REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREES OF MASTER OF SCIENCE AND
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
This document lists supplemental departmental regulations for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees in Chemistry and
Biochemistry. Under some circumstances, exceptions may be granted upon petition by the student to the Graduate
Committee. Most details on the Graduate School regulations may be found in the Bulletin of the Graduate School.
I. Entrance Requirements
A. All students entering for M.S. or Ph.D. degrees should have a bachelor's degree equivalent to a B.S. degree in chemistry
or biochemistry. Admission of students holding related science degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
B. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Aptitude Test is required for admission to the graduate program in
chemistry. The GRE Advanced Test in Chemistry may be required at the discretion of the Graduate Committee.
II. Course Requirements
A. General
Coursework is both required and helps to assure adequate performance on the oral examinations. The student's thesis or
dissertation committee may require any course work that it deems proper and advisable. Both M.S. or Ph.D. students must
take a prescribed number of courses selected from among the following areas: analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic,
and physical chemistry as set forth in II B, C, and D below. [Note: The requirement for a minor field of study stated in
the Bulletin of the Graduate School does not apply to the graduate degrees in chemistry and biochemistry.]
B. M.S. (non-thesis) Degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry
1. 9 s.h. lecture course work in the major area from the list of courses in Part E.
2. 9 s.h. additional lecture course work from the list of courses in Part E.
3. 11 s.h. additional lecture and/or research course work.
4. 1 s.h. literature seminar
30 semester hours TOTAL
C. M.S. (thesis) Degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry
1. 6 s.h lecture course work in the major area from the list of courses in Part E.
2. 6 s.h. additional lecture course work outside the major area from the list of courses in Part E.
3. 10 s.h. additional lecture and/or research course work.
4. 2 s.h. seminar
5. 6 s.h. thesis
30 semester hours TOTAL
D. Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry
1. 9 s.h. lecture course work in the major area from the list of courses in Part E.
2. 9 s.h. additional lecture course work outside the major area from the list of courses in Part E.
3. 45 s.h. additional lecture and/or research course work as determined by the dissertation committee.
4. 3 s.h. seminar
5. 12 s.h. dissertation
78 semester hours TOTAL
revised April 2012
E. Courses (Note: course offerings are subject to change, and any courses in the appropriate divisions can be used to meet
the requirements.) Ethical Conduct of Research, typically taught as 5V60 (Special Topics), is required of all graduate
students.
1.
CHE
CHE
CHE
CHE
Analytical
5310
5314
5315
5316
Biochemistry
5345
5346
5347
5348
Inorganic
5301
5302
5305
5306
Organic
4334
5334
5335
5336
Physical
5320
5322
5325
5326
Analytical
CHE 5314 (Separation Science)
CHE 5315 (Electroanalytical Chemistry)
Biochemistry
CHE 5345 (Selected Topics in Biochemistry)
CHE 5346 (Biotechnology)
CHE 5347 (Physical Biochemistry)
CHE 5348 (Enzymology)
Inorganic
CHE 5301 (Chemistry of the Elements)
CHE 5302 (Symmetry and Group Theory in Chemistry)
CHE 5305 (Organometallic Chemistry and Homogenous Catalysis)
CHE 5306 (Bioinorganic Chemistry)
Organic
CHE 5336 (Organic Synthesis)
CHE 4334 (Organic Spectroscopy)
CHE 5334 (Heterocyclic Chemistry)
CHE 5335 (Physical Organic Chemistry)
Physical
CHE 5320 (Thermodynamics and Statistical Thermodynamics)
CHE 5322 (Chemical Kinetics and Mechanisms)
CHE 5325 (Quantum Chemistry)
CHE 5326 (Lasers and Molecular Spectroscopy)
2. Performance standard: A minimum grade of "B-" is required to satisfy any graduate course requirement.
IMPORTANT: Graduate school policy states that failure to maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 results in
immediate probationary status. Students on probation are ineligible for stipend support and tuition waivers.
F. Courses Taken at Another Institution
Consult the Bulletin of the Graduate School for regulations concerning transfer of graduate course work from another
institution. If a student has shown proficiency (a minimum grade of "B") in the subject matter of core courses taken at
another accredited institution and the course content is essentially the same, a petition may be made to the appropriate
divisions to receive credit and/or waive the corresponding requirements. The petition, along with any necessary
documentation, will be referred to the faculty in the respective division(s) for consideration. The decision of the
division(s) will then be communicated to the student in writing by the GPD (Graduate Program Director) in Chemistry and
Biochemistry.
III. Examination Requirements
A. Placement
For purposes of evaluating a student's background, the ACS exams in Biochemistry, Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, and
Physical chemistries will be administered to all incoming graduate students. Generally, these exams will be administered
two per day before advisement the week before classes begin. Results from these exams will be used in (a) helping the
GPD to advise the student concerning course selection, and (b) in qualifying for continuing graduate standing, as
described below.
B. Qualification
All entering graduate students are required to pass a minimum of three of the five ACS exams before the end of their
second long semester of residence. The exam in their chosen area of specialization must be among those passed. There
will be three opportunities (August, January and April) to take and pass the exams. Failure to pass in three areas will
result in termination from the program.
