518 Rowland Hall; (949) 824-6018
A. Richard Chamberlin, Department Chair
Faculty
V. Ara Apkarian, Ph.D. Northwestern University, Professor of Chemistry (chemical physics)
Ramesh D. Arasasingham, Ph.D. University of California, Davis, Lecturer in Chemistry (chemical education and inorganic chemistry)
Thorsten Benter, Ph.D. University of Kiel, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (atmospheric, physical, and analytical chemistry)
Donald R. Blake, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Professor of Chemistry (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 of Chemistry (physical chemistry of biological macromolecules)
A. Richard Chamberlin, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Department Chair and Professor of Chemistry (organic synthesis and bioorganic chemistry)
Ralph J. Cicerone, Ph.D. University of Illinois, Chancellor, Professor of Earth System Science and Chemistry, and Daniel G. Aldrich Jr. Chair (atmospheric 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)
Nancy M. Doherty, Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, Associate Professor of Chemistry (inorganic and organometallic 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, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (inorganic and analytical chemistry)
Frank J. Feher, Ph.D. University of Rochester, Department Vice Chair and Professor of Chemistry (organometallic and inorganic 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)
R. Benny Gerber, Ph.D. Oxford University, Professor of Chemistry (theoretical chemistry and chemical physics)
Christopher Grayce, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (theoretical chemistry)
Vincent P. Guinn, Ph.D. Harvard University, Professor Emeritus of 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)
Bo Hong, Ph.D. Texas A & M University, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (inorganic and analytical chemistry)
Kenneth C. Janda, Ph.D. Harvard University, Professor of Chemistry (chemical physics, spectroscopy, and analytical chemistry)
Jhong K. Kim, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Cruz, Lecturer in Chemistry (organic chemistry)
Vladimir A. Mandelshtam, Ph.D. Institute of Spectroscopy, Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R., Assistant Professor of Chemistry (theoretical and computational chemistry)
Craig C. Martens, Ph.D. Cornell University, Department Vice Chair and Professor of Chemistry (theoretical chemistry)
Robert T. McIver, Jr., Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor of Chemistry (physical and analytical chemistry)
George E. Miller, D. Phil. Oxford University, Senior Lecturer Emeritus in Chemistry and Reactor Supervisor (radioanalytical and analytical chemistry, and chemical education)
Harold W. Moore, Ph.D. University of Illinois, Research Professor of Chemistry (organic chemistry and rational drug design)
James S. Nowick, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor of Chemistry (organic and bioorganic chemistry)
Larry E. Overman, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry (organic chemistry)
Reginald M. Penner, Ph.D. Texas A & M University, Professor of Chemistry (analytical chemistry)
Peter M. Rentzepis, Ph.D. Cambridge University, Professor of Chemistry and Ophthalmology, and UC Presidential Chair (physical chemistry and picosecond spectroscopy)
Patricia J. Rogers, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Lecturer in Chemistry (chemical kinetics)
F. Sherwood Rowland, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Research Professor of Chemistry and Earth System Science, and Bren Chair (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 Emerita in Chemistry (physical organic chemistry and chemical education)
Douglas J. Tobias, Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (computational biophysical chemistry)
David L. Van Vranken, Ph.D. Stanford University, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (organic chemistry)
Keith A. Woerpel, Ph.D. Harvard University, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (organic and organometallic chemistry)
Max Wolfsberg, Ph.D. Washington University, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry (theoretical chemistry)
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 52A-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, 248/250 Rowland Hall.
Much of the important chemical literature is being and has been printed in foreign languages, principally German, Russian, Japanese, 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 contact the UCI Department of Education. A two-year post-baccalaureate program leading to 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. 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.
University Requirements: See pages 54-59.
School Requirements: None.
Departmental Requirements
Basic Requirements: Mathematics 2A-B-C, Physics 5A-B-C or 7B-C-D and 5LB-LC or 7LB-LC, Chemistry 1A-B-C (or Chemistry H2A-2B-2C) and 1LB-LC, Chemistry 52A-B-C and 52LA-LB-LC (or Chemistry 51A-B-C and 51LA-LB-LC), Chemistry 107 and 107L, Chemistry 131A-B-C or 130 A-B-C, Chemistry 151 and 151L.
