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Chemistry and Biochemistry Program Requirements 2003-2004 Welcome to the UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry This document describes the formal requirements for Ph.D. and M.S. degrees of our department. Please visit the Graduate Office or consult with your Faculty Area Advisor or Research Advisor if you have questions about the programs or your progress.
Doctor of Philosophy
Orientation Examinations Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology. There are no orientation examinations in Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology; the student plans a course program in consultation
with the Biochemistry Area Advisor. Choice of Dissertation Advisor Chemistry. Chemistry students
are encouraged to become familiar with research activities of all
faculty in their area of interest and to join a research group as
soon as possible. Evening or afternoon seminars are given in which
each member of the faculty presents his or her research program.
Students should attend each talk in their area and any talks that
interest them in other areas. Ordinarily, the choice of research
groups is made by the end of the Fall Quarter or very early in the
Winter. Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology. Students in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are
generally required to rotate through three research groups in the
first year. Students joining the Ph.D. program with a Master’s
degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or related discipline,
are required to complete just two rotations. Normally students complete
one rotation per academic year quarter. However, with the consent
of the graduate advisor, students can also satisfy one or two of
the rotation requirements by participating in rotation research
during the summer prior to the first academic year. The summer rotation
project requires a minimum of six weeks. Students entering with
a Master’s degree must do at least one of their rotations
during the Fall quarter. Students are made aware of opportunities
for laboratory rotations through multiple mechanisms. Extensive
information is provided on the Program Web Site about faculty research
interests. There is a weekly seminar series during the fall quarter
during which faculty present their research interests. Finally,
students are strongly encouraged to seek out faculty in their area
of interest to discuss the possibility of a research rotation. Students generally choose a dissertation advisor from among their rotation advisors near the conclusion of the final required rotation.
Advising Initial academic advising is handled
by the faculty area advisor in the Chemistry Program and by the
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Advisor in the Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology Program. Students continue to consult with
this advisor each quarter until completion of their course requirements.
During this period, students also choose a research director to
supervise the dissertation research. The Graduate Study Committee,
consisting of the faculty and staff graduate advisors and faculty
area advisors, reviews the progress of each student in the Chemistry
Program quarterly. In the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program,
this review is conducted by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Faculty Committee. Notification in writing is given to students
who are performing at a very high level and to those who are not
making adequate progress. Students are encouraged to meet with their
research advisor, faculty area advisor, and/or staff graduate advisors
in the Graduate Office to discuss any concerns about the program
or their progress in the program. The department also has two faculty
ombudspersons who are available to assist with problems and conflict
resolution on a confidential basis. Contact the Chair’s Office
or Graduate Office for information on the current ombudspersons. Minimum Progress. At the end of the first and second year, each student’s overall progress is evaluated by the Graduate Study Committee or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Committee, taking into account performance in courses, written examinations, and research. The committee may recommend that you (1) proceed to the oral examination, (2) be redirected to the M.S. program, or (3) be terminated from the program.
Course Requirements Inorganic Chemistry --
(1) Required background material: Chemistry and Biochemistry 172
or its equivalent, and satisfactory performance on the inorganic
orientation examination; (2) Chemistry and Biochemistry 207, 273,
C274, 275, and C276A; (3) one elective course from the following:
Chemistry and Biochemistry 277, 279, C280, C281, 153C, 205, C213B,
C215B, 215D, C223A, 232, 236, 241A through 241Z, 242, C243A, C243B,
244A, 244B, 245, 271A through 271Z, or other graduate courses with
the approval of the Inorganic Area Advisor. If the C274 requirement
is waived, two electives should be selected from this list; (4)
Chemistry and Biochemistry 278 (Inorganic Chemistry Student Seminar)
and one quarter of 282 (Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry Research);
(5) Chemistry and Biochemistry 400 (Chemical Safety). Organic Chemistry -- (1)
Required background material: Chemistry and Biochemistry 30, and
130 series, 136, and satisfactory performance on the organic orientation
exam; (2) Chemistry and Biochemistry 236, C243A, 244A, C243B, 244B;
(3) one course from Chemistry and Biochemistry 207, 232, 236, 241A
through 241Z, 242, 245, C281, or other courses with approval of
the Organic Area Advisor; (4) Chemistry and Biochemistry 248 (every
quarter); (5) Chemistry and Biochemistry 400 (Chemical Safety);
(6) Chemistry and Biochemistry 249A (four quarters) and 249B (one
quarter). Physical Chemistry --
(1) Required background material: Chemistry and Biochemistry 110A,
110B, 113A and satisfactory performance on the physical orientation
exam; (2) Chemistry and Biochemistry C215A, C215B, C223A, C223B,
or equivalent; (3) Chemistry and Biochemistry 228 each term; (4)
Chemistry and Biochemistry 218 (each quarter AFTER passing the oral);
Chemistry 229 (one quarter) Introduction to Research Seminar. Substitutions
may be made with consent of the Physical Area Advisor; (5) Chemistry
and Biochemistry 400 (Chemical Safety). Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology. Candidates should normally complete, as a minimum,
the coursework indicated below. Some of these requirements can be
met on the basis of courses taken prior to entry into the graduate
