List of Faculty
The Graduate Program
Our program of graduate study is designed to provide each student
with a broad, fundamental background in chemistry coupled with detailed knowledge
and research experience in his or her area of concentration. The goals of
this program are accomplished through participation in research augmented
by course work and presentations stressing independent and creative thought.
The focus of graduate work in chemistry is, ultimately, on research and students are encouraged to begin research at an early date. In order to develop a proper background, the first year's work may include courses in any of several areas including analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. In this initial year, students are expected to demonstrate competence in four of these areas. Additional courses are selected on consultation with faculty advisors.
During the first semester, the student becomes involved in the most important feature of graduate education by choosing a research project and advisor and initiating a research program. Students generally find that the research project is their major endeavor after the first year. The student and advisor collaborate closely in developing the program of research. The student is encouraged to grow as a research scientist and is expected to make significant independent contributions to the research project as it develops, keeping in mind that the ultimate goal is to generate new fundamental chemical knowledge and methodology. An awareness of ongoing developments in the chosen field is essential and is appropriately emphasized.
Another
aspect of the graduate program focuses on developing one's ability to conceive
independent research ideas and to integrate existing knowledge. Toward this
end, a seminar/oral examination is scheduled for the second year, which involves
the independent development of a research idea and the presentation of the
relevant background information for this proposal to the faculty and graduate
student body. Elevation to Ph.D. candidacy results from satisfactory performance
in this oral examination. The degree is completed by the submission and defense
of an acceptable thesis based upon the student's research accomplishments.
An active colloquium program is one the best ways to foster the exchange of new scientific information. In a typical semester, some fifteen to twenty lectures are presented in the department by invited speakers from academic, industrial and government research laboratories. Among the major annual events are the Robert E. Lutz, Alfred Burger, and John L. Pratt Lectures, which feature distinguished scientists and have involved, thus far, six Nobel laureates.
The
overall objective of our graduate program is to prepare each individual,
through technical experience and exposure to broad concepts of research methodology,
to take a place as a research scientist and/or teacher in an industrial,
government, or academic environment. The Department of Chemistry provides
superb facilities, instrumentation, and an atmosphere in which each student
is challenged to develop his or her abilities and interests.
Graduate Student Committee
The Graduate Student Committee (GSC)
is a group of students, elected from within the Chemistry Department, which
acts as a liaison between the faculty and graduate students in discussions
of intradepartmental matters such as admissions, the graduate curriculum,
and seminar programs. Orientation of new graduate students has been a special
focus of the GSC. Each summer an information packet is sent to incoming students,
and personal contact between incoming students and present graduate students
is encouraged. In addition, an orientation meeting is scheduled before the
start of qualifying examinations in the fall.
We encourage prospective graduate students to visit the Department to meet with the faculty and students, and we welcome any inquiries about the Chemistry Department, the University, or the city of Charlottesville. Questions can be directed to the Graduate Student Committee Chairman, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 400319, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4319.