IV. Research Group Selection
In order for a student to have the maximum benefit in the use of time and in the planning of a program of study, a major
professor should be chosen as soon as is practical. Beginning students will do brief (~ 3 week) rotations through at least
three research groups of their choice, pending approval of that research group's professor. Each student will join a research
group as soon as possible, but no later than the end of their first semester of residence. Beyond the second semester of
residence, a student must be an active member of a research group to remain in the graduate program. Research grades for
the first semester will be assigned by the GPD. After a student joins a research group, research grades (or incomplete) will
be assigned each semester by the student's research advisor.
V. Oral Exams
In order to ensure that each student makes consistent and satisfactory progress towards their graduate degree, yearly exams
are given in order to gauge progress towards the graduate diploma. It is expected that the Year 1-3 exams will be given
during a concentrated period in the second summer session. The schedule may be modified for students who begin their
graduate work at a time other than the fall semester; other variances must be agreed to at least one month prior to the
examination period by a simple majority of the full-time graduate faculty of the student's division.
Year 1 Exam
By the late summer after completion of a student's first year it is expected that they will be conversant in the basics of
their field of chemistry and will have a general concept of the research project that they have initiated. The student will
be given a closed-door oral exam by the graduate faculty of the student's division. The exam will cover general
knowledge in the student’s area of chemistry, their research progress, and understanding of a short manuscript assigned
by the committee no later than one week prior to the exam. At least one week prior to the exam, each student will submit
a two-page summary (including references) describing their research project to the graduate faculty of their division. This
paper should emphasize the pertinent background and proposed research, will be carefully prepared in an ACS format
(title, abstract, tables/figures, references; specific journal style determined by the advisor). Students who do not pass this
exam must retake the examination during the subsequent semester. A second failure, or a failure to re-take the exam
during the prescribed semester, will result in the termination of the student from the graduate program.
Year 2 Exam
By late summer of the second year it is expected that students will be conversant in advanced chemistry in their
discipline, will posses a clear concept of the research project that they have initiated, and will be able to interpret data
from experiments they have completed. Each student will give a public 30-minute presentation describing their research
progress and plans, followed by questions from the public, and finally by an oral examination by the graduate faculty of
their division. At least one week prior to their scheduled exam each student will submit a progress report (five-page
minimum including references) to the graduate faculty of their division. This paper should emphasize their research
progress, and will be carefully prepared in ACS format (title, abstract, tables/figures, references; specific journal style
determined by the advisor). The oral exam will focus on the current status and future direction of the student’s research
project, and it will also be open to questions of a more general nature concerning advanced topics in the student's
research area. Students who do not pass this exam must retake the examination during the following semester. A second
failure, or a failure to re-take the exam during the prescribed semester, will result in the student pursuing a terminal M.S.
degree.
After passing the second year exam, the student (in consultation with the advising professor) will then select two
additional dissertation committee members from their division (only one for thesis committees), one departmental member
from outside of their division, and one member from outside the department. Committee members must hold Graduate
Faculty status to serve. In addition to events described below, the student’s committee may be convened as necessary to
address academic issues.
the third year exam applies only to PhD Students
Year 3 Exam
The summer of their third year students will prepare a manuscript reporting significant research progress. Although it is
understood that there may be incomplete experiments, the preparation of this manuscript must clearly demonstrate the
trajectory of the student’s research towards publication. The paper will be carefully prepared in ACS format appropriate
for submission to a journal specified by the advisor. A curriculum vita for the student will also be attached to the paper.
Copies of the manuscript/CV are to be distributed to the dissertation committee and faculty of the student's division at
least one week prior to the scheduled exam. For the 3rd year exam each student will make a 30-minute public
presentation of their research, which will be followed by a defense of the research and manuscript before the committee
and graduate faculty of the division. Students who do not pass this exam must retake the examination during the
following semester. A second failure, or a failure to re-take the exam during the prescribed semester, will result in the
transfer of the student from the Ph.D. program to a terminal M.S. program.
After completing the third-year exam and the first two seminars students become candidates for the Ph.D. Only
candidates may register for dissertation (6V99).
VI. Teaching Requirements
Every full-time graduate student should expect to teach at least two semesters while in residence at Baylor, regardless of
the method of support. Satisfactory performance of assigned teaching duties is expected of all teaching assistants (TAs).
General TA duties may include: supervising undergraduate students, preparing solutions and/or experiments affiliated
with one or more laboratory courses, grading of laboratory reports, maintaining laboratory cleanliness, and any other
duties assigned by the instructor in charge. Student, peer, and/or supervisor evaluations may be used to evaluate TA
performance. Being late or absent from your TA assignment and failing to maintain laboratory safety standards (e.g., not
following and enforcing dress code or goggles-on policies) are considered serious breaches of responsibility. Failure to
meet TA responsibilities will result in a written reprimand in the graduate student’s file. A second reprimand may
potentially result in partial loss of stipend and, at the discretion of the Graduate Committee, possible dismissal from the
graduate program. Graduate students may not be employed outside of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
without written permission of the GPD and their advisor. Students with outside employment (typically allowed only
when writing the dissertation) are responsible for their own tuition charges.
