2006-07 UCI Catalogue: Physical Sciences

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

1120 Natural Sciences II; (949) 824-6018
V. Ara Apkarian, Department Chair

Faculty

Nancy Allbritton, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.D. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Chemistry (analytical chemistry)

V. Ara Apkarian, Ph.D. Northwestern University, Department Chair and Professor of Chemistry (chemical physics)

Ramesh D. Arasasingham, Ph.D. University of California, Davis, Lecturer with Security of Employment, Chemistry (chemical education and inorganic chemistry)

Donald R. Blake, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Department Vice Chair and Professor of Chemistry and Earth System Science (atmospheric and analytical chemistry, and radiochemistry)

Vladimir E. Bondybey, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Adjunct Professor of Chemistry (chemical physics)

David A. Brant, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry (physical chemistry of biological macromolecules)

A. Richard Chamberlin, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor of Chemistry (organic synthesis and bioorganic chemistry)

Robert M. Corn, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Chemistry (physical and analytical chemistry)

Robert J. Doedens, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, Associate Dean of the School of Physical Sciences and Professor of Chemistry (structural inorganic chemistry)

William J. Evans, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, Professor of Chemistry (synthetic inorganic and organometallic chemistry)

Patrick Farmer, Ph.D. Texas A & M University, Professor of Chemistry (inorganic and analytical chemistry)

Barbara J. Finlayson-Pitts, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside, Professor of Chemistry (atmospheric, physical, and analytical chemistry)

Fillmore Freeman, Ph.D. Michigan State University, Professor of Chemistry (organic chemistry)

Nien-Hui Ge, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (physical/analytical chemistry)

R. Benny Gerber, Ph.D. Oxford University, Professor of Chemistry (theoretical chemistry and chemical physics)

Zhibin Guan, Ph.D. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Associate Professor of Chemistry (organic chemistry)

Stephen Hanessian, Ph.D. Ohio State University, Adjunct Professor of Chemistry (organic chemistry)

Warren J. Hehre, Ph.D. Carnegie-Mellon University, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry (theoretical chemistry)

John C. Hemminger, Ph.D. Harvard University, Professor of Chemistry (surface chemistry and physics, atmospheric and analytical chemistry)

Alan F. Heyduk, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (inorganic chemistry)

Wilson Ho, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, Donald Bren Professor of Physics and Chemistry (experimental condensed matter physics and chemistry)

Kenneth C. Janda, Ph.D. Harvard University, Professor of Chemistry (chemical physics, spectroscopy, and analytical chemistry)

Elizabeth R. Jarvo, Ph.D. Boston College, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (inorganic, organic, and organometallic)

Jhong K. Kim, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Cruz, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry (organic chemistry)

Susan M. King, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry (organic chemistry)

Vladimir A. Mandelshtam, Ph.D. Institute of Spectroscopy, Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R., Associate Professor of Chemistry (theoretical and computational chemistry)

Craig C. Martens, Ph.D. Cornell University, Professor of Chemistry (theoretical chemistry)

Rachel W. Martin, Ph.D. Yale University, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (physical chemistry, chemical physics, bioorganic, bioinorganic, chemical biology)

Robert T. McIver, Jr., Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry (physical and analytical chemistry)

George E. Miller, D. Phil. Oxford University, Senior Lecturer with Security of Employment Emeritus and Reactor Supervisor (radioanalytical and analytical chemistry, and chemical education)

Harold W. Moore, Ph.D. University of Illinois, Edward A. Dickson Professor Emeritus of Chemistry (organic chemistry and rational drug design)

Shaul Mukamel, Ph.D. Tel-Aviv University, UCI Chancellor's Professor of Chemistry (analytical/physical chemistry)

Serguei A. Nizkorodov, Ph.D. University of Basel, Switzerland, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (atmospheric/physical chemistry)

James S. Nowick, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor of Chemistry (organic and bioorganic chemistry)

Larry E. Overman, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, UCI Distinguished Professor of Chemistry (organic chemistry)

Reginald M. Penner, Ph.D. Texas A & M University, Department Vice Chair and Professor of Chemistry (analytical chemistry)

