Chemistry, Ph.D.
Credits: 72
CIP Code: 400501
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Chemistry is for those students that wish to gain the skills to propose and conduct research in Chemistry.
Admissions Requirements
Program Objectives
- Emphasize the multidisciplinary aspects of physical and molecular sciences.
- Promote the development of the skills required for scientific inquiry, writing and presentation.
- Provide opportunities for students to gain academic teaching and research experiences that will prepare them for scholarly and productive endeavors.
- Train scientists and scholars to perceive fundamental problems in areas of chemistry; and to investigate them successfully.
- Prepare Ph.D. level students for postdoctoral research or academic teaching positions in academic, scientific or other industries.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Chemistry will:
- Conduct independent and collaborative research to prepare proposals for fellowship and funding, and scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.
- Communicate effectively scientific research in written and oral formats to scientific and non-scientific audiences at professional conferences and other academic venues.
- Teach laboratory classes in introductory chemistry.
- Practice professional ethical standards in the conduct of scientific experiment, inquiry, scholarly research and teaching.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the General Degree Requirements as published in this Catalog, students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Chemistry are required to complete a minimum of forty-two (42) graduate credits in residence. Minimum departmental degree requirements are core course requirements plus additional coursework as defined by the division: analytical, physical, inorganic, organic, polymer or biochemistry.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| CCHE 521 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CCHE 531 | Mechanistic Organic Chem I | 3 |
| CCHE 541 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CCHE 512 | Instrumental Methods | 3 |
| CCHE 542 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| CCHE 532 | Organic Synthesis | 3 |
| Area of Concentration Core | ||
| Select courses per area of concentration: | 3-9 | |
| Organic Chemistry Concentration | ||
| Physical Organic Chemistry | ||
| Biochemistry Concentration | ||
| Advanced Biochemistry I | ||
| Advanced Biochemistry II | ||
| Polymer Concentration | ||
| Intro to Polymer Chemistry | ||
| Techniques in Polymer Chem | ||
CCHE 573 | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select up to six credits depending on the concentration | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 27-33 | |
Research Dissertation: Variable Credits
Depending on the concentration
Qualifying Examinations
- For Bachelor's Degree Entrants: Three General Qualifying Examinations and one Advanced Qualifying Examination by the end of the second year. Qualifying Examinations in the field of specialization by the end of the third year.
- For Master's Degree Entrants: An advanced Qualifying Examination by the end of the first year. Qualifying Examinations in the field of specialization by the end of the second year.
- For Biochemistry Majors: Exemption from the general comprehensive examination in inorganic chemistry.
Independent Proposal Requirement
All students must produce and successfully defend an independent research proposal in an area that is not equivalent to their area of research.
Final Examination
- The final examination is the production and successful defense of the research
(Organic) Chemistry, Ph.D.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| CCHE 521 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CCHE 531 | Mechanistic Organic Chem I | 3 |
| CCHE 541 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CCHE 512 | Instrumental Methods | 3 |
| CCHE 542 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| CCHE 532 | Organic Synthesis | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| CCHE 7X0 | Research in Chemistry | 6 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CCHE 533 | Physical Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CCHE 7X0 | Research in Chemistry | 6 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CCHE 637 | Adv Topic in Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CCHE 7X0 | Research in Chemistry | 6 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| CCHE 7X0 | Research in Chemistry | 6 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Third Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CCHE 7X0 | Research in Chemistry | 9 |
| CCHE 508 | Seminar in Chemistry 1 | 0 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CCHE 508 | Seminar in Chemistry 1 | 1 |
| CCHE 901 | Dissertation Consultation | 1 |
| CCHE 7X0 | Research in Chemistry | 7 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 66 | |
- 1
Required of all graduate students and must be taken for two semesters to earn one hour of credit.