Doctoral study in Chemistry at Loyola University Chicago is designed to develop within students the foundational skills for industrial work, academic research, and teaching careers in diverse learning communities. The department of chemistry offers opportunities for graduate study in sub-fields of chemistry such as Physical & Surface Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Chemical Education.

Curriculum

The PhD in Chemistry requires 60 credit hours earned through 6 (six) required courses and 42 credit hours of research in their sub-field, as well as an entrance examination, comprehensive examination, and dissertation. Students may choose a specialization in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry Education, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Physical Chemistry.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
CHEM 401	Chemistry Methodology and Communication	3
Select at least One Course in Area of Specialization		3
Analytical
CHEM 455	Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry 1
Biochemistry
CHEM 465	Special Topics in Biochemistry 2
CHEM 470	Biochemistry I
Education
CHEM 480	Chemistry for Teachers I
Inorganic
CHEM 441	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 445	Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry 3
Organic
CHEM 422	Advanced Organic Chemistry III: Mechanism
CHEM 423	Medicinal Chemistry
CHEM 424	Molecular Characterization Part A
CHEM 425	Special Topics in Organic Chemistry 4
Physical
CHEM 435	Special Topics in Physical Chemistry 5
Select Four Graduate Electives		12
Research in Specialization		42
CHEM 610	Doctoral Study	0
CHEM 600	Dissertation Supervision	0
Total Hours		60

¹

Must choose from one of the following: Archeometry and Adv Analytical Chemistry.

²

For CHEM 465 choose from one of the following: Plant Biochemistry; The Chemistry of Enzymes; Biochem of Lipids; Adv Approaches in Biochemistry; Adv Enzyme Kinetics and Mech; Molecular Immunology; Biochem of Renewable Energy; and Proteomics;

³

For CHEM 445 choose from one of the following: Molecular Characterization Part B; Medicinal Inorganic Chem; and Electron and X-Ray Methods.

⁴

For CHEM 425 choose from one of the following: Orgo Structure Determination; Strategy & Tactics or Org Chem; Func Dyes Biomed Imaging; Adv Orgo-Synthesis and Mech; Comp Organomet Chem; and Advanced Organic Synthesis;

⁵

For CHEM 435 choose from one of the following: Exp Tech of Surface Science; Survey of Modern Physical Chemistry; Surface Chem and Analysis; Thermodynam/ Protein Structures; and Computational Chemistry;

Responsible Conduct of Research

All PhD students and students in thesis-based Master's degree programs must successfully complete UNIV 370 Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship or other approved coursework in responsible conduct of research as part of the degree requirements. It is strongly recommended that students complete this two-day training before beginning the dissertation/thesis stage of the program.

PhD Students will complete entrance exams, a comprehensive exam and then propose and defend research towards the dissertation.

Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations

Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.

Learning Outcomes

• Trained in necessary lab protocol (notebooks, design of experiment, safety, etc.), effective communication of science, and job function (intellectual property, regulatory, ethics, etc.) necessary for careers with an advanced degree.
• To be able to educate students interested in chemical sciences.
• Develop capabilities to solve fundamental problems on advanced topics in chemistry sub-disciplines relevant to their field of study.
• To be able to effectively design and carry out independent research leading to new knowledge or a practical, applicable result.  This includes mastery of gathering, organizing, analyzing, and reporting data.