Electives: Four courses chosen from the elective list below. These must include at least two courses offered by the Chemistry Department (Chemistry 180/H180 may be counted no more than once, and Chemistry 139, 192, 194, and 199 may not be counted) and at least one of the laboratory courses in the following laboratory course group: Chemistry 152, 153, 156, 160, 170, Physics 120, 121, Engineering ChE120LA, ChE120LB.
Elective List: Chemistry 125, 127, 135, 136, 137, and all Chemistry courses numbered 152-249; Biological Sciences 98 (Biochemistry), 99 (Molecular Biology); Earth System Science 101A-B (Earth Systems I-II); Physics 111A-B (Classical Mechanics), 112A-B (Electromagnetic Theory), 113A-B-C (Quantum Physics), 115A (Statistical Physics), 115B (Thermodynamics), 120 (Electronics for Scientists), 121 (Advanced Laboratory), 132 (Nuclear Physics), 133 (Condensed Matter Physics), 134 (Modern Optics); Engineering ChE120A (Momentum Transfer), ChE120LA (Chemical Engineering Laboratory I), ChE120B (Heat and Mass Transfer), ChE120LB (Chemical Engineering Laboratory II), ChE122 (Separation Processes), ChE160 (Reaction Kinetics and Reactor Design), ChE162 (Chemical Engineering Design), ChE163 (Chemical Process Control), ChE165 (Introduction to Biochemical Engineering), CEE164 (Chemistry for Environmental Engineering), CEE165 (Physical-Chemical Processes), CEE166 (Microbial Processes).
Scientific Breadth Requirements: A total of six additional four- or five-unit courses chosen from the offerings of the Departments of Earth System Science, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, and Information and Computer Science, and the Schools of Biological Sciences and Engineering, excluding the following: Earth System Science 20E, F, H90, Mathematics H90, Physics 1, Physics 3A-B-C, Physics H90, and courses which are designed primarily for upper-division writing or tutoring credit. No more than two quarters of the requirement may be met with independent study or research courses. (These may be taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis subject to the usual restrictions on Pass/Not Pass enrollment.)
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.
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 and requires little extra course work. 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: two courses from Mathematics 2D-F, 3A, 3D; Chemistry 152 and 153; at least one advanced laboratory course from Chemistry 156, 160, 170, and 180. 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 or H2A-B-C and 1LB-LC, Mathematics 2A-B-C, and required writing courses during the freshman year. The sophomore year should include Chemistry 52A-B-C and 52LA-LB-LC (or 51A-B-C and 51LA-LB-LC); the Physics 5 (or 7) sequences 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 and the Chemistry Department scientific 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, 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, materials or polymer science, or public school science teaching in their undergraduate programs are available from the Chemistry Undergraduate Program Office, 248/250 Rowland Hall.
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.
Sample Program -- Chemistry Majors*
Items in parentheses are recommended choices or alternatives.
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING | |||
| Freshman | |||||
| Chemistry 1A | Chemistry 1B, 1LB | Chemistry 1C, 1LC | |||
| Mathematics 2A | Mathematics 2B | Mathematics 2C | |||
| Breadth (Writing) | Breadth (Writing) | Breadth/Elective | |||
| Breadth | Breadth | Breadth | |||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Chem. 52A, 52LA | Chem. 52B, 52LB | Chem. 52C, 52LC | |||
| (51A, 51LA) | (51B, 51LB) | (51C, 51LC) | |||
| Elective (Physics 7A, | Physics 5A (7B, 7LB) | Physics 5B, 5LB | |||
| 7LA) | Breadth | (7C, 7LC) | |||
| Breadth | Science Breadth | Breadth | |||
| Science Breadth | (Math) | Science Breadth | |||
| (Math) | (Math) | ||||
| Junior | |||||
| Chem. 131A (130A) | Chem. 131B (130B) | Chem. 131C (130C) | |||
| Chemistry 151, 151L | Chemistry 107 | Chemistry 107L | |||
| Physics 5C, 5LC (7D) | Chemistry Elective | Chemistry Elective | |||
| Breadth/Elective | Breadth/Elective | Breadth/Elective | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Chemistry Elective | Chemistry Elective | Chemistry Elective | |||
| Breadth (Writing) | Breadth | Breadth | |||
| Science Breadth | Science Breadth | Science Breadth | |||
| Elective | Elective | Elective | |||
* For American Chemical Society certification include two courses selected from Mathematics 2D-2F, 3A, and 3D for scientific breadth; include Chemistry 152 and 153 plus at least one course selected from Chemistry 156, 160, 170, and 180 among the Chemistry electives.
