Chemistry

Subject abbreviation: CHEM College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Jingsong Zhang, Ph.D., Chair Leonard Mueller, Ph.D., Vice Chair Department Office, 248 Chemical Sciences

• (951) 827-3789; chem.ucr.edu

Distinguished Professors Michael Pirrung, Ph.D. Francisco Zaera, Ph.D. Professors Christopher J. Bardeen, Ph.D. Ludwig Bartels, Ph.D. Quan “Jason” Cheng, Ph.D. Eric L. Chronister, Ph.D. Pingyun Feng, Ph.D. Ryan Julian, Ph.D. Cynthia K. Larive, Ph.D. Thomas H. Morton, Ph.D. Leonard J. Mueller, Ph.D. Christopher Y. Switzer, Ph.D. Kathryn Uhrich, Ph.D. Yinsheng Wang, Ph.D. Yadong Yin, Ph.D. Jingsong Zhang, Ph.D. Wenwan Zhong, Ph.D. Professors Emeriti David F. Bocian, Ph.D. Walter J. Deal, Ph.D. Everly B. Fleischer, Ph.D. George K. Helmkamp, Ph.D. François Mathey, Ph.D. M. Mark Midland, Ph.D. Robert C. Neuman, Jr., Ph.D. William H. Okamura, Ph.D. William H. Orttung, Ph.D. James N. Pitts, Jr., Ph.D. Dallas L. Rabenstein, Ph.D. Christopher A. Reed, Ph.D. Michael F. Rettig, Ph.D. Donald T. Sawyer, Ph.D. Hartland H. Schmidt, Ph.D. Gary W. Scott, Ph.D. Charles L. Wilkins, Ph.D. Richard M. Wing, Ph.D. Associate Professors Gregory J.O. Beran, Ph.D. Chia-en A. Chang, Ph.D. Richard Hooley, Ph.D. De-en Jiang, Ph.D. Catharine Larsen, Ph.D. Vincent Lavallo, Ph.D. Michael J. Marsella, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors Matthew Conley, Ph.D. Boniface Fokwa, Ph.D. Joseph Genereux, Ph.D. W. Hill Harman, Ph.D. David Martin, Ph.D. Ming Lee Tang, Ph.D. Min Xue, Ph.D. Haofei Zhang, Ph.D. ** Lecturer with Security of Employment Jack Eichler, Ph.D. Lecturer with Potential for Security of Employment Matthew Casselman, Ph.D. Cooperating Faculty Roya Bahreini, Ph.D. (Atmospheric Science) Richard J. Debus, Ph.D. (Biochemistry) Juan Pablo Giraldo (Plant Physiology) Jocelyn G. Millar, Ph.D. (Entomology) Mihri Ozkan, Ph.D. (Electrical and Computer Engineering) Valentine Vullev, Ph.D. (Bioengineering)

The Department of Chemistry offers a B.S. and B.A. degree in Chemistry and a B.S. in Chemistry with a Chemical Physics option or an Environmental Chemistry option.

The B.S. program is certified by the American Chemical Society and is designed for students interested in a professionally oriented major leading most often to a career or advanced study in chemistry.

The B.A. program is designed for students who wish to obtain a broad educational background with less intensive emphasis on chemistry. In this program, students have increased ease in meeting requirements for such areas as premedical, predental, or prepharmaceutical science; education; and administration. Check careers.ucr.edu.

A Chemical Physics option is available for students who wish to prepare for admission to a graduate program in chemical physics.

The Environmental Chemistry option is available for students who wish to become familiar with environmental processes and problems related to air, water, and soil, and to apply their chemical knowledge working in environmental- related areas. This option also prepares students for admission to a graduate program emphasizing environmental chemistry.

Pre-Health Science Chemistry majors in either the B.S. or B.A. programs can prepare for admission to medical, pharmacy, or dental schools by carefully planning their programs of study. Students planning to apply for post- graduate studies in the health sciences should make it a special point to consult with their Chemistry advisor early in their studies at UCR. Check hpac.ucr.edu.

Teachers in the public schools in California must have a credential approved by the State Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The credential requires an undergraduate major, baccalaureate degree, and completion of a graduate credential program such as that offered by the Graduate School of Education at UCR (see Education in this catalog and education.ucr.edu).

