Course Requirements

All chemistry Ph.D. students are expected to complete the following courses by their 4th semester of study:

• Introduction to Research (CHEM 720)
• Scientific Integrity (MICR 720)
• Advanced Survey of Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 725)
• Advanced Survey of Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 732)
• Advanced Survey of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 741)
• Advanced Survey of Physical Chemistry (CHEM 759)

Additional coursework may be required on the plan of study by your PhD/thesis committee.

A short description of CHEM courses is available at the University Catalog.

All biochemistry Ph.D. students are expected to complete the following courses by their 4th semester of study:

• Introduction to Research (CHEM 720)
• Scientific Integrity (MICR 720)
• Methods of Biochemical Research (BIOC 673)
• Methods of Recombinant DNA Technology (BIOC 674)
• Comprehensive Biochemistry I (BIOC 701)
• Comprehensive Biochemistry II (BIOC 702)

Additional coursework may be required on the plan of study by your PhD/thesis committee.

A short description of BIOC courses is available at the University Catalog.

In the first semester of study, you will select three research groups for a 3-week rotation in each of the group, as a part of the CHEM-720 course.

During your rotation, you will experience the culture of each research group, and should familiarize yourself with the expectations of a potential supervisor. At the end of each rotation, you are required to write a one-page summary of your research in that group. After the third rotation, you will discuss joining one of the three research labs by mutual consent. In the event that you find no appropriate lab to join, it is possible to participate in a fourth rotation.

Following selection of a research lab, your supervisor will advise you on selection of a Ph.D./thesis committee. This committee must consist of one member from outside the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and one member from outside of your division within the Department.

Your advisor and committee selection must be finalized by the end of the second semester by submitting a plan of study to the Graduate School.