After the initial orientation, students explore potential research topics in individual discussions with faculty members. Finally, they identify a specific research problem and begin research early in the first year. Since there are no formal subdivisions within chemistry, students may choose to do research with any member of the chemistry faculty. Interdisciplinary programs with biology, physics, environmental engineering, and geology are also frequent options. Seminar Programs Seminars form an integral part of the chemistry curriculum, enabling students to learn about current work in their own and other fields.
Students have the opportunity to attend, on the average, three or more seminars each week.
The scope of the seminar program ranges from weekly, informal group seminars to named lectureships, such as the annual Ernest Swift Lecture in Chemistry, the Beckman Lecture, and the W. N. Lacey Lectures in Chemical Engineering. The Chemical Research Conferences feature topics of general interest presented by members of the divisional faculty and distinguished visitors. Regularly scheduled seminars are held in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical physics, and chemical biology. Several of these seminar programs are organized and operated by graduate students, who select and invite the speakers as well as arrange appointment schedules, lunches, and dinners for the visitors. Formal seminars are frequently adjourned to an informal location where students, faculty, and speakers may continue discussion in a relaxed atmosphere.