Inorganic Chemistry
The requirements for a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry include the preliminary exam, two formal seminars, and course requirements.
Given below is a general outline of the requirements. There is considerable flexibility in the system to accommodate the wide range of interest included in Division of Inorganic Chemistry. Each student will prepare an individualized program appropriate to his or her interests and preparation before coming to WSU.
Course Requirements
Course requirements include the required Chemistry core courses as well as Chem 502 and 503. Other courses would depend on the individual's research interests and individualized degree program.
Preliminary Exam
The preliminary exam in Inorganic Chemistry consists of a one day written exam and an oral exam. The written exam should be taken by the end of the fourth semester, the oral exam in the fifth semester, after the second summer. The preliminary exam system is made to accommodate the individualized degree programs of our students.
The written exam covers basic material, with some emphasis on the student's area of specialization. The oral exam is based on the defense of a short research proposal on a topic approved by the members of the student's committee.
This proposal is expected to include preliminary results from the student's laboratory activities. This proposal is to be submitted to the committee at least two weeks before the exam. Students are encouraged to discuss their proposal with others, including their committee.
Formal Seminars
Two formal seminars are required. The first would normally be given by the end of the third year and should be on a topic not directly related to the individual's research problems. Suggested topics for this seminar will be provided. The second seminar should be given several months before the completion of the Ph.D. degree, and would concern research results.
Proposal Outline
The proposal should be less than 10 pages, typed and double spaced not including figures. The proposal should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the chemistry involved, and the creativity to recognize a problem and a method of solving it.
The proposal should be divided into the following sections:
- Objectives and Hypotheses: This section should be a statement of the research objectives to be achieved, the hypotheses to be tested, or the questions to be answered. Cite and evaluate related work that provides useful information.
- Procedure: Give enough detail to indicate the logic of the suggested approach, and show that your approach is adequate to achieve the objectives.
- Justification: Summarize why this work should be undertaken, in terms of its impact on current knowledge in chemistry and in the broader context of science in general.
- Preliminary Results