Requirements for the
Doctor of Philosophy
Program of Study
A balanced program of study will be prepared by the student and the graduate studies committee. In general, students will be required to take a minimum of six graduate-level courses, of which one must be outside the student's field of research. If a student fails to pass a placement examination, a graduate course in that area of chemistry must be passed before the end of the second year. A list of courses appropriate for this purpose is available upon request. For students entering with a master's degree or the equivalent, two to four courses may be transferred for credit. It is expected that doctoral students will choose a research advisor during the first year.
Placement and Evaluation of Progress
Each student is expected to demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of undergraduate chemistry in placement examinations in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. These examinations are set twice a year, before the start of each term. The results of these examinations will determine the student's initial program of course work and will be considered by the graduate studies committee in evaluating the student's progress.
Readmission to the PhD degree program will be based on the student's record in course work during the first year and his or her performance on the placement examinations. Further progress will be evaluated on a yearly basis by the graduate studies committee.
Qualifying Examinations
The graduate student must demonstrate proficiency by taking the doctoral qualifying examinations in his or her major field: organic, physical, or inorganic chemistry. In the organic chemistry program, a cumulative examination procedure is used. Each year, six one-hour examinations (on unannounced topics) are given. The qualifying examination requirement is satisfied by passing six cumulative exams. In physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, the student is assigned a set of propositions generally during the third term of graduate work. In physical chemistry the set consists of three propositions; the student takes a written examination on one proposition and is examined orally on all three. In inorganic chemistry the student is assigned two propositions. The student takes a written examination on one proposition and is examined orally on a research proposal (supplied either by the student or faculty) and the remaining proposition. Students in all fields must maintain satisfactory progress by passing these examinations.
Residence Requirement
The minimum residence requirement is three years.
Seminar
Each student in residence is required to attend and participate in the seminar in their chosen major throughout the period of graduate study. Each student is expected to present two seminars during their residence.
Teaching Requirement
It is required that all graduate students participate in undergraduate teaching during the course of their studies.
Library Training Requirement
All graduate students are required to complete a designated library training program in their first year.
Dissertation and Defense
A dissertation is required that describes the results of an original investigation and demonstrates the competence of the candidate in independent investigation, critical ability, and effectiveness of expression. The student must successfully defend the dissertation in a final oral examination.