UCR has an approved undergraduate program for Chemistry majors who plan to get a Multiple Subjects Credential and teach in the elementary (K-6) grades. A breadth of course work is necessary, in addition to the specified requirements for the major. Students are urged to start early, preferably as freshmen, selecting courses most helpful for this career. Details and counseling on the Bridge to Teaching Program, a preparation program for the multiple subjects credential, are available in the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs, 3111 Interdisciplinary Building South (INTS),

• (951) 827-1584; lsnid.ucr.edu. Details and

counseling on other programs are available in the Graduate School of Education and education.ucr.edu/programs.html.

UCR does not yet have a state-approved undergraduate program for chemistry majors who wish to teach at the secondary level. The Teaching Credential in Science, chemistry emphasis, is required for chemistry teachers, grades 7-12. Students who plan to get this credential must take the commission’s subject- matter assessment examination and should make certain their academic program includes preparatory course work. The examination includes chemistry in depth and general science with introductory, college-level biology, chemistry, physics, and geoscience (geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy).

Further information about courses, requirements, and examinations can be obtained in orientation meetings and the Graduate School of Education (1124 Sproul Hall).

California Teach-Science/Mathematics Initiative (CaTEACH-SMI) California Teach-Science Mathematics Initiative (CaTEACH-SMI) has a goal of addressing the critical need of highly qualified K-12 science and mathematics teachers in California. With an economy increasingly reliant on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the anticipated large scale retirement of qualified teachers, this is an essential time to explore and prepare for a career in teaching science or mathematics.

CaTEACH-SMI at UCR offers undergraduate students paid/unpaid opportunities, such as the SMI & Alpha Center Apprentice Programs, to explore STEM teaching as a career option. Through CaTEACH-SMI, students receive advising and mentoring to prepare for entrance into an intern teaching credential program while diligently coordinating with academic advisors to ensure completion of STEM degree requirements. The CaTEACH-SMI Resource Center provides future STEM teachers with material and financial resources which includes the National Science Foundation (NSF) Noyce Scholarship Program to promote planning and professional development towards a science/ mathematics education career.

For more information about the CaTEACH-SMI program, please visit smi.ucr.edu, the Resource Center at 1315 Pierce Hall, or on Facebook at facebook.com/ScienceMathInitiativeAtUcr.

Students transferring to the Chemistry major must complete courses comparable to the following one-year sequences before they transfer:

• 1. General chemistry, equivalent to CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C, CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC, each

course completed with a grade of “C” or better 163 / Programs and Courses

• 2. First-year calculus, equivalent to MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C, each

course completed with a grade of “C” or better

At least one of the following one-year sequences:

• 1. General physics (calculus-based) equivalent

to PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B, PHYS 040C, each course completed with a grade of “C” or better (strongly recommended)

• 2. Second-year calculus, equivalent to MATH 010A, MATH 010B, MATH 046, each course

completed with a grade of “C” or better

• 3. Organic chemistry (one-year lower-division),

each course completed with a grade of “B” or better

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.70 in transferable college courses. UCR has articulation agreements with most of the California community colleges. These agreements list specific community college courses that have been designated as comparable to UCR courses (see the statewide articulation web site at assist.org). Transfer students will usually find it advantageous to complete most or all sequences before starting at UCR. All prospective transfers should try to complete the sequences they begin rather than divide a sequence between two campuses.

General requirement:

• 1. Students must be in good academic

standing with 2.0 cumulative GPA and 2.0 upper- division chemistry major GPA.

• 2. Grades for all chemistry core and required

lower-division math and physics courses must be “C-” or better.

• 3. A grade of “C-” or better in each of the

courses used to satisfy the 20-unit CNAS Natural Science and Mathematics breadth requirement.

• 4. AP credit is not accepted for lower-division

chemistry courses.

Specific requirement:

If student has completed less than 45 units (first year students), then

• • Completion of CHEM 001A, CHEM 01LA,

MATH 009A.

If student has completed between 45 and 90 units (second year students), then

• • Completion of MATH 009A, MATH 009B,

MATH 009C.

