Candidates for the PhD with a major in chemistry entering with only a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 72 hours of course work.
A minimum of 18 hours of formal (lecture) courses are required above the proficiency level. The course requirements for the PhD degree require that a student complete core courses in two of the six traditional areas of chemistry, including the core course in their primary area of research. Students must complete four additional advanced courses (of which at least two must be in the Department of Chemistry). The student must maintain a B average or better in these six courses. This research must culminate in the writing of a dissertation of demonstrable scientific merit. No more than 9 semester credit hours of dissertation are applied to the degree, even though more dissertation hours may be accumulated. It is required that at least one paper on a topic related to the dissertation will have been accepted in or submitted to a peer-reviewed journal by the time of the oral defense.
Up to two of the six advanced courses may be in another department if the student’s PhD advisor and advisory committee approve.
After completion of the formal course work and the cumulative examination/qualifying examination sequence (CHEM 6010 ), the student will apply to the dean of the Toulouse Graduate School for admission to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. This should be done at least one year before graduation.
Analytical, Inorganic, Organic or Physical Chemistry; or Chemical Biology
Ph.D. students may complete a concentration in one of these areas by completing the core course in that area, taken from the list below, and by completing the Qualifying Examination (CHEM 6010) sequence in the departmental division corresponding to the area of concentration. The Qualifying Examination sequence requires enrollment in CHEM 6010 for two consecutive long semesters and completion of both written (cumulative) and oral examinations. Specific requirements for written and oral CHEM 6010 exams vary by area of concentration and will be communicated to students via written guidelines approved by the Chemistry Graduate Affairs Committee and the departmental divisions.
The core courses in each area are as follows: CHEM 5570 (Analytical Chemistry); CHEM 5710 (Inorganic Chemistry); CHEM 5500 (Organic Chemistry); CHEM 5210 (Physical Chemistry); and CHEM 6540 (Chemical Biology). Other courses may be substituted for these only with approval of the divisional faculty and the Chemistry Graduate Affairs Committee.
Chemistry Education
Applicants seeking a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a concentration in Chemistry Education must complete core courses in two of the six traditional areas of chemistry (including CHEM 5880 - Learning Theories and the core course in the student’s Area of Specialization). Additionally, a minimum of two Advanced/Special Topics courses must be taken, and both should be related to Chemistry Education and approved by the student’s research advisor. The remaining two required courses may come from either Advanced/Special Topics courses (such as an advanced course in a student’s Area of Specialization) and/or additional Core Courses. The student must maintain a B average or better in these six courses. As for other concentrations shown above, students proceed to doctoral candidacy after completing the Qualifying Examination sequence according to guidelines for the Chemistry Education division, including enrollment in CHEM 6010 for two semesters. Research must culminate in the writing of a dissertation of demonstrable scientific merit. No more than 9 semester credit hours of dissertation are applied to the degree, even though more dissertation hours may be accumulated. It is required that at least one paper on a topic related to the dissertation will have been accepted in or submitted to a peer-reviewed journal by the time of the oral defense.
