Graduate Programs
Degree Structure
Degrees
The department has separate Ph.D. programs in both Chemistry and Biochemistry. Both degree programs follow the outline of study below. Students may apply to either program through our online application.
Coursework
Entering Ph.D. candidates make their course selections with a faculty advisor based upon goals and interests of the individual student. The course load is flexible but typically students take six courses over the first two years of the program. Courses can also be audited at any time.
Teaching
Students are required to complete a minimum of two semesters as a teaching assistant (TA) during their degree. This requirement is normally met during the first year of the program. Duties as a TA vary (laboratory demonstrating, grading, recitation sections, office hours etc.) but are normally limited to between 8-12 hours per week.
Seminars
Several seminar programs complement the regular coursework. A student-led seminar series provides opportunities for students to gain experience in preparing and presenting talks as well as encouraging active discussion of current research topics. Students also attend weekly departmental seminars given by visiting scientists.
Original Research Proposal and Ph.D. Candidacy Examinations
During their second year each student writes and then orally defends an original research proposal on a topic of their choosing. Upon successful completion of this examination students then progress in their third year to take a Ph.D. candidacy examination based on their own research project. This process is designed to assess the progress and training of the individual student and provide an opportunity for feedback.
Advisor Selection and Research
A series of programs are in place to help with the advisor selection process: (i) a research perspectives course where all of the faculty briefly outline their research programs to the new student class, (ii) a laboratory rotation system where incoming students spend one month in each of three different research groups, and (iii) individual interviews with faculty. Graduate students normally choose their research advisors late in the first semester and begin active research the following semester. Research is then conducted on a continual basis until a thesis is written and defended, usually during the 5th year of study.
The departmental Guide to Graduate Studies can be downloaded for further details regarding the program.