• • Completion of CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B,

CHEM 001C, CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC and PHYS 040A or PHYS 002A and PHYS 02LA (PHYS 002A & PHYS 02LA can be used for B.A. program only)

If student has completed between 90 and 135 units (third year students), then

• • Completion of all lower-division math

requirements (MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C, MATH 010A for B.A. program; and MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C, MATH 010A, MATH 010B, MATH 046 for B.S. program).

• • Completion of the following chemistry

courses (CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C, CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC, CHEM 005, CHEM 008A and CHEM 08LA or CHEM 12A, CHEM 008B and CHEM 08LB or CHEM 12B, CHEM 008C and CHEM 08LC or CHEM 12C (or CHEM 08HA and CHEM 08HLA or CHEM 12HA, CHEM 08HB and CHEM 08HLB or CHEM 12HB, CHEM 08HC and CHEM 08HLC or CHEM 12HC).

• • Completion of all lower-division physics

requirements (PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B, PHYS 040C or PHYS 002A, PHYS 002B, PHYS 002C and PHYS 02LA, PHYS 02LB, PHYS 02LC) (Phys 002A, PHYS 002B, PHYS 002C and PHYS 02LA, PHYS 02LB, PHYS 02LC can be used for B.A. program only)

If student has completed more than 135 units (fourth year students), then

• • Completion of all lower-division math

requirements (MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C, MATH 010A for B.A. program; and MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C, MATH 010A, MATH 010B, MATH 046 for B.S. program).

• • Completion of all lower-division chemistry

courses (CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C, CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC, CHEM 005, CHEM 008A and CHEM 08LA or CHEM 12A, CHEM 008B and CHEM 08LB or CHEM 12B, CHEM 008C and CHEM 08LC or CHEM 12C (or CHEM 08HA and CHEM 08HLA or CHEM 12HA, CHEM 08HB and CHEM 08HLB or CHEM 12HB, CHEM 08HC and CHEM 08HLC or CHEM 12HC).

• • Completion of all lower-division physics

requirements (PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B, PHYS 040C or PHYS 002A, PHYS 002B, PHYS 002C and PHYS 02LA, PHYS 02LB, PHYS 02LC) (PHYS 002A, PHYS 002B, PHYS 002C and PHYS 02LA, PHYS 02LB, PHYS 02LC can be used for B.A. program only)

• • Completion of upper-division chemistry

courses (CHEM 125 and CHEM 150A)

See Undergraduate Studies section.

See College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Colleges and Programs section.

Some of the following requirements for the major may also fulfill some of the college’s breadth requirements. Consult with a professional academic advisor at the CNAS Advising Center, 1223 Pierce Hall.

The major requirements for the B.A. and the B.S. degree in Chemistry are as follows: Bachelor of Arts

• 1. Lower-division requirements (63 units)

• a) CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C,

CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC (or CHEM 01HA and CHEM 1HLA, CHEM 01HB and CHEM 1HLB, CHEM 01HC and CHEM 1HLC), CHEM 005, CHEM 008A and CHEM 08LA or CHEM 12A, CHEM 008B and CHEM 08LB or CHEM 12B, CHEM 008C and CHEM 08LC or CHEM 12C (or CHEM 08HA and CHEM 08HLA or CHEM 12HA, CHEM 08HB and CHEM 08HLB or CHEM 12HB, CHEM 08HC and CHEM 08HLC or CHEM 12HC)

• b) MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C,

MATH 010A

• c) PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B, PHYS 040C (or

PHYS 002A, PHYS 002B, PHYS 002C, PHYS 02LA, PHYS 02LB, PHYS 02LC)

• 2. Upper-division requirements (36 units)

A minimum grade of “C-” for any upper-division course used to fulfill the requirements for the B.A. degree.