program with consent of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate
Advisor. Required coursework must be completed prior to advancement
to candidacy. (1) Required background material: one year organic chemistry, one course in physical chemistry or biophysical chemistry, one year of biochemistry, some coursework in the life sciences, and some biochemistry laboratory experience. (2) Chemistry and Biochemistry 269ABCD (10 units)should be taken in the first quarter. (3) Sixteen units of additional upper division or graduate level lecture courses., including 4-6 units of discussion courses or the equivalent, chosen in consultation with the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Advisor. These courses are chosen with the following goals in mind: (A) The selected courses should provide broad training in multiple areas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in addition to in depth training in the student’s area of specialization; (B) In addition to a didactic lecture component, there should be a significant discussion component. Two seminar courses should be included in the chosen courses to ensure that the student gains training in the critical evaluation of the scientific literature;(4) Chemistry and Biochemistry 268 during the first three quarters. (5) Chemistry and Biochemistry 258 during the first quarter of the second year. (6) Three laboratory rotations (Chemistry and Biochemistry 596) during the first year. This requirement is reduced to two rotations for students entering the program with a masters degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or related discipline. These rotation requirements can also be partially fulfilled through six week laboratory rotations carried out in the summer prior to the first academic year (the “fast-track option”). (7) Chemistry and Biochemistry 400 (Chemical Safety).
Teaching Experience One year of teaching experience
is generally required. First-Year Report Students in Organic Chemistry write a report for their advisor and one other organic chemist covering their progress and accomplishments in the laboratory. The report is due on November 1 of the second year in residence.
Written and Oral Qualifying Examinations Chemistry. All Chemistry
Ph.D. candidates take a series of written tests called cumulative
examinations. These are designed to encourage and evaluate the continued
growth of professional competency through coursework, study of the
literature, departmental seminars, and informal discussions with
colleagues. Three examinations are given each
quarter, at approximately monthly intervals. Students begin writing
the examinations in their second quarter of residence and must continue
until they have passed four. Twelve attempts are the maximum. To
remain in good standing, students should pass at least one of the
first five examinations attempted. Students with a master's degree
from a U.S. university are required to pass three examinations out
of nine attempts. Students who do not meet the minimum pass rates
for cumulative examinations are automatically shifted to the M.S.
program. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The written examination requirement is coupled to the graduate student seminar (Chemistry and Biochemistry 258 ). The Chem 258 seminar course will require a presentation of the student’s proposed dissertation research. After completing this oral presentation, the student will prepare a written dissertation research proposal. The proposal should include information about the background and significance of the area of research, the specific aims to be addressed and experiments proposed. The written qualifying component of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Ph.D. program is fulfilled after the student satisfactorily completes this proposal.
Seminars Chemistry. Chemistry students
give one required seminar presentation. This is a literature seminar
in the second year (Chem. 248) for Organic Chemistry, a research
seminar in the Spring quarter of the third year or Fall of the fourth
year in Inorganic, and a research seminar in the final quarter of
residence for Physical. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students normally give three presentations. These include a presentation in the fall quarter of the second year detailing the proposed dissertation research, a midstream presentation in the spring quarter of the third year detailing research progress and future research plans, and a final research seminar after a completed draft of the dissertation has been distributed to the dissertation committee. Oral Qualifying Examination. The University Oral Qualifying Examination consists of an original written research proposal in an area distinct from the student’s research and done without assistance from the research advisor. The proposal is presented orally to the committee, and the committee questions the candidate on the proposal, general knowledge of the area, and research progress. This represents independent work and offers the doctoral committee the opportunity to judge the student's ability to think creatively and formulate significant ideas for research. All students are required to take the Oral Qualifying Examination by June 30 of their second year. The committee's decision to advance students to candidacy, to allow them to repeat all or part of the oral, or to disqualify them is based on the quality of the written proposal, the adequacy of the oral presentation, the student's overall record at UCLA as reflected in coursework and examinations, and the student's research ability and productivity.
Advancement to Candidacy Students are advanced to candidacy upon completion of the written and oral qualifying examinations. The Candidate in Philosophy degree is awarded for the quarter the student is advanced to candidacy.
Final Oral Examination (Defense of the Dissertation) Chemistry. This is only
required when the doctoral committee decides this would be a good
experience for the student. Each area has established mechanisms
for Ph.D. candidates to present seminars on their research. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. A final thesis seminar presentation is required prior to filing the thesis.
Time-to-Degree These are the normal times to complete
various aspects of the program: *From admission to completion of
cumulative examinations or Biochemistry and Molecular biology written
dissertation research proposal,: 3-5 academic quarters (1-1 2/3
calendar years). *From admission to advancement
to candidacy: 6 academic quarters (2 calendar years). *From admission to award of degree: 12-18 academic quarters (4-6 calendar years).
