Most students graduate during their fifth year. Please refer to the faculty pages for full descriptions of the on-going research in our department. At UCSD, chemists and biochemists are part of a thriving community that stretches across campus and out into research institutions throughout the San Diego area, uniting researchers in substantive interactions and collaborations. Seminars are presented weekly in biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Interdisciplinary programs in nonlinear science, materials science, biophysics, and atmospheric and planetary chemistry also hold regular seminars.
Students can gain experience teaching both discussion and laboratory sections.
Excellence in teaching is stressed, and the department provides a thorough training program covering both fundamentals and special techniques for effective instruction. Further training is provided by the campus's Center for Teaching Development. Performance is evaluated every quarter, and awards are bestowed annually for outstanding teaching performance. Support packages come from a variety of sources, including teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and awards. Training grants in biophysics, cellular biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, oncogenes, heme proteins, and athmospheric and environmental chemistry provide support for exceptional students and also unite researchers from across campus in special seminars, retreats, and courses.