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Graduate Degree Information

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Texas-Austin has two graduate degree programs, Chemistry (MAJOR CODE: 620900) and Biochemistry (MAJOR CODE: 613500). Each program has its own coursework and qualifying examination requirements.

Coursework:

  • New graduate students will meet with their appropriate division coordinator/supervising professor, and the graduate adviser for assistance and approval of their course selection.
  • Students must register every semester until the completion of their degree.
  • Students will register for nine hours per semester, which may include graded courses, research hours and teaching credits.
  • All graduate students must take CH 398T- Supervised Teaching in Chemistry during their program.
  • A “B” average must be maintained each semester.

Degree Requirements:

  • Six graded courses in three of the following areas: chemistry, biochemistry, biology, engineering, physics, computer science, environmental chemistry, geology, pharmacy

Typical Course Schedule:

Chemistry
Semester Year Coursework
Fall 1 3 graded classes, one of which may be CH 398T
Spring 1 2 graded classes & group meeting, or 3 graded classes
Summer 1 Research credit hours
Fall 2 Remaining graded classes needed, and/or full load of research credit hours
Spring 2 Remaining graded classes needed, and/or full load of research credit hours


Biochemistry
Semester Year Coursework
Fall 1 CH 395G- Biochemistry; CH 387D- Physical Methods Biochemistry;
CH 398T- Supervised Teaching in Chemistry
Spring 1 CH 395J- Molecular Biology; CH 394- Enzyme Kinetics; CH 192G- Current
Literature Student Seminar
Summer 1 Research credit hours
Fall 2 Remaining graded classes needed, and/or full load of research credit hours
Spring 2 Remaining graded classes needed, and/or full load of research credit hours
  • Completion of a written or oral qualifying exam, administered by the end of the fourth semester:

Physical and Organic Division students will take an oral exam that includes a written description of their intended dissertation research and current progress (about 10 pages), a proposal of research addressing an unsolved scientific question that is distinctly different from the dissertation topic (about 5 pages), and a fifteen-minute presentation covering principal elements which will be evaluated by three faculty members.

Analytical and Inorganic Division students will take a series of written exams, usually in their second year, covering topics in the areas of analytical or inorganic chemistry. They will also have their research progress and potential evaluated by faculty.