University policy on Termination of Graduate Study A student who fails to meet the
above requirements may be recommended for termination of graduate
study. A graduate student may be disqualified from continuing in
the graduate program for a variety of reasons. The most common is
failure to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average (3.00)
required by the Academic Senate to remain in good standing. (Some
programs require a higher grade point average.) Other examples include
failure on examinations, lack of timely progress toward the degree
and poor performance in core courses. Probationary students (those
with cumulative grade point averages below 3.00) are subject to
immediate dismissal upon the recommendation of their department.
University guidelines governing termination of graduate students,
including the appeal procedure, are outlined in Standards and Procedures
for Graduate Study at UCLA. In addition, a student may be recommended
for termination by the Graduate Study Committee or the Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology Faculty Committee. A student may appeal a
recommendation for termination to the departmental chair. Master of Science DegreeAdmission Application materials may be obtained by contacting the department directly. Advising Initial academic advising is handled
by the appropriate faculty area advisor. Students continue to consult
with this advisor each quarter until completion of their course
requirements. During this period, students admitted to Plan I will
also choose a Research Director to supervise the thesis research.
The Graduate Study Committee, consisting of the faculty and staff
graduate advisors and faculty area advisors, reviews each student's
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 and staff graduate advisors
and faculty area advisors are available for consultation. Areas of Study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry.
Foreign Language Requirement
Course Requirements Chemistry. At least nine
quarter courses (36 units) are required, of which at least five
(20 units) must be graduate courses and the remainder upper division
courses. Students must take a minimum of two courses in their major
area and one course in an outside area. Choices may be made from
the following: Inorganic -- Chemistry and Biochemistry 207, 271A through 271Z, 273, C274 C275, C276A, 276B, 277, 279, C280, C281. Organic -- Chemistry and Biochemistry 207, 232, 236, 241A through 241Z, 242, C243A, C243B, 244A, 244B, 245, C281. Physical -- Chemistry
and Biochemistry C215A, C215B, 215C, 215D, C223A, C223B, 223C, 225. Substitutions may be made with
consent of the faculty area advisor. With the consent of the faculty
graduate advisor, courses of directed individual study, but not
research courses, may replace any of the courses listed above. Up to 24 units of Chemistry and
Biochemistry 596 or 598 may be applied toward the total course requirement;
up to 20 units may be applied toward the minimum graduate course
requirement. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Thirty-six units of coursework are required. At least twenty of the thirty-six units must be at the graduate level (courses numbered 200 and above), while the remaining units may be upper division undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 to 199). Required courses include Chemistry and Biochemistry 269ABCD (10 units) and at least -four additional units of graduate level lecture courses chosen from a list of approved graduate courses available from the staff graduate advisor. Up to twenty-four units of Chemistry and Biochemistry 596 or 598 may be applied toward the total course requirement; up to eight units may be applied toward the graduate course requirement. Up to four units of graduate level seminar courses may be applied to the graduate course requirement.
Teaching Experience Field Experience A Master’s degree
may be obtained through of two plans: the Comprehensive Examination
Plan or the Thesis Plan. The Thesis Plan is the preferred method
of attaining the M.S. in both Chemistry and Biochemistry. The choice
of plan should be made by the student in close consultation with
the faculty area advisor and the student’s research advisor. 1. Comprehensive Examination
Plan Biochemistry. In exceptional
cases, a comprehensive examination is administered in lieu of a
thesis. This written examination is administered and graded by a
faculty committee selected by the Biochemistry Area Advisor and
is graded pass or fail. For students who fail, recommendation for
or against a second examination is made by the area advisor. 2. Thesis Plan Biochemistry. The thesis plan is the preferred method of attaining the M.S. in Biochemistry. Preference in admissions is given to those students who have already identified a faculty research advisor under whose direction the thesis research is conducted. By the sixth week of the first term in residence, a master’s committee is appointed for each student consisting of the student’s faculty research advisor and two additional faculty members chosen by the Biochemistry Area Advisor. This committee has the responsibility for approving or disapproving the master’s thesis. By the end of the first term, the student is required to submit a brief written research proposal for approval by the master’s committee. Students have five academic year terms after the submission of the proposal to complete the degree. Re-admission to the Ph.D. Program Students completing a Master's
degree may, upon completion of the thesis and approval of the thesis
advisor, petition the Graduate Study Committee for re-admission
into the Ph.D. program. The petition should consist of a letter
or memo from the student to the committee, a letter from the thesis
advisor, and a copy of the thesis all submitted to the Graduate
Advising Office. Students re-admitted to the program must fulfill
the three cume requirement for students with M.S. degrees from U.S.
institutions, and fulfill the candidacy and other good standing
requirements of the Ph.D. program. The oral exam for candidacy should
be completed within one calendar year following award of the M.S.
degree.
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Copyright © 2000
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, UCLA
green@chem.ucla.edu