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Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

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Page 1: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry

&Chemistry Research at UA

YOUR NAMEDepartment of ChemistryThe University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Page 2: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Why Graduate School?

Graduate training is needed to become proficient enough to be a strong participant in chemical research and the development of new knowledge.

With a PhD, you’ll be able to rise to top technical or administrative positions in industrial, academic, or government labs.

An advanced degree will result in a higher overall career earning potential.

Page 3: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Graduate School Can Be Fun!

It’s hard work, but you’ll be performing challenging research in an area that interests you.

You’ll be developing lifelong friendships and professional relationships.

Page 4: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Chemistry Starting Salaries From the American Chemical Society (ACS) for 2007 graduates. Median salaries for starting chemists. Typically, only 2-3 years after obtaining a PhD you will recover any

salary “lost” while attending graduate school as a ~$21,000 per year GTA/GRA. After that, you’re ahead by $30,000 or more per year over a BS/BA chemist.

For 2007 graduates, the median starting salary for a new PhD chemist was $75,000. For 2004, this value was $65,000. Starting salaries are increasing!

Time after graduation

BS/BA MS PhD

<12 months $36,700 $48,000 $75,000

12-36 months $38,600 $47,000* $70,000*

*Occasionally, starting salaries have increased so that new hires earn more than chemists employed for 1-3 years.

Page 5: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Preparation for Graduate School Undergraduate Curriculum

ACS-Certified B.S. Degree (preferred, not required). Take a full range of courses over all subdivisions of

chemistry, including biochemistry. Take as many upper level math, biology, and physics

courses as time permits. Acquire good skills in problem solving, teamwork, and

communications. Undergraduate Research

Seize the opportunity for research at your own institution.

Become a participant in a summer research program at an academic institution or an industrial intern or co-op.

Acquire Additional Skills Computer skills, work processing, spreadsheets,

databases, programming. Acquaint yourself with chemistry journals and the

scientific literature.

Page 6: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Admission to Graduate School

For regular admission, usually need GPA ≥ 3.0. For regular admission, usually need Graduate

Record Exam (GRE) ≥ 1000 (Q + V). (Note: 2011 new scale: 130-170 rather than 200-800)

Most schools don’t require the Chemistry Subject GRE exam.

Letters of Recommendation (2 or 3) – ask faculty who you have interacted with.

Foreign Students – TOEFL ≥ 550 (paper exam, pBT) of >79 (internet exam, iBT). Also accept IELTS (≥ 6.5); Pearson Test (≥ 59).

Note: In Chemistry, you don’t need a Masters degree (MS) in order to obtain a doctorate degree (PhD).

Page 7: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Where to Apply?

Gain info for your selection process from: Undergraduate professors or advisors ACS student affiliate meetings Seminar speakers Speakers at scientific conferences Publications in chemistry journals ACS Directory of Graduate Research Brochures and wall hangers from various

programs Websites Visits to departments were you are considering

graduate study

Page 8: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Where to Apply, continued The most important questions to consider

are: (1) Where to go to school? (2) Who to work for?

Choose a school with multiple research options that interest you.

If you want to work with a specific individual, contact them before applying. E-mail faculty whose research interest you.

Contact the Director of Graduate Recruiting or other faculty with questions.

Academic pedigree can still be important. Visit a school before you accept their offer of

admission.

Page 9: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Financial Support Positions

Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) Fellowships or Scholarships

UA Chemistry Current Support Stipend (2010-2011 AY): $21,900 for 12 months Full tuition waiver; no fees except for ~$60/semester Free health insurance for the student ($1,500/yr value) If a student remains in good academic standing, they

are guaranteed support in the PhD program for up to 5 years.

You will be paid to go to graduate school, but don’t let money be a primary deciding factor. Make your decision based on how the overall program and its research opportunities meet your needs.

Page 10: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Financial Support, conti. Put your offers on an equal footing. Compare:

Stipend: Is it for 12 months or 9/10 months with summers being different?

