Apon arriving at UCSB students choose a research area of focus as well as a research advisor. The required courses for each of the 5 areas is established by the Division Academic Advisor at the time the student enters the program. When remedial background courses are stipulated, some of the first year required courses may have to be delayed until the second year. The first year curriculum (six courses) should be completed before the Candidacy Oral Examination, but some of the elective courses may be completed after the Candidacy Oral Examination. The following are some example course schedules:
• Biochemistry Division
The first year curriculum normally includes Chem 142ABC (or equivalent undergraduate preparation), Chem 256AB, and Chem 260. Two additional elective courses are normally taken the second year.
• Inorganic/Analytical Division
The first year curriculum normally includes Chem 268AB, Chem 275, 270 (3 quarters), and three additional courses (not including Chem 113, Chem 130 or Chem 150) approved by the Division Advisor. The second year curriculum normally includes additional elective courses approved by the Division Advisor.
• Materials Division
The first year curriculum includes a set of eight courses. Students may choose from three different options. Each option aims to provide a strong base on a specific sub-area of chemistry and to broaden the students' scientific perspective.
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• Organic Division
The first year curriculum normally includes Chem 227, Chem 228, Chem 229 and electives (Chem 236, Chem 230, etc.), although the Division Advisor may recommend some alternatives depending on the student's background and research interests. The second year curriculum normally includes 1-2 additional elective courses approved by the Division Advisor. Students are expected to participate in Chem 595 throughout their course of study.
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• Physical/Theoretical Division
The first year curriculum normally includes Chem 115ABC and an advanced Physical Chemistry 3-quarter sequence (e.g., 117G, 212 and 219). Up to six elective courses may be prescribed by the Division Advisor.
Course
descriptions for all available courses Choosing
a Research AdvisorOne of the most important decisions to make during the first year is the choice of a research advisor. In order to help students make this decision and to facilitate interaction between incoming graduate students and faculty, the department offers a seminar course (Chem 293) in which faculty members present a brief, 20 min. description of their research and then entertain questions. The course meets Fridays from 12 - 1pm during the fall quarter. Students should take this opportunity to meet faculty members and to determine which research groups are of interest. Students should then make appointments with those faculty members for more in-depth one-on-one discussions.
It is in your best interest to make an informed decision. Make sure to discuss research with more than one faculty member before deciding on a research group. During your meetings with faculty members be sure to ask questions. (i.e., time commitments, financial support for academic year and summer, workplace environment, possible projects). What are the rules for members of your group? How many hours are students expected to be in the lab? Are there written rules and guidelines for members of the group? Talk to other students and try to get a feel for the climate of the group.