The program has a large and diverse faculty with strengths in biophysical, bioinorganic, bioorganic, and biological chemistry; solid-state and surface chemistry; and theoretical chemistry. In addition, the faculty is grounded in the traditional disciplines of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Members of the chemistry faculty are engaged in a variety of research efforts with researchers in other departments and other institutes at Rutgers and with their colleagues at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Interdisciplinary research has increased substantially in recent years with the growth of several advanced technology centers on the Rutgers-New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses. These include the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, the Center for Advanced Food Technology, the Malcolm G. McLaren Center for Ceramic Research, the Fiber Optics Research Center, and the Laboratory for Surface Modification.
Faculty and graduate student research is supported by in-house shop facilities (machine, electronics, and glassblowing), a comprehensive chemistry library, and a full range of state-of-the-art chemical instruments. This equipment includes 300, 400, 500, 600, and 800 MHz NMR spectrometers with 2-D and 3-Dcapabilities, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffractometers, macromolecular crystallization and imaging facilities, ultrahigh vacuum surface analysis systems, and extensive laser and calorimetric instrumentation. Computing facilities in the Wright-Rieman Laboratories include several multiprocessor servers, a large array of graphics workstations, PC-based workstations, presenter systems, video- animation equipment, personal computers, X-terminals, and laser and color printers.
The program for the master's degree requires a minimum of 30 credits and either a critical essay or a thesis on some research problem. The program for the Ph.D. degree requires a thesis and an appropriate combination of course work and research credits. The master of philosophy degree is available to doctoral candidates.
A Ph.D. candidate must complete a minimum of 18 credits of work in graduate courses approved by his or her adviser. The Ph.D. qualifying exam consists of two parts: (1) successful oral defense of a written research proposal based on the student's Ph.D. thesis project, and (2) successful oral defense of a written "out-of-field" proposal on a topic not closely related to the student's thesis research. Both parts of the qualifying exam must be completed by the end of the fourth term of full-time graduate study.
A Ph.D. candidate must spend not less than one academic year as a full-time student in residence. This residence requirement may be waived in cases of outstanding professional accomplishment and experience.
Most graduate courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening hours. This enables students who are unable to attend classes during the day because of employment restrictions to pursue an M.S. degree.
Teaching assistantships and fellowships are available for both first-year and advanced graduate students, and virtually all full-time doctoral students receive financial support. Teaching assistants spend no more than six contact hours per week on their duties and normally take 6 to 10 credits of graduate courses or research each term. Fellowships normally do not entail special duties, and those who hold them can devote their time to course work and to research related to their Ph.D. dissertation. Further information on these and other matters may be found in the Graduate Program in Chemistry, a brochure available from the department.
