General Requirements

Entering Graduate Students Handbook (pdf)

SUMMARY OF GRADUATE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

I. ENTERING STUDENTS

Students entering with a bachelor's degree in chemistry with normal preparation in chemistry should anticipate completion of doctoral degree requirements in about five years of full-time work (including summer).

Placement examinations will be administered to all entering graduate students in order that students can begin course work at the most appropriate level. Students performing significantly below national norms on the placement exams will require some remedial course work at the undergraduate level. The placement exams cover inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

In their first year of study students should work to complete their course work, begin taking cumulative exams and choose a research advisor. Requirements for course work and guidelines for selection of a research advisor are stated under Requirements.


II. REQUIREMENTS

General Requirements for all Chemistry Students

1. Courses - Specific Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are given in Appendix B and C.

       Students are encouraged to complete their course requirement as quickly as possible after entering the program, preferably within their first four semesters. An ordinary load in the program is 9 to 12 hours (at least three 3 lecture courses).
      Students must meet the Continuous Registration Requirement of the Chemistry Department (as defined in Appendix A). In addition, the Department requires that students must successfully complete 6 hours of course work (not including independent study on thesis research) each semester during the first two semesters of graduate study. Students unable to satisfy this requirement may be subject to academic probation. Failure to comply with this requirement in two consecutive semesters is adequate justification for expulsion from the program.

2. Selection of Research Advisor - All first year graduate students are required to interview at least five faculty members to discuss possible research projects. Students should attend presentations given by faculty describing their research as one means of interviewing faculty member. Students beginning in the fall semester must select a research advisor prior to the end of their first semester in the graduate program. Students that begin in January are strongly encouraged to join a research group before the first summer. Students should be aware that faculty/advisor relationship is by mutual agreement. Both the student and the advisor must sign a Research Advisor Selection Form (available on the departments website at http://chem.tulane.edu/graduate.html, as well as appended in the back of this book. The Research Advisor Selection Form must be complete and submitted to the Chemistry Department office before the end of the first semester.

3. Cumulative Exams. - The written requirements for both the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are fulfilled by passing Cumulative exams; PhD requires the passing of 6 cumulative exams and M.S. requires the passing of 2 cumulative exams. Exams are given 10 times a year, with separate examinations being given in the areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Students may attempt one or more individual exams each exam period

4. Full time Residence Status - A student must be registered for at least nine hours of graduate credit per semester, or a combination of course work and equivalent academic activities such a teaching or research, to be considered in full-time residence. A student must be registered in full-time residence status in order to hold a fellowship, a scholarship, or any of the various kinds of assistantship.

5. Tenure for Degree Students - Tenure is the maximum period of time normally permitted for the completion of all requirements for a degree and it is determined on the basis of consecutive academic years from the date of registration for Graduate Study at Tulane or another institution. Tenure is not affected by residence status. Under certain circumstances the Dean may extend tenure, but a student whose period of graduate study is unduly prolonged or interrupted may be required to perform additional work. Specific tenure requirements are given for each degree, below.

a. Ph.D Degree - The maximum time allowed by the SSE Graduate Program for completion of the Ph.D. degree is seven years. The Department, however, strongly encourages students to attempt to complete requirements in no more than five years.

b. Master’s Degree - The maximum time allowed by the SSE Graduate Program to obtain an M. S. degree is five years. The Department, however, strongly encourages students in the M. S. Program to complete the degree requirements within three years. Students failing to meet the Graduate requirement may be required to complete additional requirements for the degree.  6. Graduate Prospectus - Before being recommended by the department for Ph.D. candidacy, the student must submit to the SSE Graduate Program a satisfactory formal prospectus describing his/her proposed dissertation. Three double spaced typewritten pages is the preferred length of the prospectus, which should include background on the significance of the proposed research, the approaches to the problem, and the anticipated results. The formal prospectus should be submitted at least six months before the defense of the dissertation and, normally, after completion of all course work and cumulative exam requirements and the majority, if not all, of the research. The prospectus must be approved by the research advisor, and be reviewed by the Department Chairman. The formal prospectus is then submitted for approval by the Graduate Dean.

7. Grade Point Evaluation - Graduate students are expected to maintain a cumulative B average (3.0 on the system outlined below) in formal course work.

The B average is determined by this scale:

A = 4.0 points per credit hours
A- = 3.67 points per credit hours
B+ = 3.33 points per credit hours
B = 3.0 points per credit hours
B- = 2.67 points per credit hours

No grades below B- count towards graduate credits. Written approval of the Graduate Affairs Committee is required prior to dropping a course.
A student who does not possess a cumulative average of 3.0 will be placed on probation for one or more semesters or dismissed. During the semester(s) on probation, the student must regain a 3.0 average while taking a full load of courses. Failure to regain a 3.0 average during the probationary semester will result in either dismissal, provisional status for one semester, or limitation to a Master of Science degree, depending on faculty decision. A student on provisional status must remove him/herself from provisional status within one semester or face automatic dismissal.
In addition to the departmental requirement of a 3.0 cumulative average, the SSE Graduate Program requires that any student receiving a grade of B- (irrespective of his/her GPA) be considered for probation. Receipt of two grades of B- or one grade below B- results in automatic probation and consideration for dismissal by the Graduate Dean in consultation with the department.

