Organic Chemistry
In addition to the normal Graduate School and Departmental requirements, students in the organic division must meet the following requirements:
- Each student is required to take at least one 3-hour 500-level course in Biochemistry.
- A research adviser should then be chosen during the second semester. It is appropriate to ask a faculty member for a chance to have a short rotation in his/her laboratory. Note: A research advisor does not need to be in the organic division for consideration.
- The preliminary examination consists of a written examination and an oral examination. The written examination is scheduled as necessary. This examination will test general background in organic or bioorganic chemistry as well as areas related specifically to the student's area of specialty. As an aid to students preparing for their preliminary examinations, a suggested reading list may be obtained from the each faculty member on the student’s committee. The oral examination will be presented by the student’s committee and will focus upon a written research proposal. This proposal may be in an area related to the student's dissertation research, but must extend beyond the expected scope of the dissertation and be original. This requirement must be met by the end of the sixth semester, but preferably by the end of the second year. The oral exam forms part of the Graduate School requirements. A representative of the graduate school is present for this exam.
- Each student must present one seminar each year. The organic faculty member currently in charge of Chem 594 must approve seminar topics. Chem 594 (seminar) must be taken every spring for credit.
- The final examination consists of the presentation and defense of the student's dissertation. This presentation will be conducted in the form of an open public seminar, which will be immediately followed by a closed meeting with the dissertation committee, and the representative of the Graduate School.