Sample Program -- Chemistry-Biological Sciences Double Majors*
Items in parentheses are recommended choices or alternatives.
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING | |||
| Freshman | |||||
| Chemistry 1A | Chemistry 1B, 1LB | Chemistry 1C, 1LC | |||
| Mathematics 2A | Mathematics 2B | Mathematics 2C | |||
| Breadth (Writing) | Breadth | Bio. Sci. 96 | |||
| Breadth/Elective | Bio. Sci. 94 | Breadth/Elective | |||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Chem. 52A, 52LA | Chem. 52B, 52LB | Chem. 52C, 52LC | |||
| (51A, 51LA) | (51B, 51LB) | (51C, 51LC) | |||
| Bio. Sci. 97 | Physics 5A (7B, 7LB) | Physics 5B, 5LB | |||
| Breadth/Elective | Bio. Sci. 98 | (7C, 7LC) | |||
| (Physics 7A, 7LA) | Bio. Sci. 99 | ||||
| Junior | |||||
| Chemistry 151, 151L | Chemistry 107 | Chemistry 107L | |||
| Physics 5C, 5LC (7D) | Bio. Sci. Core | Bio. Sci. Core | |||
| Bio. Sci. Core | Bio. Sci. 100L | Breadth/Elective | |||
| Breadth/Elective | Breadth/Elective | Breadth/Elective | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Chem. 130A (131A) | Chem. 130B (131B) | Chem. 130C (131C) | |||
| Bio. Sci. Satellite | Chemistry Elective | Chemistry Elective | |||
| or Lab | Bio. Sci. Satellite | Bio. Sci. Satellite | |||
| Bio. Sci. Satellite | or Lab | or Lab | |||
| or Lab | Breadth/Elective | Breadth/Elective | |||
| Breadth/Elective | |||||
The Department offers graduate programs leading to 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.
Upon entering the graduate programs, all students are required to take a series of Area Examinations which test the students' competence in the general areas of chemistry (e.g., organic, physical, inorganic) at the undergraduate level. The Area Examinations are designed to ensure a proper fundamental level of preparation for graduate study and are used as a guide in choosing the appropriate program of course work for each entering student.
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.
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 in public 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.
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 master'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 master'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 core courses are: Chemistry 206, 213, 226, 228, 230, 231A-B-C, 232A-B-C, 236, 266; Physics 213C, 229A-B, 273. In addition to the core, M.S. students complete four electives approved by the student's Advisory Committee and a master's thesis. The Master's program prepares students to compete for high-tech jobs or to begin research leading to a Ph.D.
Successful completion of the M.S. degree requirements qualifies students for the Ph.D. program. A candidacy examination consisting of an original research proposal and a research progress report is expected to be completed within a year of starting the Ph.D. program.
Several faculty in the Department of Chemistry, in conjunction with faculty in the School of Biological Sciences and the 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.
In cooperation with the UCI Department of Education, the Chemistry Department sponsors a coordinated two-year program leading to 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.
(Thesis Plan)
Completion of the Area Examination requirement.
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.
(Non-Thesis Plan)
Completion of the Area Examination requirement.
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.
Completion of the Area Examination requirement.
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 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.
