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UCSC Graduate Division

Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of California
230 Physical Sciences Bldg.
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Phone: (831) 459-4002
Fax: (831) 459-2935
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Graduate Programs

Ph.D. Program in Chemistry & Biochemistry

Within the doctoral program, students have the flexibility to design individualized courses of study focused on personal research interests. The general areas of research encompassed by the program are biochemistry, biophysical, inorganic, marine, organic and physical chemistry. Although individual routes to the Ph.D. may vary according to specific interests, all students are expected to maintain the high intellectual standards associated with the doctoral degree.

During Orientation, new students take examinations at an advanced undergraduate level in four areas: organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. The results of these diagnostic exams are used to assess each student's background and to plan the first year's course of study.

During their first two years in residence, students take six graduate lecture courses in broad areas or special topics. The standard course load, which includes lecture courses, seminars, research courses and independent studies, is three courses per quarter. Doctoral students are required to work as teaching assistants for at least one year.

For the majority of students who continue to work toward the doctorate, four specific requirements remain. The first is to present a literature seminar on a topic of current interest. This seminar provides students with the opportunity to develop skills that will enable them to read, analyze, organize and communicate information in a clear and logical manner.

The second important requirement is the oral qualifying examination for advancement to Ph.D. candidacy, taken in the seventh quarter. In order to demonstrate creativity and the ability to define and plan a research project, students defend an original research proposal that is not directly related to their thesis or dissertation. Students are also required to present and discuss their research progress to determine if they have a solid understanding of the research and to determine what direction and further work will be required for a successful thesis.

The third and most important requirement is to complete the written dissertation and have it approved by a committee.

The fourth requirement is to present the research findings in a dissertation seminar, at which the audience may as for clarification or defense the research thesis itself or any aspect thereof.

New!! Ph.D Program in Biomedical Sciences & Engineering (PBSE)

Students interested in chemical biology and biophysical chemistry should consider the exciting new graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (PBSE). This is an interdisciplinary and collaborative effort bringing together the departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry; Molecular, Cell & Developmental (MCD) Biology; Biomolecular Engineering (BME); and Microbiology & Environmental Toxicology (METOX). Most participants from the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department will follow the PBSE track of Mechanistic, Structural and Chemical Biology (MSCB). Highlights of PBSE include research laboratory rotations, journal clubs, targeted seminar series--all in a collaborative environment.

For more information, consult the PBSE website. To apply click here.

M.S. Program

The master's program offers a graduate-level education in chemistry and biochemistry that is a shorter and less comprehensive alternative to the Ph.D. program. The M.S. is also an excellent choice for those who desire thorough preparation before seeking a Ph.D.

Students pursuing a M.S. degree in chemistry may choose either a thesis path or a coursework path. Upon entering either path, students take the same diagnostic examinations required of those entering the Ph.D. program. Thesis path students conduct research leading to the Capstone requirement of a publishable thesis, five lecture courses focusing on their research area and various seminars. Coursework path students take seven lecture courses more broadly representing the chemistry and biochemistry subdisciplines, various seminars and they present a seminar as their Capstone requirement.

M.S. Degree - Thesis Path

This is a two-year M.S. program with requirements similar to those for the first two years of the Ph.D. program. Students take five required courses in the first year of the program; they complete elective courses and research leading to a thesis during the second year. The master's thesis, even though based on original research, is not expected to be as in-depth as the doctoral dissertation.

For those who may not want to pursue a research career but desire a thorough familiarity with research methods, the thesis path is ideal.

M.S. Degree - Coursework Path

In this one-year M.S. program, students enroll for three courses per quarter for three quarters. Seven lecture courses and at least two seminars must be taken to obtain the degree, once the attainment examination requirements are met. Requirements can usually be met in 3-4 quarters.

The coursework path to the M.S. degree is designed to provide up-to-date expertise in chemistry, short of actual research experience. Teachers, technicians from industry, and businesspeople are among those likely to benefit from this program.

To learn more about the requirements and the graduate program in general, please see the Graduate Handbook for new graduate students.

Questions on the graduate program? Email gradinfo@chemistry.ucsc.edu