Course Work in the Department of Chemistry
The Teaching Assistant Training Program
Before the official course of study students are encouraged to attend our Teaching Assistant Training Program (TATP). The TATP runs for five weeks beginning in July and provides incoming graduate students with a comprehensive introduction to teaching, the Department and living in Ithaca. Students who participate in the TATP attend lectures about undergraduate chemistry courses and facilities, complete special educational projects, lead recitations, and undergo safety and instrumentation training to prepare them for their academic careers. It also a great opportunity for students to become initiated to the Ithaca area, find housing and get to know their classmates before the first semester begins. Fun social outings and activities are also planned as part of the program. Students receive a special stipend to support their living expenses while participating in the program.
Entering the Program
The official course of study begins one week before the Cornell Fall session; usually in the second or third week of August. Incoming students take a series of graduate proficiency exams in Organic, Physical and Inorganic Chemistry produced by the American Chemical Society. The purpose of these exams is to identify any deficiencies that could impact success in the first semester of courses so that an effective academic plan can be advised. Students then meet with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and select professors in their area of interest for advise on course selection.
Course Work
Students generally take three graduate courses during their first semester. A minimum grade of B- is required in each course for the students to remain in good standing. An additional three courses are then taken in the spring semester, for a total of six required courses. Depending on a student’s interests one or more of these courses may be taken outside of the Chemistry Graduate Field. Additional courses are often taken by students in the later years of their dissertation work, if they are deemed useful by a students advisor and/or Special Committee (see below). Chemistry graduate courses can be found at http://courses.cuinfo.cornell.edu/CoScourses.php?college=AS&dept=Chemistry+and+Chemical+Biology
Teaching
Nearly all students work as teaching assistants (TAs) in undergraduate chemistry courses during their first year of studies. The Chemistry Graduate Field views this training as an essential component of a student’s academic development. Teaching assignments vary depending on area of expertise and course demands. Satisfactory performance as a TA is a requirement for advancement in the program. Excellence in teaching is highly regarded and encouraged. Many students also TA in their second year, in which they no longer have course demands; however, this is not a requirement and students can be supported by other means.
Finding a Mentor and Laboratory to Conduct Thesis Research
Students are expected to find a research mentor during their first academic year. Nov. 15th of the fall semester is the date that students can officially begin joining labs. Before that time students will attend a series of Research Orientation Lectures, provided by faculty who will be taking new graduate students. In finding a group to join, students are also expected to attend lab meetings of groups of interest, talk to other students in the program and interview at least three faculty members about their research. By the end of the first semester, most students will have found a research mentor.
Special Committee
Ph.D. students in Chemistry and Chemical Biology are required to choose three or more faculty members to serve as a Special Committee to represent their major and minor areas of study. The representative of the major area serves as Chair of the Special Committee, and usually has primary responsibility for directing the student’s research and studies. Degree requirements are kept to a minimum, and there are no specific course requirements. The number of formal courses required depends on student’s previous preparation, their chosen concentration, and the advice of the Special Committee.
Every student takes an oral examination for admission to candidacy within the first two years of graduate study (A-exam). The A-exam takes place after the student’s coursework has been completed and before the commencement of full-time research. The thesis, which is the final outcome of this research, must constitute an original contribution to chemical knowledge and be defended at a final examination overseen by the Special Committee (B-exam). The Ph.D. degree is awarded on successful defense of the thesis. Typically students take five years to complete the Ph.D. program.
Financial Support
Complete financial support accompanies every offer of admission. Each student is guaranteed at least five years of full financial support as long as he or she makes satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D. degree. This support includes a 12-month stipend, a full tuition award, and health insurance. Financial support comes in the form of teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships, research fellowships, and several NIH-funded training grant programs, such as the Chemistry Biology Interface Training Program. Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to seek federally funded fellowships such as those available from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other appropriate government agencies.
Contact Information
Graduate Studies Office
Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Cornell University
Baker Laboratory
Ithaca, NY 14853-1301
chemgrad@cornell.edu
607-255-4139
Graduate Program Coordinator
Pat Hine
pah3@cornell.edu
607-255-5287
Director of Graduate Studies
Brian Crane
bc69@cornell.edu