Eric O. Potma, Ph.D. University of Groningen (The Netherlands), Assistant Professor of Chemistry (physical chemistry, chemical physics, bioorganic, bioinorganic, chemical biology)

Thomas L. Poulos, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Director of the Irvine Research Unit in Macromolecular Structure and UCI Chancellor's Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Physiology and Biophysics, and Chemistry (inorganic/organic chemistry)

Peter M. Rentzepis, Ph.D. Cambridge University, Professor of Chemistry and of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and UC Presidential Chair (physical chemistry and picosecond spectroscopy)

F. Sherwood Rowland, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Donald Bren Research Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Earth System Science (atmospheric and analytical chemistry, and radiochemistry)

Scott D. Rychnovsky, Ph.D. Columbia University, Professor of Chemistry (organic chemistry)

A. J. Shaka, Ph.D. Oxford University, Professor of Chemistry (physical and analytical chemistry)

Kenneth J. Shea, Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University, Professor of Chemistry (organic, polymer, and analytical chemistry)

Mare Taagepera, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, Senior Lecturer with Security of Employment Emerita (physical organic chemistry and chemical education)

Douglas J. Tobias, Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University, Professor of Chemistry (computational biophysical chemistry)

Shiou-Chuan (Sheryl) Tsai, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and of Chemistry (organic chemistry)

Christopher D. Vanderwal, Ph.D. Scripps Research Institute, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (organic)

David L. Van Vranken, Ph.D. Stanford University, Department Vice Chair and Professor of Chemistry (organic chemistry)

Gregory A. Weiss, Ph.D. Harvard University, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (organic chemistry)

Keith A. Woerpel, Ph.D. Harvard University, Professor of Chemistry (organic and organometallic chemistry)

Max Wolfsberg, Ph.D. Washington University, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry (theoretical chemistry)

Albert Yee, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Director and Chair of the UCI Division of the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2) and Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Chemistry

Undergraduate Program

The major in Chemistry is elected by students planning careers in the chemical sciences and frequently also by those whose interests lie in biology, medicine, earth sciences, secondary education, business, and law. The curriculum of the Department is designed to satisfy the diverse needs of these students and others who may have occasion to study chemistry. The year course Chemistry 1A-B-C (or the Honors sequence Chemistry H2A-B-C) is prerequisite to all study in the Department at more advanced levels. The subject matter of this course serves also as a thorough introduction to the varied aspects of modern chemistry for students who do not wish to pursue their studies beyond the introductory level.

In order to enroll in Chemistry 1A, students must pass the Chemistry Placement Examination, which is given in late spring, summer, and during Orientation Week prior to the beginning of fall quarter. A preparatory course, Chemistry 1P, is offered in summer and fall for those who do not pass the Chemistry Placement Examination or who need additional preparation prior to entering Chemistry 1A. A grade of C or better in Chemistry 1P automatically qualifies the student for Chemistry 1A.

Completion of a one-year sequence in organic chemistry, either Chemistry 51A-B-C or H52A-B-C, is required for Chemistry majors and for students of the life sciences. Certain advanced courses required of Chemistry majors may also be of interest to others.

The undergraduate program of the Chemistry Department emphasizes close contact with research. Chemistry majors are urged to engage in research or independent study under the direction of a faculty member. A handout describing the procedures for arranging an undergraduate research opportunity is available from the Chemistry Undergraduate Program Office, 1202 Natural Sciences II.

Much of the important chemical literature is being and has been printed in foreign languages, principally German, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and French. Reading competence in one or more of these languages is desirable, and Chemistry majors are encouraged to acquire this competence.

Chemistry majors who are interested in teaching chemistry at the secondary level are urged to consider completing the optional concentration in Chemistry Education. A two-year post-baccalaureate program for the M.S. in Chemistry and a California Secondary Teaching Credential is described in the Chemistry Graduate Program section. Chemistry majors who plan subsequent study in medical, dental, or other professional schools should request information concerning admission requirements directly from the schools which they seek to enter. Counseling about preparation for a career in the health sciences is provided by the health science advisors in the School of Biological Sciences. Those intending to pursue graduate studies in chemistry should discuss their plans with a faculty member no later than the fall quarter of their senior year.

