PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

The PhD in Chemistry is divided into two tracks for the purpose of admission. This bifurcation is an acknowledgement of the highly interdisciplinary nature of modern research and that success in biochemical research often benefits from different background knowledge than would be necessary for other areas of chemistry. An applicant for the Chemistry PhD program must meet all Graduate School requirements plus the requirements of the Chemistry or Biochemistry track to be considered for admission:Chemistry Track: The Chemistry Track is designed for undergraduate chemistry majors pursuing research in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry Education, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Physical Chemistry.Undergraduate preparation in chemistry that includes at least two courses each of physical and organic chemistry with associated laboratories, and one course each in analytical and inorganic chemistry.Biochemistry Track: The Biochemistry Track is designed for undergraduate biochemistry (or similar) majors pursuing research in Biochemistry, chemical biology, or related fields.Undergraduate preparation in biochemistry that includes at least two courses each of biochemistry and organic chemistry with associated laboratories, and one course each in two of the following areas: analytical, inorganic, or physical chemistry.Applicants may be admitted with specific program-defined course deficiencies provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses. The student is expected to satisfy deficiency requirements within three enrolled semesters. The deficiencies are monitored by the Graduate School and the individual graduate program unit. No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be counted as program credits required for the degree.DissertationCandidates must each present a dissertation reporting the results of independent, original research carried out under the direction of their major professor. At least three months before the Dissertation Defense, at a time when most of the experimental work has been completed, the student meets with the Examining Committee for a preliminary review of the research to be described in the dissertation.

College of Letters and Science