• a) CHEM 110A, CHEM 110B, CHEM 113,

CHEM 125, CHEM 150A, CHEM 191, and either CHEM 111 or CHEM 140 or CHEM 166

• b) Ten (10) additional upper-division units

Bachelor of Science

• 1. Lower-division requirements (71-72 units)

• a) CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C,

CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC (or CHEM 01HA and CHEM 1HLA, CHEM 01HB and CHEM 1HLB, CHEM 01HC and CHEM 1HLC), CHEM 005, CHEM 008A and CHEM 08LA or CHEM 12A, CHEM 008B and CHEM 08LB or CHEM 12B, CHEM 008C and CHEM 08LC or CHEM 12C (or CHEM 08HA and CHEM 08HLA or CHEM 12HA, CHEM 08HB and CHEM 08HLB or CHEM 12HB, CHEM 08HC and CHEM 08HLC or CHEM 12HC)

• b) MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C,

and three out of the following: MATH 010A, MATH 010B, MATH 031, MATH 046

• c) PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B, PHYS 040C

• 2. Upper-division requirements (41-43 units)

A minimum grade of “C-” for any upper-division course used to fulfill the requirements for the B.S. degree.

• a) CHEM 110A, CHEM 110B, CHEM 111,

CHEM 113, CHEM 125, CHEM 150A, CHEM 191

• b) Two laboratory courses from CHEM 114

or CHEM 140, CHEM 166, BCH 162

• c) One course from BCH 100, BCH 110A,

CHEM 143

• d) One 4-unit course from CHEM 135/ENSC 135/ENTX 135, CHEM 136/ENSC 136/

ENTX 136/SWSC 136, CHEM 150B, CHEM 197, CHEM 199. CHEM 197 and CHEM 199 must be taken for a grade and a written report submitted.

Chemical Physics Option Chemistry / 164 Students must consult with their Chemistry advisor before electing this option.

• 1. Lower-division requirements (79-80 units)

• a) CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C,

CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC (or CHEM 01HA and CHEM 1HLA, CHEM 01HB and CHEM 01HLB, CHEM 01HC and CHEM 1HLC), CHEM 005, CHEM 008A and CHEM 08LA or CHEM 12A, CHEM 008B and CHEM 08LB or CHEM 12B, CHEM 008C and CHEM 08LC or CHEM 12C (or CHEM 08HA and CHEM 08HLA or CHEM 12HA, CHEM 08HB and CHEM 08HLB or CHEM 12HB, CHEM 08HC and CHEM 08HLC or CHEM 12HC)

• b) MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C,

MATH 010A, MATH 010B, MATH 046

• c) PHYS 041A, PHYS 041B, PHYS 41C or

PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B, PHYS 040C, and PHYS 041C

• 2. Upper-division requirements (59 units)

A minimum grade of “C-” for any upper-division course used to fulfill the requirements for the Chemical Physics option.

• a) CHEM 110A, CHEM 110B, CHEM 111,

CHEM 113, CHEM 114, CHEM 150A, CHEM 150B, CHEM 191

• b) Twenty-one (21) units of upper-division

course work in Mathematics or Physics (110 or above excluding 190 series)

• c) Nine (9) additional units in physical

chemistry

Environmental Chemistry Option

Students must consult with their Chemistry advisor before electing this option.

• 1. Lower-division requirements (84 units)

• a) CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C,

CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC (or CHEM 01HA and CHEM 1HLA, CHEM 01HB and CHEM 1HLB, CHEM 01HC and CHEM 1HLC), CHEM 005, CHEM 008A and CHEM 08LA or CHEM 12A, CHEM 008B and CHEM 08LB or CHEM 12B, CHEM 008C and CHEM 08LC or CHEM 12C (or CHEM 08HA and CHEM 08HLA or CHEM 12HA, CHEM 08HB and CHEM 08HLB or CHEM 12HB, CHEM 08HC and CHEM 08HLC or CHEM 12HC)

• b) MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C,

MATH 010A, MATH 010B, MATH 046

• c) PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B, PHYS 040C

• d) BIOL 005A, BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020,

BIOL 005B, BIOL 005C.

• 2. Upper-division requirements (57-58

units) A minimum grade of “C-” for any upper-division course used to fulfill the requirements for the Environmental Chemistry option.

