In addition to its degree programs, an important function of the Department is the teaching of chemistry courses to students in other disciplines as a part of their Major requirements. More than 1000 students with majors in Engineering, Pharmacy, other sciences, etc. , are enrolled in Chemistry courses at any given time. The Minor in Chemistry with several specialties is offered to students majoring in other disciplines. To help students select a research director, members of the faculty discuss their research at colloquia held at the beginning of the first year. The student chooses a director after attending these meetings and conferring individually with faculty members.
Research is the most important degree requirement, but there are some others.
Each Ph. D. student must pass five short cumulative exams designed to encourage the student to follow the chemical literature, attend seminars, and practice solving new types of chemical problems. This gives the student practice in planning how to attack a problem of his or her own devising. Students also participate in seminar and colloquium programs. The department has modern facilities for research in all areas of chemistry, which are maintained by a talented support staff with whom students at all levels, undergraduate and graduate, work closely. Departmental staff includes a scientific glassblower and two electronic instrumentation specialists.