8. Graduate Program Deadlines
A current issue of the graduate bulletin should be consulted to determine the appropriate deadlines for submission of the SSE Graduate Program prospectus and for submission of dissertation/thesis in order to be awarded a diploma for a Ph.D. Degrees earned in the School of Engineering (SSE) are awarded three times a year-December, May and August. There is only one commencement program and that is held in May. A candidate must be present to receive the degree unless the candidate has been excused by the associate dean. A request to receive a degree in absentia must be filed in the dean’s office at the time the diploma form is submitted. Candidates for degrees are required to complete an application for degree form on or before the deadline dates.

Important Deadlines
(Fall) October 1 (no ceremony) Last day to submit Application for Degree Form (this includes Master’s degrees with no thesis required)
(Fall) November 14 (no ceremony) Last day to submit dissertations or theses in final form
(Fall) December 31 (no ceremopny) Degrees Conferred

(Spring) May 16 Unified Ceremony


9. Diplomas
The Registrar's Office distributes diplomas. Diplomas are not available until after the degree is conferred. Because there is no commencement in August or December, graduates complete a diploma/in absentia form to obtain their diploma. Students may opt to pick up their diploma, have the diploma mailed, or request that the diploma be held by the Registrar's Office until commencement.

10. Compensation and Employment Outside the University
Graduate student compensation from all sources including scholarship, research assistantship, and teaching assistantship shall not exceed 125% of the current year’s Board of Regents Scholarship level. Exceptions may be made for certain prestigious scholarships by the Graduate Affairs committee on a case by case basis. Employment outside the department is strictly prohibited. Any off-campus employment for remuneration may disqualify a student from receiving SSE Graduate Program financial aid.

2. Selection of Research Advisor - All first year graduate students are required to interview at least five faculty members to discuss possible research projects. Students can attend organized presentations given by faculty on their research as one means of interviewing faculty. A form is available in the chemistry department office for students to obtain signatures of each faculty member interviewed. Students are strongly encouraged to select their research advisor in their first semester of residence.

Students beginning in the fall semester must select a research advisor prior to the end of their first semester in the graduate program. Those beginning in January are strongly encouraged to join a research group before the first summer. Students should be aware that faculty/advisor relationship is by mutual agreement. Both the student and the advisor must sign a research advisor selection form (appended to this document) which must then be submitted to the Department office.

3. Cumulative Exams - The written requirements for both the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees is fulfilled by passing cumulative exams. Exams are given 10 times a year, with separate examinations being given in the areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Students may attempt one or more individual exams each exam period. The cumulative requirement for each degree program is discussed in Sections B and C below.

a. Continuous Registration Requirements

A student admitted to the School of Sciences and Engineering SSE Program in a degree program must be in continuous registration (exclusive of Summer Session) until the awarding of the degree. Any student who is not registered for course work must be registered in Master's Research or Dissertation Research in order to remain in continuous registration. Students who have not completed the minimum coursework requirement of the department must enroll for a minimum of 3 hours coursework per semester or register for Master's Research (998) or Dissertation Research (999). All students who have completed their minimum course work requirements are required to register for Master's Research (zero credit hours) or Dissertation Research (zero credit hours). This entitles students to full student privileges. The SSE Graduate Program will assume that students failing to maintain continuous registration have withdrawn from the University, and the SSE Graduate Program reserves the right not to re-admit. If a student is readmitted, he/she is obliged to pay the applicable fee required to maintain continuous registration. Students who have completed minimum course work requirements may register for additional courses in lieu of Master's Research or Dissertation Research. Tuition and fees will be assessed according to the usual schedule.

b. Full time Residence Status
To hold a fellowship or scholarship or any of the various kinds of assistantships, a student must be registered in full-time residence status. To be considered in full-time residence status, a student must be registered for at least nine hours of graduate credit per semester or a combination of course work and equivalent academic activities such a teaching or research.

c. Tenure for Degree Students
Tenure is the maximum period of time normally permitted for the completion of all requirements for a degree and it is determined on the basis of consecutive academic years from the date of registration for Graduate Study at Tulane or another institution. Tenure is not affected by residence status. Under certain circumstances the Dean may extend tenure, but a student whose period of graduate study is unduly prolonged or interrupted may be required to perform additional work. Specific tenure requirements are given for each degree, below.

