Graduate Seminar
In order to best prepare the next generation of scientists, our doctoral program is designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on experience in chemical research and teaching.
The Graduate Seminar is designed to lay the foundation for student's future professional careers, as both researchers and teachers. This course helps to ensure that our students acquire the skills needed to become successful professionals in their fields.
The Program
Students in this program are provided a variety of conceptual tools to help them succeed in integrating the various demands and activities that comprise their graduate experience. These include:
- Studying
- Learning
- Teaching
- Mentoring
- Being mentored
- Choosing a research advisor
- Starting their research work
- Critically reading the scientific literature
The seminar is intended for all first-year chemistry graduate students. The graduate seminar meets twice monthly.
Teaching
Being a teaching assistant is one of the more important experiences that students undergo in their professional training. It is an opportunity to apply and refine their content knowledge, and marks the evolution from being a student to becoming a professional.
Teaching is an acquired skill, which is facilitated by a deep understanding of intellectual development, pedagogy, and the research literature pertaining to education and learning. Learning about the process of learning connects the varied requirements and responsibilities of the doctoral program and helps students become better teachers, learners, and researchers.
The Community
Although graduate school is an intense and demanding experience, it is important that students not feel alone as they endeavor to complete their doctoral degree.
The Graduate Seminar draws upon the accumulated knowledge and experience of advanced graduate students, postdoctoral students, learning specialists, and faculty to collaboratively establish a range of professional development activities that support, encourage, and nurture graduate students throughout their graduate experience.