General Information
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers MS and
Ph.D. programs in chemistry and biochemistry. Both the MS and Ph.D.
programs require the completion of an original research project and the
presentation and defense of a thesis (dissertation). The MS degree is
not a prerequisite for the Ph.D. The graduate program of study is
divided into the areas of biochemistry, analytical, physical, organic,
and inorganic chemistry. An active seminar program is viewed as an
essential component of the graduate educational process and provides
many opportunities for feedback and cross-fertilization of ideas from
different areas. Each year faculty members present an overview of their
research programs and highlight their latest discoveries. Students
participate each year by presenting either literature discussions or
seminars on their individual research projects. In addition, a number of
national and international scientists from both academia and industry
present talks during the year.
During the first semester of study, students discuss
potential research projects with several professors and then select
three research laboratories to rotate through for about one month. When
rotations are complete, students decide which research group they would
like to join. A supervisory committee, is selected by the student and
approved by the department head during the third quarter of residence.
The committee provides assistance in establishing the student's detailed
course of study, evaluating his or her progress towards a degree, and
lending additional assistance and direction as needed.