Program Overview
Ohio University's Ph.D. in Chemistry program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of chemistry, fostering their engagement in cutting-edge research. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, advanced coursework, and ethical guidelines, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, and beyond. Students develop expertise in a chosen area of chemistry, enhance communication and teamwork skills, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge through original research.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ph.D. program in Chemistry at Ohio University aims to provide students with a comprehensive education in chemistry while fostering their engagement in cutting-edge research. The program's mission is to cultivate highly proficient scientists equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to excel in their future careers. To achieve this, the program offers a diverse range of rigorous graduate-level courses, supports cutting-edge research projects within individual laboratories, and adheres to the ethical guidelines established by the American Chemical Society.
Objectives:
- To develop a comprehensive understanding of chemical fundamentals and an in-depth expertise in a chosen area of chemistry.
- To nurture competence in identifying significant scientific challenges and devising creative solutions through experimentation, data analysis, and evaluation.
- To enhance effective communication skills, enabling students to articulate scientific concepts and findings both verbally and in writing.
- To foster teamwork abilities and collaboration within research teams.
Outline:
The Ph.D. program in Chemistry encompasses coursework, seminars, research proposals, and original research. Students are required to complete 12 credits of coursework distributed across three distinct chemistry divisions (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical). Additionally, students must complete 8 credits of coursework within their primary research area. All courses must be passed with a grade of B or higher. Students are guided in their course selection by their faculty advisor. During their first semester, students rotate through various laboratories to gain exposure to different research areas before selecting a research advisor. Intensive research typically begins in the spring of the first year. The program culminates in the submission of a dissertation and a final oral examination defending the research findings. The program encompasses a minimum of 90 semester hours in chemistry and approved electives. Students are expected to attend a weekly departmental colloquium series each semester, participate in the graduate seminar course, and engage in the Advanced Seminar in Research Development and Leadership course. Additionally, students are required to register for the Doctoral Research and Dissertation course during semesters when research facilities are utilized. In their first semester, students complete the Chemistry Teaching Assistant Training class and the Graduate Chemistry Research Training class.
Assessment:
- Coursework: Students must pass all required courses with a grade of B or higher.
- Qualifying Exam: Students must pass a written research proposal and an oral defense of the proposal to advance to candidacy.
- Dissertation: Students must submit and orally defend a written dissertation presenting their research findings.
Teaching:
The Ph.D. program in Chemistry at Ohio University emphasizes hands-on research experiences, with students actively engaged in research projects from the outset of the program. Students benefit from the guidance of experienced faculty mentors who provide individualized support and supervision. The program also incorporates advanced coursework and seminars to complement the research component.
Careers:
Graduates of the Ph.D. program in Chemistry typically pursue careers in academia, often following postdoctoral appointments. They are also well-qualified for research and development positions in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.