PhD in Chemistry/Biotechnology

The Department of Chemistry, jointly with the Biotechnology Center, offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry/Biotechnology. This degree is ideal for those preparing for careers in research which span both chemical science and biotechnology.

Course Requirements and Policies

• PhD candidates must complete a total of seven graduate level courses (course numbered between 100 and 294, inclusive, but not including 191, 192, and 293: Professional Skills in Chemical Research) with a grade of B- or better.
• The seven courses include those taken to fulfill the core distribution requirement plus two additional graduate-level courses in chemistry or biotechnology. The course requirement must be fulfilled by the end of the fourth academic semester. 
• Graduate courses taken in related fields outside the Chemistry Department or Biotechnology Center must first be approved by the research advisor.
• First-year students are required to take year-long course Chem 291 (Fall) and Chem 292 (Spring): Professional Skills in Chemical Research.
• First-year students are required to register for Chem 281 (Fall) and Chem 282 (Spring): Seminars in Chemistry. All PhD students are required to attend the departmental seminar series to broaden their exposure to many of the current areas of research activity.
• All graduate PhD students are required to serve in a teaching capacity for a minimum of one semester. Two semesters are strongly recommended. Students serving as teaching assistants should register for Chem 405: Grad Teaching Assistant. TA support is contingent upon adequate performance and full cooperation with the instructor of the course and the Manager of Chemical Labs