• a) CHEM 110A, CHEM 110B, CHEM 111,

CHEM 113, CHEM 125, CHEM 135/ ENSC 135/ENTX 135, CHEM 136/ENSC 136/ENTX 136/SWSC 136, CHEM 114 or CHEM 140, CHEM 150A, CHEM 166, CHEM 191

• b) One course from ENSC 104/SWSC 104 or

GEO 137

• c) One course from BCH 100, BCH 110A or

CHEM 143

• d) Two additional courses from CHEM 150B,

CHEM 197, CHEM 199, ENSC 100, ENSC 101, ENSC 102, ENSC 140/SWSC 140, ENSC 163, ENTX 101, GEO 132, GEO 157 (4 units total from CHEM 197 and/or CHEM 199)

Undergraduate Research is strongly encouraged for students with the requisite ability. Students wishing to participate in this activity should consult Chemistry faculty, their Chemistry advisor, or check: ugr.ucr.edu.

Sample Program

Student programs are planned on an individual basis with their advisors, and there is considerable flexibility in the sequence in which courses required for the major are taken. For example, PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B, PHYS 040C can be started equally well during either the freshman or sophomore year. The sample program is typical for a well-prepared entering freshman who seeks the B.S. degree.

Freshman Year Fall Winter Spring

CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C, CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC (or CHEM 01HA and CHEM 1HLA, CHEM 01HB and CHEM 1HLB, CHEM 01HC and CHEM 1HLC) 4,1 4,1 4,1

PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B 5 5

MATH 009A, MATH 009B, MATH 009C 4 4 4

ENGL 001A, ENGL 001B, ENGL 001C 4 4 4

Elective (optional) 4

Total Units 17 18 18

Sophomore Year Fall Winter Spring

CHEM 008A, CHEM 008B, CHEM 008C CHEM 008LA, CHEM 008LB, CHEM 008LC 4 4 4

PHYS 040C 5

MATH 010A, MATH 010B, MATH 046 4 4 4

CHEM 005 5

Electives 4 8

Total Units 13 17 16

Junior Year Fall Winter Spring

CHEM 110A, CHEM 110B, CHEM 113 4 4 4

Biological Science w/ Lab 4

CHEM 150A, CHEM 150B 4 4 CHEM 125 5

CHEM 143 3

CHEM 191 1

Electives 4 4 8

Total Units 13 15 17

Senior Year Fall Winter Spring

CHEM 111, CHEM 140 4 4

CHEM 166 4

Electives 12 8 4

Total Units 12 12 12

The minor in Chemistry consists of 28 upper- division units in chemistry.

• 1. Of the specified upper-division units, a

minimum of 16 units must be unique to the minor and may not be used to satisfy major requirements.

• 2. At least one of the courses used to satisfy the

28 units must be in CHEM 125, CHEM 111, CHEM 140 or CHEM 166 (courses which include laboratory work).

• 3. No more than 4 units of 190-199 courses

may be used in fulfilling the upper-division units for a minor.

All of the upper-division courses in chemistry have a prerequisite of CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C, CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC, or CHEM 01HA and CHEM 1HLA, CHEM 01HB and CHEM 1HLB, CHEM 01HC and CHEM 1HLC and most have CHEM 005 as a prerequisite.

Students with a minor in Chemistry should consult with their Chemistry advisor to construct a specific program consistent with their career goals.

See Minors under the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences in the Colleges and Programs section of this catalog for additional information on minors.

The Chemistry Department offers the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry.

Fields of specialization (subdisciplines) are analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Research is also carried out in bioanalytical, bioinorganic, bioorganic, and biophysical chemistry and in chemical physics, environmental/atmospheric, organometallic chemistry, and neuroscience. For additional information on the latter, please see Neuroscience Graduate Program in the Programs and Courses section of this catalog.

Admission All applicants must submit scores from the GRE General Test. A score from the Advanced Chemistry GRE is not required for admission. It is strongly recommended, however, that applicants submit this score in order to receive maximum consideration for fellowships. The department normally considers applications for teaching and research assistantships at the same time as fellowships; 165 / Programs and Courses

therefore, students are strongly encouraged to complete their applications for admission and support as early as possible. Normally applications for fellowships are awarded by February for students entering in the following fall quarter. Although most students begin in the fall quarter, students may begin their studies in the winter or spring quarter.

Orientation Examinations Admitted students must, at the beginning of their first quarter in residence, take orientation examinations. The examinations are normally given during two consecutive days starting up to one week prior to the first day of instruction. Although a notice of the times and places of these examinations is sent to each student admitted to regular graduate status in chemistry, it is the student’s responsibility to be on the campus early enough to check the bulletin boards in Chemical Sciences for this information. Students take these examinations in the four subdisciplines: analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The purpose of these examinations is to assess the student’s undergraduate preparation. The results permit the faculty to determine the course program that will most effectively aid the students’ development in their chosen subdisciplines.

