General Information about the Graduate Program

Admission - Domestic Students ONLY (International Students click here)

An excellent undergraduate record is required, in addition to the University minimum requirements. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required and Advanced Tests are recommended.

Each student admitted to graduate standing in Chemistry is given orientation examinations at the beginning of the first quarter. The main purpose of the orientation requirement is to help you and your advisor plan your course program. The examinations include material covered in upper division courses in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. All courses suggested because of deficiencies in undergraduate preparation are normally to be completed by the end of the first year. There are no orientation exams in Biochemistry: the student plans a course program in consultation with the Biochemistry Area Advisor.

Chemistry students are encouraged to become familiar with research activities of all faculty in your area of interest and to join a research group as soon as possible. Biochemistry students will rotate through three research groups during the Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters, with a final selection made at the end of the Spring Quarter.

We recommend all students print out our departmental application from this website and go to http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu for the electronic admissions application and all other required forms. International students must fill out the preliminary application only.

Advising

Initial academic advising is handled by the appropriate Area Advisor. You will continue to consult each quarter with this Advisor until completion of your course requirements. During this period, you will also choose a Research Director who will supervise the dissertation research. The Graduate Study Committee reviews your progress quarterly. Notification in writing is given to students who are performing at a very high level and to those who are not making adequate progress. The Faculty Graduate Advisor, Area Advisors, and the Staff Graduate Advisors are available for personal consultation.

Major Fields or Subdisciplines

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Inorganic, Organic, and Physical chemistry.

Foreign Language Requirement

None

Disqualification and Appeal of Disqualification

A student may be disqualified from the Ph.D. program by action of the Graduate Study Committee or Biochemistry Faculty Committee for failure to maintain an adequate level of performance in coursework, qualifying examinations, or in research progress. Appeal of disqualification may be made to the Department Chair.

Last updated June 2001. Please direct comments and suggestions to the Graduate Office.