Contact: Professor Christine Isborn, Graduate Chair, cisborn@ucmerced.edu
Research in the Chemistry and Biochemistry graduate group spans the traditional disciplines of chemistry and related interdisciplinary fields including biochemistry and molecular biophysics, organometallic and catalysis chemistry, materials chemistry, and computational chemistry. Our students our provided with both the rigorous training and the broad perspectives needed to address present-day scientific and technological challenges.
Most students are admitted to the Chemistry and Biochemistry program to work toward a Ph.D. degree, but applications from students whose goal is a terminal M.S. degree will be considered in special cases.
The deadline for receipt of applications is January 15. Late applications are considered as space permits. Normally applications are accepted for Fall semester only. The minimum requirement admission to the Chemistry and Biochemistry program is a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field of science or engineering with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Admission decisions are based on undergraduate grades, performance on the GRE (submission of GRE score is optional), accomplishments in undergraduate research, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
Applicants whose primary language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English for admission consideration. Any applicant who spent the majority of their primary and secondary education in a nation/territory where English is not the primary language must take an approved English proficiency examination prior to admission. Proficiency in English may be demonstrated by passing one of two standardized, internationally administered tests: TOEFL (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Passing scores are defined below. The applicant should take one of these tests at the earliest available date to ensure that the scores are reported in time to meet application deadlines. Applicants will not be admitted if they lack an acceptable proficiency score.
During the first year in residence, students typically take courses and serve as TAs for undergraduate science courses.
The heart of the Chemistry and Biochemistry program is the completion of a piece of original scientific research leading to the preparation and defense of a Ph.D. dissertation. Students are encouraged to discuss research interests and possible Ph.D. projects with all of the faculty in the group as early as possible, and select a faculty research advisor (major professor) no later than the second semester of study. Research normally occupies a majority of the student’s time after the first year in residence.
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