Admission to the Major

Students may be admitted to the Chemistry major upon entering the University as freshmen, via change of major, and as transfer students from other colleges and universities. Information about change of major policies is available in the Physical Sciences Student Affairs Office and at http://www.due.uci.edu/Change_of_Major.html. For transfer student admission, preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of general chemistry with laboratory and one year of approved calculus.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR'S DEGREE

University Requirements: See pages 59-64.

School Requirements: None.

Departmental Requirements

Basic Requirements: Mathematics 2A-B-D, Physics 7B-D-E and 7LB-LD, Chemistry 1A-B-C and 1LA-1LB-1LC (or H2A-B-C and H2LA-LB-LC), Chemistry 5, Chemistry 51A-B-C and 51LA-LB-LC (or H52A-B-C and H52LA-LB-LC), Chemistry 107 and 107L, Chemistry 131A-B-C (or 130A-B-C), Chemistry 151 and 151L.

Elective Requirements: At least five electives from the following lists, including at least two courses selected from the lecture list and two courses selected from the laboratory list. Lectures: Chemistry 125, 127, 128, 135, 136, 137, 138; and Chemistry courses numbered 201-205, 213-249, 262, 271, and 272; Biological Sciences 98 (Biochemistry), 99 (Molecular Biology); Earth System Science 122 (Atmospheric Dynamics), 130 (Physical Oceanography); Physics 111A-B (Classical Mechanics), 112A-B (Electromagnetic Theory); Engineering CBEMS110 (Reaction Kinetics and Reactor Design), CBEMS112 (Introduction to Biochemical Engineering), CBEMS120A (Momentum Transfer), CBEMS120B (Heat and Mass Transfer), CBEMS130 (Separation Processes), CBEMS135 (Chemical Process Control), CBEMS145 (Chemical Engineering Design), CEE162 (Introduction to Environmental Chemistry), CEE165 (Physical-Chemical Treatment Processes).

Laboratories: Biological Sciences M114L (Biochemistry Laboratory), M116L (Molecular Biology Laboratory), Chemistry 128L (Introduction to Chemical Biology Laboratory Techniques), 152 (Advanced Analytical Chemistry), 153 (Physical Chemistry Laboratory), 156 (Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry and Synthesis of Materials), 160 (Organic Synthesis Laboratory), 170 (Radioisotope Techniques), 180 (Undergraduate Research), Engineering CBEMS140A-B (Chemical Engineering Laboratory), Physics 120 (Electronics for Scientists), and 121 (Advanced Laboratory). (Chemistry 180 can be counted toward this requirement no more than once.)

At least three of the courses used to satisfy the Elective Requirement must be courses offered by the Chemistry Department, including at least one lecture course and one laboratory course.

Optional American Chemical Society Certification: For ACS Certification the program must include Biological Sciences 98 or Chemistry 128; Mathematics 2J and 3D.

Optional Concentration in Biochemistry: The program must include Biological Sciences 97, 98, 99; Chemistry 128, 128L; and three advanced biology electives chosen from: Biological Sciences D103, D104, D111L, D137, D147, D151, D152, E109, E112L, M114, M114L, M116, M116L, M121, M121L, M122, M122L, M124, M124L, M128, M130, M133, M137, M138, M140, M144, N110, and N132.

Optional Concentration in Chemistry Education: The program must include Education 173 (or 176), Physical Sciences 114 (two quarters), and three science breadth electives offered by one department from the following list: Earth System Science 51, 53, 55, 122, 130, 164; Mathematics 2E, 2J, 3A, 3D, 7; Physics 20A, 51A, 51B. One quarter of Physical Sciences 114 can be replaced by one quarter of Chemistry 191 or 192. The Chemistry elective requirement is reduced for students in this concentration to two lecture courses and two laboratory courses. Of these, three must be courses offered by the Chemistry Department.

HONORS PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY

The Honors Program in Chemistry is a research-based program offered to selected Chemistry majors during their final year. Applicants to the program must have completed their junior year with a grade point average of at least 3.3 overall and in their Chemistry courses. They must also have demonstrated the potential of carrying out research of honors quality, as judged by the Chemistry faculty member who will supervise their research. Students in this program enroll in Honors Research in Chemistry (Chemistry H180A-B-C) throughout their senior year and submit a formal thesis late in the spring quarter. They also enroll in the Honors Seminar in Chemistry (Chemistry H181), in which they receive instruction in scientific writing and present a formal research seminar. Successful completion of Chemistry H181 satisfies the UCI upper-division writing requirement.

