Graduate Chemistry and Biochemistry Courses
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. All degree programs include teaching and research experience.
Although an undergraduate degree in chemistry accredited by the American Chemical Society provides the strongest foundation for graduate work, many successful students have held either a B.A. or B.S. in a physical or biological science or in engineering.
As an entering student, you take a standardized examination in the area of chemistry in which you have had appropriate undergraduate work (analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, or physical). The results determine the level at which you will begin graduate study. During the first year, you are expected to complete 90 lecture hours of graded coursework in your area of major interest and 90 lecture hours of graded elective course-work. Acceptable performance on the standardized examination can lead to an exemption for one or more of these courses. The program of study is flexible to take advantage of your previous training and to meet particular needs in your area of study.
The M.S. program requires 45 graduate credits in chemistry and approved electives. A seminar course is required each quarter, and you must present one satisfactory seminar each year. An examination is given after one year of study to determine if you are qualified to continue graduate work. Failure of this examination may lead to a decision that you cannot receive an M.S. There is no foreign language requirement for the M.S. The average period of study is two and one-half years. You must defend your thesis orally at a public meeting of your advisory committee. In lieu of a thesis, you may submit a paper that has been accepted for publication in an approved journal.
The Ph.D. program has no fixed number of required graduate credits but requires a minimum of 90 lecture hours of Ph.D.-level courses in your major area and 90 lecture hours of elective courses. You, your advisor, and your advisory committee will determine the course-work that you should complete. A yearly meeting of your committee is required. Your major advisor will determine the amount of research required for the dissertation. A seminar course is required each quarter, and you must present a satisfactory seminar each year. A qualifier examination is given after approximately one year of study to determine if you should continue in the program. A failure of this examination may lead to a decision that you cannot receive a graduate degree. During the second year of the Ph.D. program, you take monthly examinations on subjects announced in advance by faculty in your research area. Four of the first 10 examinations offered must be passed for the Ph.D. You must also present and defend a written research proposal. There is no foreign language requirement for the Ph.D. You must defend your dissertation orally at a public meeting of your advisory committee. Before the dissertation can be approved, a portion must have been accepted for publication in an approved journal. The average period of study for the Ph.D. is four and one-half years.
You must apply at least two weeks prior to the quarter for which you seek admission. Most students enter the chemistry program in the fall quarter. Entry during the academic year is possible but not generally encouraged. Although there is no formal deadline for applications for financial aid, early application (by February 15 for fall quarter) is strongly recommended.
University Publications and Computer Services revised this file (https://www.ohio.edu/~gcat/99-01/areas/chem.htm) December 7, 2000.
Please e-mail comments or suggestions to "gcat@www.ohiou.edu."