d. SSE Graduate Program Prospectus
Before being recommended by the department for Ph.D. candidacy, the student must submit to the SSE Graduate Program a satisfactory formal prospectus describing his/her proposed dissertation. Three typewritten pages is the preferred length of the prospectus, which should include background on the significance of the proposed research, the approaches to the problem, and the anticipated results. The formal prospectus should be submitted at least six months before the defense of the dissertation and, normally, after completion of all coursework and cumulative exam requirements and the majority, if not all, of the research. The prospectus must be approved by the research advisor, and be reviewed by the Department Chairman. The formal prospectus is then submitted for approval by the Graduate Dean. Consult the SSE Graduate Program for the required format for the prospectus and the deadlines for submission.

e. Grade Point Evaluation
Graduate students are expected to maintain a cumulative B average (3.0 on the system outlined below) in formal coursework.

The B average is determined by this scale:

A = 4.0 points per credit hours
A- = 3.67 points per credit hours
B+ = 3.33 points per credit hours
B = 3.0 points per credit hours
B- = 2.67 points per credit hours

No grades below B- count towards graduate credits. Written approval of the Graduate Affairs Committee is required prior to dropping a course.

A student who does not possess a cumulative average of 3.0 will be placed on probation for one or more semesters or dismissed. During the semester(s) on probation, the student must regain a 3.0 average while taking a full load of courses. Failure to regain a 3.0 average during the probationary semester will result in either dismissal, provisional status for one semester, or limitation to a Master of Science degree, depending on faculty decision. A student on provisional status must remove him/herself from provisional status within one semester or face automatic dismissal.

In addition to the departmental requirement of a 3.0 cumulative average, the SSE Graduate Program requires that any student receiving a grade of B- (irrespective of his/her GPA) be considered for probation. Receipt of two grades of B- or one grade below B- results in automatic probation and consideration for dismissal by the Graduate Dean in consultation with the department.

f. Graduate School Deadlines
A current issue of the graduate school bulletin should be consulted to determine the appropriate deadlines for submission of the SSE Graduate Program prospectus and for submission of dissertation/thesis in order to be awarded the Ph.D. at the January, May or August graduation ceremonies.

g. Employment Outside the University
Students receiving either teaching or research assistantships are not permitted to work outside the university. Any off-campus employment for remuneration may disqualify a student from receiving SSE Graduate Program financial aid.

A.  M.S. Degree Requirements
1. Course Requirements (5 courses total)
Three of the following core courses must be successfully completed: 703, 712, 721, or 722, 723 or 724, 741 and 746. Two additional 700 level courses other than 787-790 must also be completed. To meet the total number of hours required by the SSE Graduate Program, students may take up to 5 hours of research, Chemistry Department seminars and courses in other departments.

2. Cumulative Exams
M.S. candidates are required to pass two cumulative exams by their fourth semester of residence. Failure to complete the requirement may result in expulsion from the program.

3. Thesis Committee and Thesis Research
After choosing a research advisor, but no later than the third semester of residence, students are required to obtain agreements from two faculty members (other than the thesis advisor) to participate as members of their thesis committee. One member of the thesis committee must be from a division of the department other than that of the advisor. Students must complete and defend their thesis before the end of their 6th semester in residence.

4. Tenure Requirements
The maximum time allowed by the SSE Graduate Program to obtain an M. S. degree is five years. The Department, however, strongly encourages students in the M. S. Program to complete the degree requirements within three years. Students failing to meet the Graduate School requirement may be required to complete additional requirements for the degree.

5. Seminar
Registration for and attendance at Departmental seminars is required. Up to three (3.0) hours of credit for seminar courses may be applied to the M.S. degree requirements. M. S. students must present a seminar to the Department based upon a topic from the current chemical literature. The seminar must be presented before the end of the students' 4th semester in residence. The seminar should be scheduled with the departmental coordinator of the seminar program in the fall of the students second year. Students presenting seminars are required to enlist two faculty to attend their seminar and provide a written review of the quality of the presentation; a faculty review form can be obtained from the department.
Students should remember that faculty will only agree to attend if given sufficient notice (two to three weeks) of the seminar.

6. Transfer to the Ph.D. Program
Students in the M. S. program who wish to transfer to the Ph.D. program may do so as long as they are making satisfactory progress in the Graduate program. Transfer may be made by petitioning the Graduate Affairs committee in writing.

C. Ph.D. Degree Requirements
1. Course Requirement
The minimum requirement for the PhD degree is four of the following courses: 703, 712, 721 or 722, 723 or 724, 741, 746 and 683-4 (both courses count as 1). In addition two additional courses at the 700 level (other than 787-790) must be taken.

