Course Information

The Ph.D. in Photochemical Sciences curriculum consists of a combination of core courses that provide students with a solid foundation in photochemistry and photophysics. Specialized subsequent courses examine fundamentals and applications in areas of chemistry, biological sciences, physics, spectroscopy and/or photopolymer science.

The primary requirement for the Ph.D. in Photochemical Sciences is the completion of the dissertation. However, course requirements are also mandated by the Graduate College. All students must take core courses in the photochemical sciences. PCS 701 - Photochemistry and Photophysics 1 is required for everyone. Students must also take either PCS 702 - Photochemistry and Photophysics 2, or PCS 703 - Materials and Light. Prerequisites or co-requisites for the core courses include CHEM 614 (Quantum Chemistry) and CHEM 542 (Organic Reaction Mechanisms). With the advice of either the graduate coordinator or the dissertation adviser, the student plans additional courses to fit his/her background and interests. The student must complete at least 90 credit hours of graduate credit (60 credit hours beyond the master's degree) in order to qualify for the degree. In addition, the student is expected to participate in the weekly seminar programs and the summer W. Heinlen Lecture Series.

Photochemical Sciences Courses

PCS 701 - Photochemistry and Photophysics 1 (3 credit hours) Spring. Generation and nature of excited states. Evolution of excited states including radiative and nonradiative processes and energy transfer. Discussion of experimental techniques and modern instrumentation for characterization of excited states. Prerequisite: CHEM 614.

PCS 702 - Photochemistry and Photophysics 2 (3 credit hours) Fall. Photochemical reactions with discussions of various reaction types from the areas of chemical physics, inorganic photoprocesses, organic and organometallic photochemistry, photobiochemistry, polymer photochemistry and photoelectrochemistry applications, and experimental techniques in photochemistry. Prerequisite: PCS 701.

PCS 703 - Materials and Light (3 credit hours) Fall. Discussed are the various interactions between light and materials, the study of materials with light, and the use of materials in the production and manipulation of light. Topics include theory, use and engineering of lasers, photoelectric effects and photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical materials

PCS 716 - Bioinorganic Chemistry (3 credit hours) Alternate years. An introduction to the role of inorganic chemistry in biological processes. Includes the study of the biological role of metal ions, structure, and function of metalloproteins, electron-transfer reactions, and medicinal applications of metal complexes. Prerequisites: CHEM 463 or consent of instructor.

PCS 717 - Biorganic Chemistry (3 credit hours). Introduction to the organic chemistry that occurs during biological processes. The course includes the structure and function of major classes of enzymes, discussion of biological catalysis, and case studies highlighting medical applications of organic chemistry.

PCS 750-761 - Research Topics in Photochemical Sciences (1-4 credit hours). Advanced research seminars covering topics of current research and historical background in specialized fields of photochemical sciences. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

PCS 750 - Research Topics in Photosynthesis.

PCS 751 - Research Topics in Polymer Photochemistry and Photophysics.

PCS 752 - Research Topics in Photochemistry of Biomecules.

PCS 753 - Research Topics in Photoinitiated Electron Transfer Reactions and Photodynamic Therapy.

PCS 754 - Research Topics in Vibrational Spectroscopy and Vibrational Overtone Activation.

PCS 756 - Research Topics in Laser Spectroscopy.

PCS 757 - Research Topics in Molecular Recognition and Photoactivated Systems.

PCS 758 - Research Topics in Inorganic Redox Processes.

PCS 759 - Research Topics in Photoelectron Microscopy.

PCS 760 - Research Topics in Optoelectronics.

PCS 766 - Spectral Methods (3 credit hours). Chemical structure determination using spectroscopic methods. Ultraviolet-visible absorption and emission, infrared and Raman Spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry techniques. Magnetic resonance methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance. Two-dimensional NMR. Prerequisite: CHEM 506; CHEM 342; or consent of instructor.

PCS 780 - Advanced Seminar in Photochemical Sciences (2 credit hours). Formulation of a research proposal, development of the relevant bibliography, and oral presentation and discussion. Required for all Ph.D. degree candidates.

PCS 781 - Seminar in Photochemical Sciences (1 credit hour). Selected topics in photochemical sciences. No more than two hours of credit in this course maybe counted toward degree.

PCS 782 - Advanced Topics in Photochemical Sciences (1-6 credit hours). Rigorous study at advanced level of specific topics in photochemical sciences. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

PCS 783 - Special Topics in Photochemical Sciences (1-6 credit hours). Study of special topics of current interest in the photochemical sciences. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Graded S/U.

PCS 785 - Readings in Photochemical Sciences (1-4 credit hours). Selected areas of photochemical sciences; proposed program of study must be approved by instructor. No more than six hours may apply to a degree program. Prerequisite: consent of staff member involved. Graded S/U.

PCS 787 - Independent Study in Photochemical Sciences (1-9 credit hours). Practice in the utilization of scientific literature and methods. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Graded S/U

PCS 791 - Directed Research in Photochemical Sciences (1-9 credit hours). Independent research on topic or problem approved by supervising instructor. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Graded S/U.

PCS 799 - Dissertation Research (1-16 credit hours). Student must earn a minimum of 16 hours in this course while working on the doctoral dissertation. A maximum of 30 hours may be counted toward degree program.