Specific rules are intended to serve as guidelines rather than as inflexible barriers. A student may petition the department for a waiver or modification of any requirement when such a change appears desirable. Proficiency examinations in undergraduate inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry are given to new students on arrival in September. If these examinations reveal significant deficiencies, appropriate remedial courses may be required. Six of the seven total courses must be completed by the end of winter quarter.
Many students choose to complete their entire course requirement by the end of winter quarter.
The requirement for a specific course may be waived if the student is already proficient in the subject matter of that course. Admission to the doctoral program is usually granted at the end of the spring quarter of the first year to students whose performance in course work and in research to that point is judged satisfactory by the faculty. Each doctoral aspirant takes an oral qualifying examination administered by a committee appointed by the dean of the Graduate School . The qualifying examination assesses the student s progress in research and his or her general knowledge, particularly in the major field. Usually the exam is scheduled during the student s seventh quarter in residence.