Students who complete these requirements, whose grade point average remains above the 3.3 standard, and whose research is judged to be of honors quality will graduate with Departmental Honors in Chemistry.

The Department also offers an Honors General Chemistry sequence, H2A-B-C. This course in general chemistry is designed for members of the Campuswide Honors Program (CHP) and other highly qualified students. It covers the same material as Chemistry 1A-B-C, but in greater depth.

Additional information is available from the Chemistry Undergraduate Program Office.

PLANNING A PROGRAM OF STUDY

The departmental requirements leave the student a great deal of latitude in choice of courses; the student can choose to pursue interests ranging from biochemistry on the one hand to chemical physics on the other. Many of the basic requirements above coincide with those of the School of Biological Sciences. For this reason a double major in Chemistry and Biological Sciences is popular. The Department is approved by the American Chemical Society to offer an undergraduate degree certified by the Society as suitable background for a career in chemistry or for graduate study in chemistry. While it is not mandatory, it is desirable for students to pursue a course of study that the Department judges to merit a certified degree. Specifically, the following courses must be included in the program of study: Biological Sciences 98 or Chemistry 128; and Mathematics 2J and 3D. These courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Students should consult with their academic advisors on courses of study. A Chemistry major normally takes Chemistry 1A-B-C and 1LA-LB-LC (or H2A-B-C and H2LA-LB-LC), Mathematics 2A-B-D, and required writing courses during the freshman year. Students are encouraged to enroll in at least one freshman seminar during the freshman year; freshman seminars probe timely scientific topics and allow students to interact with faculty in an intimate environment. The sophomore year should include Chemistry 5, 51A-B-C, and 51LA-LB-LC (or H52A-B-C and H52LA-LB-LC); the Physics 7 sequence should be completed no later than the fall quarter of the junior year. The balance of the freshman and sophomore program can be chosen at the student's discretion with consideration given to progress toward completion of the UCI breadth requirement.

In the junior year all Chemistry majors should enroll in a year sequence of physical chemistry and in Chemistry 151/151L (fall), 107 (winter), and 107L (spring). Chemistry 130A-B-C and 131A-B-C are equivalent courses in physical chemistry. They have the same prerequisites and expect the same level of chemical and mathematical rigor. Both are acceptable to satisfy the physical chemistry requirement for the major. Chemistry 131A-B-C develops the topic beginning from a molecular or microscopic point of view and proceeds to the macroscopic description of matter; applications may address primarily gas phase systems. Chemistry 130A-B-C, on the other hand, commences with the macroscopic description; this approach may be of particular interest for applications of physical chemistry in biology, materials science, and engineering. Students should choose between the two courses on the basis of their interests. Because of significant differences in the sequence of topics, students starting in one series may not switch to the other in subsequent quarters.

During the junior and senior years the Chemistry Department electives requirement should be fulfilled, as should other University and departmental requirements.

Sample programs for Chemistry majors, American Chemical Society-certified Chemistry majors, the Biochemistry concentration, the Chemistry Education concentration, and Chemistry-Biological Sciences double majors are shown in the accompanying charts. Sample programs for Chemistry majors wishing to emphasize chemical physics, computational or theoretical chemistry, chemical synthesis and reactivity, or materials or polymer science in their undergraduate programs are available from the Chemistry Undergraduate Program Office, 1202 Natural Sciences II.

The faculty encourages Chemistry majors to enhance their education by studying abroad for one or more quarters, or during the summer. In most cases, the Chemistry EAP advisor can help students plan a program of study that will not extend the time it takes to graduate. Also, study abroad can enhance students' applications for admission to graduate and professional schools. For more information about opportunities to study abroad, see the Center for International Education section of this Catalogue or visit the Physical Sciences Student Affairs Office.