Tuition: Is it a waiver or are you given tuition money as taxable income? Must you pay it back? Are there hidden fees?

Health Insurance: Is it free to you? Cost of Living: May negate differences in

monetary offers. Add-Ons/Sweeteners: Have in writing whether

these are only for initial year or for all years. Length of Financial Support: Is continuous support

offered for the period of time in which you can reasonably be expected to complete your degree (e.g., 5 years for a PhD)? This is very important.

Page 11: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Regional Chemistry GTA Stipends, 2010

*12 month net stipends = amount paid to the student minus tuition and fees that the student pays out of pocket

Institution Net Stipend No-Cost Health Insurance

Emory U. $22,000 Partial

Florida St. U. $19,000 Partial

Louisiana St. U. $19,500 Partial

Mississippi St. U. $22,000 Partial

North Carolina St. U. $21,000 Yes

U. of Alabama $21,900 Yes

U. of Florida $19,950 Yes

U. of North Carolina $22,250 Yes

U. of Georgia $22,000 Partial

U. of South Carolina $21,300 Partial

U. of Tennessee $18,900 Yes

Vanderbilt U. $23,000 Yes

Page 12: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

How and When to Apply? How?

Electronic applications are usually preferred over paper forms. For online application and info, check out the website of the department or university.

Many departments waive application fees for domestic students. It doesn’t hurt to ask the department’s Director of Graduate Recruiting before sending money.

When? For complete consideration for all positions, including

fellowships, it’s best to submit applications for Fall before the end of the prior calendar year.

Although most entering graduate students begin in the Fall semester, a few students may be admitted at the beginning of Spring semester.

It is never too late to apply.

Page 13: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Parts of the UA Application Application Form – Online submission preferred Statement of Purpose (SOP) -

Discuss experience, career goals, research interests.

Toot your own horn. This is your opportunity to tell the department anything that you want them to know about you.

GRE – Official scores sent by ETS are needed. TOEFL – Needed by applicants when English is

not their native language and they don’t have a degree from a US institution.

Transcripts – Official transcripts sent by your undergraduate institution.

Letters of Reference - Normally 3 are required. Ask faculty who know you well to write them.

Page 14: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Overview of UA Chemistry

25 Research Active Faculty ~85 Graduate Students Research in all major areas of chemistry, plus

interdisciplinary Centers and programs Graduate Stipend: $21,900/year with waiver of

tuition and free health insurance for the student

www.bama.ua.edu/~chem/

Page 15: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Graduate Chemistry Programs PhD Program MS Program

Plan I – Thesis Option Plan II – Non-Thesis Option (Course work only)

Divisions and Research Programs Analytical Chemistry Biochemistry Inorganic Chemistry Organic Chemistry Physical Chemistry

Interdisciplinary Programs Center for Materials for Information Technology

(MINT) Center for Green Manufacturing (CGM) Center for Advanced Vehicle Technology (CAVT) Coalition for Biomolecular Products (CBP) Center for Molecular-Scale Electronic and Spintronics

(CMSES)

Page 16: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

PhD Program Degree Requirements

Usually completed in ~5 years

Courses (72 credit hours total) Placement exams (ACS exams) upon entering

program assist in matching courses to a student’s background

6 lecture courses - 18 credit hours 4 in major area and 2 outside major area

Research Techniques – 6 credit hours Advanced Research Techniques – 8 credit hours Graduate Seminars – 16 credit hours Dissertation Research – 24 credit hours

Page 17: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

PhD Program Degree Requirements

Research Selection of Research Advisor

Seminars for entering students with all Chemistry faculty

Detailed interviews with faculty of interest Selection made by student late in their 1st

semester of study or early in their 2nd semester

Dissertation Committee 5 members selected by 3rd semester Meet for IRR, ORP, Dissertation Defense

Start your research project under your advisor’s supervision – This is the fun part!