Up to 24 hours of the 48 hours required for the Ph.D. may be taken in special projects (783-84). Special interest courses (600 or above) offered by related departments may be counted toward the 24 hours of additional work. Students should obtain prior approval of the Graduate Affairs Committee to insure courses taken in other departments will count toward the degree.

2. Cumulative Exams
Ph.D. candidates are required to pass 6 total cumulative exams, at least two by the end of their fourth semester of residence and all six by the end of the 6th semester. In addition, 3 of the 6 exams must be passed in the candidate’s area of concentration.

Students failing to pass two cumes by the end of their fourth semester may be expelled from the program. Students unable to complete 6 cumes in 6 semesters will be automatically placed in the M.S. program and be expected to complete the M.S. thesis by the end of the seventh semester.

3. Seminar
Registration for and attendance at Department seminars is required. Up to six (6.0) hours of credit for seminar courses may be applied to the Ph.D. degree requirements. All Ph.D. candidates must present a seminar to the Department based upon a topic from the current chemical literature. The seminar must be presented before the end of the students' 4th semester in residence. The seminar should be scheduled with the departmental coordinator of the seminar program. Students presenting seminars are required to enlist two faculty to attend their seminar and provide a written review of the quality of the presentation; a faculty review form can be obtained from the department. Students should remember that faculty will only agree to attend if given sufficient notice (at least three weeks) of the seminar.

4. Tenure Requirement
The maximum time allowed by the SSE Graduate Program for completion of the Ph.D. degree is seven years. The Department, however, strongly encourages students to attempt to complete requirements in no more than five years.

5. Dissertation Committee
After choosing a research advisor, but no later than the fourth semester of residence, students must obtain agreements from three faculty members (other than the thesis advisor) to participate as members of their thesis committee. At least one member of the committee must be from a division other than that of the research advisor.

6. Dissertation Research Presentation
By the end of the fifth semester, students must submit a written proposal of their dissertation research project and make an oral presentation of it to their dissertation committee. This proposal should be 3-5 pages in length and include an approximately one-page introduction giving the background and rationale for the proposed research problem, the approaches to be used to solve the problem and the anticipated results together with pertinent references (the Dissertation Research Proposal will normally form the basis for the SSE Graduate Program Prospectus).

7. Dissertation
The Ph.D. dissertation must indicate the ability to carry on independent investigation and must embody the results of research forming a contribution to knowledge or an original interpretation of existing knowledge. The student should consult the graduate school office to determine the proper format for the Ph.D. dissertation. Upon completion of all other Ph.D. requirements, the student will stand a final oral defense of higher Ph.D. dissertation. This final examination will consist principally of the defense of the dissertation, but may be extended at the discretion of the Ph.D. examining committee to include course material. The satisfactory completion of this final requirement completes the student's doctoral program.

III. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Transfer Credits
Graduate students desiring transfer of graduate credits earned at another school should submit their requests in writing to the Graduate Advisory Committee. A maximum of 18 hours transfer credit will be accepted in the case of student entering with a Master's degree. Students will not be excused from core courses unless they can demonstrate having taken for credit an equivalent course. University regulations state that courses cannot be transferred to Tulane until the student has been in residence at Tulane at least one semester.

To petition courses for transfer the student must present the following information to the Graduate Studies Committee:

(a) A copy of his/her transcript from the University where the course to be transferred was taken.

(b) A syllabus from the course including information on the textbook(s) used.

(c) Any additional information such as copies of tests given will be helpful.

B. Leaves of Absence
Students may, on occasion, need to leave the university during the course of their degree program for extended periods. The student should, if able, submit a written petition for a leave to the Graduate Affairs Committee of the department. The statement should include an explanation of the need for taking the leave and state the duration of the requested leave. In general, teaching assistantship and Fellowship support will be discontinued during leaves of absence. Degree requirements and tenure requirements will be postponed by the length of the leave or by a period of time deemed appropriate by the Graduate Affairs Committee.

C. Honor System
Graduate students are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards while performing all course and laboratory work. Graduate students serve as a part of the academic core of the University; a high degree of integrity is required within the University in order for the information generated by its members to be of any use to the society it serves. The obligation of Graduate students includes, but it is not limited to the following:

• Completing examinations and other written coursework following the instructions of the professor. Unless explicitly instructed to do otherwise, students will work independently using only materials approved by the instructor. Cheating on coursework is a violation of the Honor Code and individuals accused of cheating will be subject to investigation and potential sanctions as outlined in the University Honor Code.

• Accurately citing the work of others in all written coursework, and all professional activities such as papers submitted to scientific journals. Knowingly plagiarizing the work of another individual is a violation of the Honor Code and will be penalized according to procedures outlined in the Tulane School of SSE Graduate Program Bulletin.

• Presenting only laboratory results which the student believes to be correct. Falsification of data is a serious violation of the Honor Code and is subject to sanctions by the SSE Graduate Program .