Mar 28, 2024  
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2020-21 
    
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2020-21 [Archived Catalog]

Chemistry - PHD


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Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

Chemistry – PH3311

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
100 University Terrace
136 Clippinger Laboratories
Athens, OH  45170-2979
740.593.1737
chemistry@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall (typically), Spring (in rare circumstances)

Program Overview

The department’s mission is to provide a quality education to graduate students while they pursue state-of-the-art research in chemistry. The objective of the graduate program is to educate and train students to become highly effective scientists by providing them with the interdisciplinary tools, research skills and ethical and service sensibilities needed to succeed in their future career. This includes offering a variety of rigorous graduate level courses, maintaining cutting-edge research programs within individual laboratories and compliance with the Code for Professional Ethical Conduct espoused by the American Chemical Society.

Candidates for a Ph. D. degree in Chemistry must demonstrate the ability to plan, execute, evaluate, and communicate original chemical research. The graduate program spans all five traditional disciplines of chemistry (Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic and Physical). Within these five areas the department boasts particular research strengths in chemometrics, forensic chemistry, mass spectrometry, medicinal chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, nanoscience and nanomedicine, nucleic acid research, protein and glycoprotein engineering, and spectroscopy.

This is a full-time program. Normative time to completion is five academic years, in line with national average as reported by the American Chemical Society.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of chemical concepts and an in-depth understanding of a selected topic in chemistry.
  2. Develop specialized research skills to carry out work effectively in the laboratory of a chosen faculty research advisor. 
  3. Demonstrate competence in identifying a significant scientific problem and solving that problem through creative scientific experimentation, data analysis, and evaluation.
  4. Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, scientific concepts and outcomes.

Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates with a Ph.D. in chemistry typically pursue academic careers (typically following post-doctoral appointments) and R & D positions in chemical and pharmaceutical companies.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/chemistry/graduate/chemistry-phd

Link to Program Handbook: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/chemistry/graduate/requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants whose qualifications satisfy all criteria listed below are reviewed for admission to the Chemistry Ph. D. program:

  1. 4-year bachelor’s degree in chemistry or equivalent.
  2. GPA (or equivalent) of 3.0 or higher
  3. TOEFL of 80 (IBT) or IELTS of 6.5 across all bands for international students, in accordance with Ohio University policy.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete 90 credit hours in Chemistry and approved electives. All courses must be completed with no grade lower than a B. Depth of Knowledge courses must be at the 7000-level.

The student’s graduate advisor and dissertation committee will approve the specific requirements for each student within the framework below.

Breadth of Knowledge Courses


Complete at least three courses, each in a different area. One must be in the primary area of research. Breadth of knowledge coursework must be completed in the first year of study.

Depth of Knowledge Courses


Complete at least two courses in the primary area of research. Appropriate Special Topics courses of 4 or more credit hours may be counted toward area requirements.

Seminar Requirements


Additional Requirements


      Each semester, attend the weekly departmental colloquium series.

Culminating Experience


Students will submit a research dissertation and successfully defend it orally to the dissertation committee. Dissertation defenses are open to the public.

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