Graduate Program

The Department offers the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry. The Ph.D. degree is granted in recognition of breadth and depth of knowledge of the facts and theories of modern chemistry and an ability to carry out independent chemical research demonstrated through submission of an acceptable doctoral dissertation. The M.S. degree may be earned either through submission of an acceptable Master's thesis (Plan I) or through an approved program of graduate course work and a comprehensive oral examination (Plan II). A Master's degree is not a prerequisite for admission to the Ph.D. program.

Students in the Ph.D. and M.S. Plan I (Thesis) programs are required to complete a minimum of seven approved courses (or 28 units), including six graduate-level courses (or 24 units), in chemistry. The M.S. Plan II (Non-Thesis) program requires that the student complete 10 graduate-level chemistry courses (or 40 units) and a comprehensive oral examination. Graduate students are expected to attain grades of B or better to remain in good academic standing. The comprehensive oral examination assesses the competence of the candidate in the areas of chemistry covered by the chosen course work, with unanimous agreement among the three examination committee members required for satisfactory completion.

Progress toward the Ph.D. degree during the first year is assessed by a written examination administered after completion of the first year of study. This examination covers either research accomplishments during the first year or comprehensive knowledge acquired in course work. The time and content of the examination depends upon the student's specific area of interest.

Training in teaching is an integral part of each graduate program, and all graduate degree candidates are expected to participate in the teaching program for at least four quarters during their graduate career.

Participants in the Ph.D. program take an oral examination for formal Advancement to Candidacy. This examination normally comes in a student's second or third graduate year and consists of an oral defense before a faculty committee of the student's dissertation research project, and an original research proposition conceived, developed, and documented by the student. The committee may examine the student at this time on any subject it deems relevant to the independent pursuit of chemical research.

The most important component of the Ph.D. program is the doctoral dissertation, which must describe the results of original research performed by the student under the supervision of a faculty member of the Department. The criterion for acceptability of the dissertation is that its contents be of a quality suitable for publication in a scientific journal of high editorial standards. Each Ph.D. candidate is expected to present the work described in the completed dissertation in a seminar before the Department, following which the candidate will be examined on the contents of the dissertation by a committee of the faculty. A Master's thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.S. under Plan I must also describe the results of a student's original research performed under the direction of a faculty member. However, no public oral defense of the Master's thesis is required.

Residency requirements specify a minimum of six quarters in residence at UCI for Ph.D. candidates and three quarters for M.S. candidates.

The normal time for completion of the Ph.D. is five years, and the maximum time permitted is seven years.

CONCENTRATION IN PROTEIN ENGINEERING SCIENCE

Several faculty in the Department of Chemistry, in conjunction with faculty in the School of Biological Sciences and The Henry Samueli School of Engineering, participate in the joint graduate program in Protein Engineering. This interdisciplinary graduate program offers students the opportunity to work with faculty in any of the participating academic units; take course work in the areas of protein structure, function, and molecular biology; and earn the Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or Engineering with a concentration in Protein Engineering Science. Additional information is available in the School of Biological Sciences section of the Catalogue and through the graduate program in Protein Engineering office in the Biological Sciences Administration Building.

Department sponsors a coordinated two-year program for the M.S. degree in Chemistry and the California Single Subject Teaching Credential. The M.S. degree may be obtained under either Plan I or Plan II described below. Prospective graduate students interested in this program should so indicate on their graduate application and should request a detailed description of the program from the Chemistry Department Graduate Affairs Office or the Department of Education.

The following lists specify requirements for each of the graduate programs offered by the Department of Chemistry.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY PLAN I

(Thesis Plan)

Completion of a minimum of seven approved courses (or 28 units), including six graduate-level courses (or 24 units) in chemistry (as specified by the Department and excluding Chemistry 280, 290, 291, and 399) with maintenance of an average grade of B or better in all course work undertaken.

Completion of the teaching requirement.

Completion of three quarters in residence at UCI.

Submission of an acceptable Master's thesis.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY PLAN II

(Non-Thesis Plan)

Completion of 10 graduate-level courses (or 40 units) in chemistry (excluding Chemistry 290, 291, and 399 and counting Chemistry 280 no more than once) with an average grade of B or better.

Maintenance of an average grade of B or better in all course work undertaken.

Completion of the teaching requirement.

Completion of three quarters in residence at UCI.

Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive oral examination.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CHEMISTRY

Completion of the second-year Examination requirement.

Completion of the Oral Examination requirement for Advancement to Candidacy.

Completion of the teaching requirement.

Completion of six quarters in residence at UCI.

Submission of an acceptable doctoral dissertation.

Area Requirements

Ph.D. students generally choose from one of seven areas of specialization in the Department which determines course work requirements. Generally, each area requires three or four core courses and a menu of additional courses from which to choose to reach the required total of seven courses.

Analytical Chemistry: Three core courses: Chemistry 243, 246, and 249; plus four additional courses from: Chemistry 213, 230, 231A, 232A, 233, 234, 247, 248, 271, and 272.

Atmospheric Chemistry: Four core courses: Earth System Science 208, Chemistry 213, either Chemistry 231A or 232A, and Chemistry 245; plus three additional courses from: Chemistry 230, 231A, 231B, 232A, 234, 241, 243.

Inorganic Chemistry: Three core courses: Chemistry 215, 216, and 217; plus four additional courses from: Chemistry 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 220, 225, and 249; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry 203, 204, and 207; Biological Chemistry 210A and 212.

Organic Chemistry: Three core courses: Chemistry 201, 203, and 204 or 220; plus four additional courses from: Chemistry 202, 205, 215, 216, 217, 218, 220, and 225; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry 203, 204, and 207; Biological Chemistry 210A and 212; Physiology and Biophysics 204 and 242.

Physical Chemistry: Three core courses: Chemistry 213, 231A, and 232A; plus four additional courses from Chemistry 207, 227, 230, 231B, 231C, 232B, 232C, 234, 235, 236, 248, 249, and 266.

CONCENTRATION IN CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS PHYSICS

This is an interdisciplinary program between condensed matter physics and physical chemistry, which is designed to eliminate the barrier between these two disciplines. Students with B.S. degrees in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science and Engineering, are encouraged to apply to the program. The goal of the concentration in Chemical and Materials Physics (ChaMP) is to provide students with a broad interdisciplinary education in the applied physical sciences that emphasizes modern laboratory and computational skills. The program accepts students for both the M.S. and the Ph.D. degrees. Upon admission to the program, students are assigned two faculty advisors, one from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and one from the Department of Chemistry, to provide guidance on curriculum and career planning.

The curriculum for the M.S. program includes a summer session to assimilate students with different undergraduate backgrounds; formal shop, laboratory, and computational courses; a sequence on current topics to bridge the gap between fundamental principles and applied technology; and a course to develop communication skills. The required courses include thirteen core courses and three electives (subject to advisor approval) as follows: Core: Chemistry 206, 208, 229A, 231A-B-C, 232A-B, 266; two courses from the following group: Chemistry 228, 230, Physics 211, 222; one course from each of the following two groups: Physics 133 or 238A or Chemistry 236; Physics 129 or 273 or Chemistry 139. Electives: Chemistry 213, 225, 226, 229B, 232C, 233, 243, 248, 249, Engineering EECS278, EECS285B, MSE201, MSE259A, Physics 134, 213C, 223, 224, 226, 229B, 233A-B, 238A. In addition to the required courses, M.S. students complete a master's thesis. Students are required to advance to candidacy for the master's degree at least one quarter prior to filing the master's thesis. There is no examination associated with this advancement, but the thesis committee needs to be selected and appropriate forms need to be filed. The M.S. program prepares students to compete for high-tech jobs or to begin research toward a Ph.D. degree.

Successful completion of the M.S. degree requirements qualifies students for the Ph.D. program. Progress toward the Ph.D. degree is assessed by a written comprehensive examination administered in the summer after completion of the first year of study. This examination covers comprehensive knowledge acquired in course work, and the content of the examination depends upon the student's specific area of interest.

Participants in the Ph.D. program take an examination for formal advancement to candidacy. It is typically taken within one year of successful completion of the comprehensive examination. To satisfy normal progress toward the degree, it must be taken by the end of the student's third year. The examination is comprised of two parts: (a) a written report on a topic to be determined in consultation with the research advisor and (b) an oral report on research accomplished and plans for completion of the Ph.D. dissertation.