Frequently Asked Questions

Application

Research and General Questions

Teaching

Graduate Program (Classes, Cumulative Exams, etc.)

After Degree

Tucson

 

Application

Is there an application fee?

The department will provide $25 gift certificate to all domestic applicants who complete their application by January 15, 2012. All students who are accepted and enter the program in Fall 2012 will receive a complete refund of the application fee.

What happens after I apply?

The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews completed applications starting in the late fall and continues through the end of March. If your application is reviewed favorably, you will be contacted by a member of the committee who will invite you to visit Tucson - at our expense - to see what our graduate program and The University of Arizona has to offer. We firmly believe that a sound decision to attend graduate school cannot be made without visiting the UA campus! A member of the Graduate Admissions Committee will serve as your contacts throughout this process. Please do not hesitate to contact him or her or any member of our Department, if you have any questions.

Do I need to take the general or chemistry or biochemistry subject GRE?

The general GRE is required for U.S. students, and the subject exam is recommended but not required. For international students, both the general and subject exams are recommended but not required.

Am I required to complete the online application?

Yes. Please apply through the UA Graduate College.

 Note that the application fee is waived once you choose Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry on the on-line site.

 

Research and General Questions

Is there much collaboration among research groups? How well do students in different groups get along? Is the atmosphere very competitive?

Collaboration among research groups is a hallmark of the graduate studies at the UA. This is exemplified by our extremely strong interdisciplinary research areas in the Chemistry of the Life Sciences, the Chemistry of Materials, and the Chemistry of the Gas Phase and Interstellar Space.

In addition, there are several interdisciplinary graduate training tracks within the Department that pool faculty from such diverse areas as Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology. A significant portion of your research experience is gained by your interaction with both your own group members as well as researchers in groups, both within and outside the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. These are great questions to keep in mind when you are interviewing research directors and groups.

How long does it take to graduate with a Ph.D.?

The length of study varies depending on a variety of factors, but about 5 years represents a typical length of study for a Ph.D. degree.

Can I have a second job or will all of my time be spent in the lab?

Graduate education and training for a Ph.D. degree require complete dedication and commitment. You will not have time for an unrelated outside job.

How do I join a research group? How long will I have until I must choose an advisor? Will I get my first choice?

The answer to this questions is dependent on whether you choose the Chemistry or the Biochemistry Ph.D. track. Students in the Chemistry track will attend informal poster sessions and interview several faculty members before you select your first- and second-choice advisors. Students in the Biochemistry Ph.D. track carry-out 3 rotations prior to deciding on a dissertation advisor. It is rare indeed for a student in either track to not be accepted into the group of first choice.

May I work in an area that is different from what I had previously expressed interest in? May I work in any group in the department?

Yes. The traditional divisions are loosely defined at the UA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, making the divisional boundaries extremely transparent. If your interests have changed since the time of application to our graduate program and a different area of research has captured your imagination, choosing a research advisor outside of your previously indicated interest poses no problem.

How much is the graduate stipend?

You will receive at least as much as last year's stipend (approx. $23,203) as well as free health insurance (worth about $1,300). Note also that Tucson is very affordable as the cost of living is quite low compared to similar metropolitan cities.

 

Teaching

For how long will I teach before being an RA?

Most students teach 2-4 semesters. Generally, once you pass your preliminary oral exam (during your fourth semester) you are transferred to RA (research assistantship) status by your research director. In some cases you may be awarded an RA earlier. Depending on your career goals and the availability of research funding, it is also possible that you will teach for longer than the timeframe indicate above.

Do I have to teach? What course will I teach? How many hours will be devoted to teaching? How many classes will I teach (per semester)? How long will I teach for?

Teaching is not strictly required for graduation with a Ph.D. degree, but for most students it is a highly rewarding experience that allows them to learn to disseminate scientific information. Generally, your first-year teaching assistantship will entail teaching in general chemistry or biochemistry courses. If you teach beyond your first year, you will most likely get a chance to teach upper-level undergraduate courses more relevant to your area of research. Teaching demands approximately 6-8 hours of classroom time, plus grading and office hours, totaling no more than 20 hours per week.

 

Graduate Program (Classes, Cumulative Exams, Etc.)

How many classes will I be required to take? How do I choose them?

The graduate program committee will help you choose your first semester courses after reviewing the results of several qualifying exams. Further on, your research director will make suggestions, taking into account your research interests. The Graduate College requires 18 graded units for the Ph.D. degree and most students complete the required coursework by their fourth semester.

What are qualifiers like? What happens if I don’t pass them?

See specific requirements in the Chemistry or Biochemistry program sites.

What are cumes like? How many do I have to pass?

Cumes (cumulative exams) are common in most graduate programs in the United States. Passing them is one of the requirements of the Graduate College for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. Please refer to the Chemistry or the Biochemistry Ph.D. track pages for the specific requirements of each program.

What is the preliminary oral exam? What happens if I do not pass my oral exam?

The preliminary oral exam is another requirement of the Graduate College and when passed officially admits you to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. It is intended to test your breadth and depth of knowledge in your chosen field. The exam is generally 2-3 hours long and is divided into two parts. The first half tests your ability to propose new research ideas, the second tests your general knowledge of chemistry. The exam, which is entirely oral, is administered by your 5-member dissertation committee (your research advisor plus 4 additional members.

How do I maintain good standing in the graduate program?

Make sure your GPA is at least 3.0, pass the required cumes and the preliminary oral exam on time, and be involved in your research.

If I decide to accept the admission offer to the graduate program, what can I expect immediately after my arrival?

You will undergo a week of training for teaching, take your qualifying exams, and then the graduate program committee will help you decide what classes to take.

 

After Degree

Do more students go into industry or academics after receiving their Ph.D.?

Your future career path depends on what you would like to do. The department actively encourages companies to conduct campus interviews for students graduating from our program. Many of our students interested in academia move to postdoctoral research programs all over the world after obtaining their degrees.

 

Tucson

What is Tucson like?

Tucson is a wonderful yet inexpensive place to live, with excellent climate and breathtaking scenery, possessing all the amenities of a big city and the soul of a charming Southwestern town.

How should I begin to look for an apartment? Should I avoid certain areas of town?

A good way to do this is by researching apartment complexes on the Internet. Current graduate students are an excellent resource for the apartment-hunting process and you will be able to speak with many of them during your all-expense-paid visit to the department.

What is the parking situation on campus?

Although many parking options are available on and around campus, if you want a parking permit it is best to start the process early. Many students park near the university on permit-free residential streets. In addition, you may want to consider Tucson's extensive and affordable bus system. Some students take advantage of the year-long sunny weather and ride their bikes. Tucson is a very "bike-friendly" town.

What is the cost of living?

Tucson has a pretty low cost of living for a city with over a million people. Expect to pay between $300-$500 for a one bedroom apartment near the university.

 

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