IMPORTANT: Progress in research is a critical part of any graduate program. Departmental teaching assistantships will
not be extended to Ph.D. candidates beyond eleven regular semesters (5.5 years) of residence or to M.S. candidates beyond
a third year of residence, except under extenuating circumstances. Any graduate student desiring to be considered for a
teaching assistantship beyond this period may request up to two additional semesters by submitting in writing a petition to
this effect with a date-specific dissertation chapter completion schedule prepared in consultation with their advisor, and a
letter of support from their advisor to the Graduate Committee, and appear before the committee to justify the request.
Support beyond 13 regular semesters (6.5 years) will typically not be granted.
The maximum time limit for completion of the Ph.D. degree is eight years from the time the student first matriculates into
the doctoral program.
VII. Seminar Requirements
In order for all students to be able to present in a timely manner, students will be randomly assigned to give their first
seminar in either their third or fourth semester of residence, and their second seminar in their fifth or sixth semester of
residence. Depending on the number of students registered, you may need to be prepared to present your seminar early in
the semester. If you are assigned a fall seminar, see the professor in charge no later than August 1st to select a topic and
sign up for a date. If you are assigned a spring seminar, see the professor in charge by December 1st to select a topic and
sign up for a date. It is recommended that you have your seminar ready to present before the semester starts. See the
Graduate Seminar guidelines (available from the Graduate Director) for full details.
A. M.S. Degree: Two formal seminars, 45-50 minutes in length, with extended and thoroughly referenced abstracts, are
required. The first seminar is based on literature not directly related to the, and the second is a public presentation based
on the thesis. Students who present a seminar will register for one hour of credit in CHE 5150 each time a seminar is
given.
B. Ph.D.: Three formal seminars are required, each 45-50 minutes in length with extended and thoroughly referenced
abstracts. The first seminar will be based on literature not directly related to the dissertation or a prior seminar by that
student. For the second seminar, students should consult the detailed guidelines that accompany the seminar course (CHE
5150). Advisors are expected to be active mentors in the proposal preparation process, especially during the idea
formulation and development stage. However, they should not actively participate in the writing component of the
proposal beyond making sure that students understand what types of information should be included in various sections of
the proposal. Students are also encouraged to consult the expertise of other members of the department, as appropriate,
for assistance with idea conception or experimental design. Similar to the advisor, other members of the department
should not assist with the writing of the proposal.. The final seminar will be a public presentation based on the
dissertation. Students who present a seminar will register for one hour of credit in CHE 5150 each semester a seminar is
given.
C. General: Each student is expected to attend Departmental and Divisional seminars (i.e., be there unless illness,
personal or family crisis, conflicting professional meeting or Providence hinders attendance). Each division reserves the
right to include appropriate content from these seminars on oral examinations, and seminar attendance will be considered
when research grades are assigned.
VIII. Thesis or Dissertation Requirements
Instructions for the preparation and submission of a thesis or dissertation are given in the Bulletin of the Graduate School,
the ACS Style Guide for Authors being the primary source. When this Guide does not address particulars in a thesis or
dissertation, then Terabian and/or the Graduate School's printed guidelines are to be followed. The student is strongly
advised to check with the Graduate office on matters of formatting the thesis or dissertation in advance.
Manuscript requirement (Ph.D. degree only)
Prior to the scheduling of a student’s dissertation defense, the student will have served as co-author of a minimum of two
manuscripts that have been accepted for publication. The manuscripts will be in acceptable journals and will be
substantially based upon the student’s dissertation research results (both of these criteria will be judged solely by the
student’s research mentor). Students engaged in proprietary research where patenting considerations, etc., restrict
publication of the work must present the committee with patent applications or similar documentation.
Thesis or Dissertation defense
After completion of each of the requirements described above as well as all other requirements set forth by the research
advisor, the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and the Graduate School, the student will work with their research
advisor to prepare an acceptable thesis or dissertation. Once the research advisor is satisfied with the quality of the thesis
or dissertation, the student will work with their committee to schedule the defense. A complete printed copy of the thesis
or dissertation will be distributed to the student's committee at least seven days prior to the defense, and a copy will also
be submitted to the chair of the Department for display in the Departmental office. The date, time, and location of the
public presentation (comprised of a 50-minute formal seminar followed by Q&A, and registered for in advance as CHE
5150) will be formally announced one week prior to the defense. After the public presentation, a closed defense will be
held before the student's committee and other interested members of the graduate faculty. Successful completion of this
defense will be contingent upon the student making revisions to the thesis or dissertation as directed by the committee.
IX. Departmental Clearance
Prior to graduation, all candidates for the M.S. or Doctor of Philosophy degree must comply with Chemistry Department
regulations concerning laboratory checkout. The checkout procedure includes a satisfactory inspection of the candidate's
work area by the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Safety Officer and completion of the Chemistry and
Biochemistry Department Clearance Form.