Page 18: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

PhD Program Degree Requirements

Additional Requirements Initial Research Review (IRR)

Present to dissertation committee by the end of the first

month of your 4th semester Cumulative Exams

2-3 hour exams offered 10 times a year in each of the 5 subdisciplines of chemistry

Must pass 4 exams by the end of the 2nd year of study (20 attempts maximum)

Usually taken in major area, but can take outside of area

Original Research Proposal (ORP) Present an defend (in writing and orally) an original idea

outside of your own research area Must be completed by 5th semester of study

Page 19: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

PhD Program Degree Requirements

Seminars Literature – during 2nd year Research – during last semester

Dissertation Write and defend orally - on your own research Must result in at least one refereed publication

Page 20: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

MS Plan I (Research) Requirements

Usually completed in 2-2.5 years Admission preference is usually given to PhD

applicants, except under special circumstances Requirements similar to PhD Program except:

30 credit hours with 4 lecture courses (3 in major area)

Only thesis committee meetings are IRR and thesis defense in last semester

No cumulative exams, ORP, or literature seminar

Research seminar to department in last semester

Thesis written and defended orally to thesis committee

Page 21: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

National Research Council Survey

178 Departments were ranked in a survey using 2000-2006 data

Subjective Ranking based on faculty surveys: 71st (60th percentile)

Dimensional Ranking based on yearly department data: Overall Research Activity: 53rd (71st %) Publications/faculty: 3.64, ranked 33rd

Citations/paper: 2.34, ranked 75th

Funded Faculty: 80%, ranked 88th

Page 22: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Student Support and Outcomes Overall Student Support and Outcomes:

42nd (76th %) 1st year students supported: 100% 6 year PhD completion: 48.6%, ranked

48th

Median time to degree: 5.8 yr, ranked 151st

National Research Council Survey

Page 23: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Diversity Overall Diversity: 103rd (42%) Minority faculty: 5%, ranked 55th

Minority students: 19.5%, ranked 28th

Female students: 32.1%, ranked 149th (2009-10, 45%)

International students: 50% (2009-10, 36%)

National Research Council Survey

Page 24: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Analytical ChemistsCarolyn J. CassadyProfessorANALYTICAL/BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY: mass spectrometry, ion/molecule reactions, MS/MS of peptides by FT-ICR and TOF, sequencing metallopeptides

Shanlin PanAssistant ProfessorANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY: electrochemistry, single molecule Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy, nanomaterials and biosensors

Shane C. StreetAssociate Professor, Director of Graduate RecruitingANALYTICAL/PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY: Nanomaterials, thin film tribology, and surface chemistry

Page 25: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Analytical ChemistsGregory J. SzulczewskiAssociate ProfessorANALYTICAL/PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY: chemistry of surfaces and interfaces, thin film devices, colloidal particles for sensing applications

Page 26: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Biochemists

Russell TimkovichProfessor BIOCHEMISTRY/BIOPHYSICAL/BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY: electron transport proteins, NMR analysis of 3D protein structure, biosynthesis of novel tetrapyrroles

Laura S. BusenlehnerAssistant Professor  BIOCHEMISTRY/BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY: metal-related diseases, protein structure-function studies, amide hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry

John B. VincentProfessorBIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY/BIOCHEMISTRY: elucidation of the structure, function, and mode of action of metallobiomolecules, biological chromium chemistry

Page 27: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Biochemists, conti.Stephen A. WoskiAssociate Professor, Director of Graduate StudiesORGANIC/BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY: non-natural nucleoside synthesis, peptide nucleic acids, interactions of metal complexes with DNA, synthesis of components for molecular electronics

Patrick A. Frantom Assistant ProfessorBIOCHEMISTRYStructure and function of enzymes, Protein dynamics, Mechanisms of catalysis and regulation, Kinetic isotope effects

