| The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences : Health and Environmental Chemistry |
Note that this document is not binding - students who have questions should consult with their adviser or refer to the official printed undergraduate / graduate catalog.
Graduate Coordinator: Kathleen Healy Moore
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a doctoral degree in biomedical sciences with a specialization in health and environmental chemistry which is centered in the Department of Chemistry.
The program requires a strong academic background in the natural sciences. Graduates will have completed
a unified program of formal coursework, as well as independent dissertation research, and will possess the theoretical background
and practical skills necessary for successful contribution to the solution
of environmental and health-related chemical problems. Scientists who graduate with this specialization
will be capable of applying state-of-the-art methods to the determination, quantification, and management
of a wide variety of naturally occurring and synthetic chemical substances and the related chemical
processes. No other doctoral program in Michigan focuses on these particular areas of chemistry,
yet the contribution of highly trained doctoral-level scientists are essential to the resolution
of major problems facing the nation in these areas.
Required areas of graduate level proficiency
Areas of graduate level proficiency required for the health and environmental chemistry specializationand the courses which
fulfill them are as follows: analytical chemistry (CHM 521, 522 or 523), biochemistry (CHM 550, 553, 554 or 555), toxicology
(ENV 446 and CHM 581), and environmental science (ENV 485 or 486). In addition to the five proficiency courses, students will take 12 credits
of advanced coursework which is related to their dissertation area and 2 credits of doctoral seminar (CHM 685). Attendance at
departmental seminars in required.
Admission
Students will be considered for admission if they hold baccalaureates in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, engineering or other disciplines related
a program specialization.
Admission is highly selective; the prospective student should submit a graduate application, official transcripts from
all colleges and universities previously attended, letters of recommendation from three faculty members capable of evaluating scholarly achievements and
potential for independent research, and the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) including the subject test appropriate to the desired specialization.
Degree Requirements
The basic requirements for the Ph.D. in biomedical sciences are completion of a unified
program of formal course work and independent research approved by the canidate's dissertation
committee and the appropriate specialization committee. All requirements for the degree must be
completed within seven years from the time of admission to the program.
Proficiency of entering students
Each student entering the program must demonstrate proficiency in specific areas of coursework.
Upon entering the program the student must consult with the appropriate specialization adviser who will plan
a program of coursework to eliminate any deficiencies in the student's preparation. Proficiency is defined as satisfactory
knowledge of coursework equivalent to the following Oakland University courses:
Specifically, students in the health and environmental chemistry specialization must establish
proficiency in analytical chemistry (CHM 426) and biochemistry
(CHM 454); and in at least two of the following: inorganic chemistry (CHM 463), physical chemistry
(CHM 343), cell biology (BIO 309), or physiology (BIO 321).
Preliminary examination
Within two years after admission into the program the student must pass a comprehensive written and oral
examination. The comprehensive written examination may consist of a single examination or a series of examinations.
The examination is intended to determine the extent of the student's knowledge and fitness for the doctoral degree
and will be designed and evaluated by the specialization committee. If the student does not pass the examination,
the specialization committee may allow the student to retake the examination within one year. Failure to pass the examination within
two attempts shall constitute failure in the Ph.D. program.
Residence
All students are required to fullfill a residency requirement for this program. Although students may complete some of the
program on a part-time basis, continuous full-time enrollment is highly preferred. The minimal
residency requirement shall be full-time residency (12 credits per semester) for at least three
consecutive full semesters (spring-summer terms are considered a full semester),
with at least two of these devoted primarily to the student's research project.
Continuous Enrollment
The continuous enrollment policy for doctoral students requires continuous registration of graduate students for at least one credit
hour each semester in the academic year to maintain an active graduate student status. This includes semesters in which the comprehensive,
preliminary, and qualifying examination is taken, defense, and each subsequent terms (fall and winter) until the degree requirements are
met and the dissertation is submitted to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning.
Some Agency and graduate assistantship eligibility may have course-load requirements that exceed the minimum registration requirements of the
Continuous Enrollment Policy (e.g., Veterans Administation, Immigration and Naturalization for international students, and federal financial aid programs).
Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to register for the appropriate number of credits that are required for funding eligibility and/or compliance
as outlined by specific agency regulations under which they are governed.
Credit requirement
A minimum of 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate is required, including at least 30 credits of dissertation research. Transfer credits
must meet graduate-level requirements and receive approval by the appropriate specialization committee and Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning.
All courses taken by each student must be approved by a specialization committee. Each specialization has a set of required areas of graduate-level
proficiency and may also require a minimum number of hours of elective courses. Specific requirements for each specialization are shown under departmental sections.
