Chemistry (PHD)

About this programme

The Ph.D. in Chemistry provides students with in depth knowledge of a focused area of Chemistry or Biochemistry, and requires that students complete an independent, scholarly research project with results worthy of publication in the peer reviewed scientific literature. This degree prepares students for a variety of different career paths, including research and development in industry or government, intellectual property law, technical consulting and also faulty positions at universities and colleges. Course work is usually completed within the first two years of study. Students typically complete the requirements for candidacy, which consist of a series of examinations in the major area based on a reading assignments from the recent literature and an original research proposal, by the end of their second year. Later years are devoted to the completion of a research project and the publication of the results from the project. Candidates must write and defend a thesis describing their research as the final degree requirement.