Mar 28, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2013-2015 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2013-2015 [Archived Catalog]

Chemistry (Ph.D.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study by Academic Unit

 

Program Overview: Candidates for a graduate degree from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio University must demonstrate the ability to plan, execute, evaluate, and communicate original chemical research. Candidates are expected to develop specialized research skills in order to carry out this work effectively. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a comprehensive graduate program that spans all five traditional disciplines of chemistry (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical). Within these five areas, the department boasts particular research strengths in cancer research, chemometrics, forensic chemistry, mass spectrometry, medicinal chemistry, materials chemistry, nanoscience and nanomedicine, nucleic acid research, protein engineering, and spectroscopy. The Ph.D. program requires 90 graduate credits in chemistry and approved electives. A seminar course is required each semester, and students must present one satisfactory seminar each year beyond the first year of study. Ph.D. candidates must submit and orally defend a dissertation research proposal to their dissertation committee before the sixth week of the fourth semester of study (Spring semester of the second year). Ph.D. students must present their dissertation orally at a public meeting followed by an oral defense held before the students’ dissertation committee. There is no foreign language requirement for the Ph.D. The average period of study is four and one-half years.

Admissions Policy: Minimum TOEFL 79 (IBT) or IELTS 6.5. All graduate students new to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will be required to take competency examinations in Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry. The exams will be taken from the current American Chemical Society exam sequence, unless a division decides to generate and grade its own exam. All who score in the 50th percentile or greater on a standardized examination demonstrate competence in that area. Each student must pass a total of three (3) out of five (5) competency exams taken including one in the area chosen as the students¿ major during the first year of graduate study. The exams will be offered three times during the year in September, January, and June. Alternately, competency can be demonstrated by passing at a level of B or better one 500 level course in three of the five areas (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical). One of the three courses can be in the student’s major area but the other two must be outside of the student’s major area and must be in the other areas of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical). General/review courses will be offered each fall at the 500 level in each research area of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical). Students failing to meet the competency requirement during their first year of graduate study may lose their financial support until competency is demonstrated or may be removed from the program at the discretion of the Graduate Committee.

Change Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

Transfer Policy: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities: Graduates with a Ph.D. in chemistry typically pursue academic careers (typically following post-doctoral appointments) and R&D positions at chemical and pharmaceutical companies.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study by Academic Unit