Physical Requirements

Download detailed information about Ph.D. Requirements for Physical Chemistry Students (pdf)

Ph.D. Requirements: Physical Chemistry

First Year

• Advisory exams
• Take required Physical major courses (Chem. 661, 675)
• Begin accumulating minor credits and take elective Physical major courses
• Enroll in and attend Physical Seminars (Chem. 960)
• Attend research talks (September/October)
• Join a research group between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15
• Begin Research (Chem. 992 or 995)

Second Year

• Enroll in and attend Physical Seminars (Chem. 960)
• Finish required coursework (major and minor credits)
• File Minor Agreement form (Obtain from Chemistry Graduate Office and submit halfway through coursework.)
• Topic exams (September/November)
• Thesis Background Exam (second semester)
• Continue research

Third Year

• Enroll in and attend Physical Seminars (Chem. 960)
• Research proposal
• File Request for Preliminary Warrant to request dissertator status. (Obtain from Chemistry Graduate Office and submit one month prior to defense.)
• Continue research

Fourth (and subsequent) Year(s)

• Enroll in and attend Physical Seminars (Chem. 960)
• Continue research
• Write and defend Ph.D. thesis
• File Ph.D. Final Oral Committee Approval form (Obtain from Chemistry Graduate Office and submit one month prior to oral exam.)