, design of a research project to answer those questions,
scientific writing and the defense of a project proposal.
Teaching skills and assisting duties are given to each students as a
means of developing communication skills. As these develop, more responsible and
demanding tasks will be assigned whenever possible. Students are expected
to assist in courses for at least one year.
A one-hour seminar talk is expected of each student once a year. For
first-year graduate students, this seminar will be scheduled in the second
semester. At least two of these talks must be literature reviews of areas new to
the student. In addition, there will be a number of shorter, less formal talks
in classes, research group meetings, and special-interest discussion groups, all
of which will contribute to a student's ability to work up, organize, and
present a scientific topic.
Languages are a useful part of the scientist's total knowledge in many
ways. Therefore, a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language is
required, as well as a demonstrated proficiency in modern computer techniques.
The language requirement may be waived at the discretion of the committee.
The thesis research and dissertation – an original contribution worthy
of publication – is the single most important requirement. The candidate will
have the opportunity to present his or her work in a talk at the departmental
colloquium.
Click here
for further overview of the graduate program.
Click here
to contact the graduate committee coordinator.
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