NEW FACULTY

Page 28: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Inorganic Chemists

David E. NiklesProfessor INORGANIC/MATERIALS CHEMISTRY: materials for information technology, polymer coatings for magnetic tape, porphyrin synthesis, porphyrin-dendrimers as optical devices

Robin D. RogersRobert Ramsay Professor of Chemistry, University Research Professor, Director of the Center for Green ManufacturingANALYTICAL/INORGANIC CHEMISTRY: separation science, ionic liquids, x-ray diffraction & crystal engineering, self-assembled porphyrin arrays

Joseph S. ThrasherProfessorINORGANIC/ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY: novel sulfur-fluorine compounds, industrial fluorine chemistry, computational chemistry

Page 29: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Inorganic Chemists

Thomas VaidAssistant Professor INORGANIC/MATERIALS CHEMISTRY: inorganic andorganic electronic materials, solar energy conversion

Page 30: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Organic Chemists

Anthony J. Arduengo, IIISaxon Professor  ORGANIC/INORGANIC: the chemistry of new or unusual bonding arrangements, material science, new reagents for synthesis

Silas C. BlackstockProfessorORGANIC CHEMISTRY: electron transfer chemistry, high-spin polyradical ions, redox-gradient dendrimers, electron donor-acceptor bonding, crystal engineering

Michael P. JenningsAssociate Professor, Director of Undergraduate StudiesSYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: total synthesis of biologically active natural products, enantioselective methodology development based on novel chiral ligands, asymmetric catalysis

Page 31: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Organic Chemists, conti.

Kevin H. ShaughnessyAssociate Professor, Department ChairORGANIC/ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY: metal-catalyzed organic synthetic methodology, environmentally benign reactions, High-throughput screening of reaction selectivity

Timothy S. SnowdenAssociate ProfessorSYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: synthetic methodology, natural product synthesis

NEW FACULTYMarco BonizzoniAssistant ProfessorSUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY Pattern-based recognition in molecular sensing, molecular assembly through non-covalent interactions, physical organic chemistry of supramolecular systems

Page 32: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Physical Chemists

Martin G. BakkerAssociate Professor PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY: EPR, radical dynamics/reactions in organized media, surfactant aggregation, materials

Michael K. BowmanAssociate ProfessorPHYSICAL/BIOPHYSCIAL CHEMISTRY: EPR, structure and function of metalloproteins, defect centers in crystalline and non-crystalline solids

David A. DixonRobert Ramsay Professor of ChemistryPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY: computational and theoretical chemistry, applications to organic, inorganic, bio, environmental, industrial, and materials

Page 33: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Physical Chemists, conti.

Robert M. MetzgerProfessor PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY: molecular electronics, electrical conductivity in organic crystals, unimolecular organic rectifiers

Arunava GuptaMINT ProfessorMATERIALS and PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY: nanostructured materials for biomedical applications and information technology

NEW FACULTYDaniel J. Goebbert Assistant ProfessorPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY Photoelectron imaging, ion spectroscopy, reactive intermediates

Page 34: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Overhead View of the University of Alabama Campus and Shelby Hall during Construction

Page 35: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Entrance to Shelby Hall

Page 36: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Shelby Hall Rotunda Ceiling

Page 37: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Shelby Hall Rotunda Floor

Page 38: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Center Courtyard – View of Rotunda

Page 39: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Hallway of a Research Wing

Page 40: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Research Lab – Kispert Group

Page 41: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Lab

Page 42: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Research Lab – Shaughnessy Group

Page 43: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer (FT-ICR/MS) – Cassady Group

Page 44: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Mass Spectrometry Lab – MALDI/TOF and Double Focusing Sector Spectrometers

Page 45: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Typical Graduate Student Office

Page 46: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Faculty Office in Shelby Hall

Page 47: Planning for Graduate Study in Chemistry & Chemistry Research at UA YOUR NAME Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

UA Department of Chemistry