The Department of Chemistry offers the M.S. degree in Chemistry.

Requirements are:

• 1. Satisfactory performance in orientation

examinations in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry

• 2. General university requirements and

departmental requirements for either Plan I or Plan II.

Plan I (Thesis) Students must take at least 36 units of approved courses and graduate research of which five regular lecture courses in the CHEM 200-249 series (CHEM 110A or CHEM 110B, CHEM 113, CHEM 125, and CHEM 150A or CHEM 150B may apply under certain circumstances). A maximum of 12 units of seminar courses (CHEM 250-259) and a maximum of 12 units of graduate research; (but not those numbered CHEM 260-289) may apply towards the 36 units. Students must complete a thesis, and a final oral examination on the thesis may be required.

Plan II (Comprehensive Examination) Students must complete at least 36 units of approved courses of which at least 18 must be in regular lecture courses numbered CHEM 200-249 (CHEM 110A or CHEM 110B, CHEM 113, CHEM 125, and CHEM 150A or CHEM 150B may apply under certain circumstances) and up to 12 units of graduate seminar courses numbered CHEM 250-259. Those numbered CHEM 260-289 are specifically excluded.

The Department of Chemistry offers the Ph.D. degree in Chemistry.

The requirements are orientation examinations in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; general university requirements; and departmental requirements. Program of Study The departmental committee on graduate study determines a program of study on the basis of the students’ performance on the orientation examinations and a consideration of their subdisciplines. For students with a normal B.S. level preparation, the typical course pattern for each subdiscipline is as follows:

• 1. Analytical (a minimum of three courses

selected from CHEM 221A, CHEM 221B, CHEM 221C, CHEM 221D, CHEM 221E plus two other courses)

• 2. Inorganic (CHEM 231A, CHEM 231B, CHEM 231C plus two other courses)

• 3. Organic (CHEM 211A, CHEM 211B, CHEM 211C plus two other courses)

• 4. Physical (a minimum of three courses

selected from CHEM 201A, CHEM 201B, CHEM 201C, CHEM 201D, CHEM 201E plus two other courses)

Second Year Research Evaluation Students seeking advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree must undergo a Second-Year Research Evaluation (SYRE). The SYRE must take place by the end of the student’s fourth academic quarter of residency and is administered by a four-member committee of the Chemistry faculty, one of whom is the student’s dissertation advisor. The Chair of the SYRE Committee will be someone other than the dissertation advisor. Typically, these same four faculty members would also serve on the oral qualifying examination committee, with the Chair of the SYRE Committee continuing on as Chair of the oral qualifying examination committee.

The SYRE consists of both a written and oral component and the student is assessed on both components. The written SYRE document should provide an introduction to the dissertation research, an outline of the goals and objectives, a description of the progress to date, and a delineation of the path forward. The SYRE document is limited to five single-spaced pages (12-point type), including references. The oral component of the SYRE will be a presentation of the written document. After presentation of the SYRE document, the student will be queried by committee to assess the student’s general knowledge of the material. A student will receive a single grade of Pass, Qualified Pass, or Fail. A Pass signifies that the student has made satisfactory progress in research and is on track to pass the oral qualifying examination. A Qualified Pass signifies that a student’s progress in research is reasonable, but that improvement is needed, and should be demonstrated at the time of the oral qualifying examination. A Fail signifies that a student has to date, not made satisfactory progress in research. A student who fails the SYRE would not be required to undergo a second evaluation; however, such students would be placed on notice that they are not on track to pass the oral qualifying examination unless major steps are taken to correct serious deficiencies in research performance.

Foreign Language Requirement A reading knowledge of German, French, or Russian is recommended but not required.

Oral Qualifying Examination This examination consists in part of defending an original proposition and is designed to test the extent of the candidates’ development and their breadth of knowledge in chemistry and related fields.

Teaching Requirement Normally requires three quarters of service as a teaching assistant, or equivalent.

Normative Time to Degree 15 quarters