Graduate Program in Chemistry

Brookhaven National Lab

The Department of Chemistry offers programs of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Upon arrival at Stony Brook, a new student is assigned a temporary faculty advisor who helps plan a program of coursework. The emphasis of our program is on research, and a minimum of six graduate courses assures a good background for research in the student's field of interest. During the first year, new students get to know the faculty through courses, departmental activities, and a research seminar in which the faculty describe their research programs. During the second semester, most new students choose a faculty research advisor and begin their projects.

The doctoral program also incorporates formal degree options in chemical biology and chemical physics. Interdisciplinary research is conducted by many Chemistry faculty, some of whom have joint appointments with other departments or institutions. Chemistry doctoral students may also undertake interdisciplinary study under the guidance of a faculty member of another department. Such coordinated research activities are available in the areas of biology, biochemistry, computer science, earth and space sciences, materials science, medicinal chemistry, physics, pharmacological sciences, engineering chemistry, and marine sciences.

Collaborative studies with nearby Brookhaven National Laboratory and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory as well as Exxon Research and Engineering are also available.

Many graduate courses are offered on a regular basis and special topics courses are offered periodically. The following courses have been taught in recent years: