PhD Program

The PhD candidate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering must:

• satisfactorily complete 36 semester hours of advanced course work including both general and specialized topics (subject to departmental approval, the number of courses required can be reduced for students already having an MS degree in chemical engineering);
• pass written examinations demonstrating a general understanding of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and mathematics;
• prepare and present a thesis proposal;
• complete a publishable thesis presenting research that is an original and significant contribution to the field of chemical engineering;
• pass a public oral examination in defense of the thesis;
• fulfill a residency requirement;
• complete a teaching assignment (discussed below).

There are no foreign language requirements for an advanced degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering. About 4-5 years of study are normally necessary to complete the PhD degree requirements

MS Program

The MS candidate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering must:

• complete one year of advanced study at Rice;
• satisfactorily complete 18 semester hours of course work;
• present a thesis describing the results of a departmentally
approved program of research;
• pass a final oral examination;
• complete a teaching assignment (discussed below).

There are no foreign language requirements for an advanced degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Although students with exceptional qualifications may complete the required work for the Master of Science degree in a single year, most students spend four semesters in study and research before conferral of the degree.

Teaching

Teaching is a graduate degree requirement at Rice University. All graduate students spend the equivalent of about five hours per week on a teaching assignment during the first four semesters in residence. The teaching assignment usually involves supervising work in the undergraduate laboratory, tutoring, or grading papers. Teaching experience not only aids in fortifying previously learned material but plays a vital role in solidifying concepts and clarifying ideas in the graduate student's own mind. It aids in the ability to communicate ideas and philosophies so important in the career of an MS or PhD chemical engineer. Students planning to pursue an academic career may request more involved teaching assignments.

Graduate Program Coursework

The first year of the thesis degree program is flexible and allows the entering student time to develop a sound basis in advanced areas of chemical engineering and to investigate fully the research interests of the faculty.

A large portion of the formal course work leading to the MS or PhD degree is completed during the first year. Typically, students take eight of the 12 courses required for the PhD degree (six for the MS) during the first year. While there are no specifically required core courses, many of our students find advanced courses in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, mathematics, and reaction engineering to be excellent preparation for both research and the qualifying examinations. Course selections are based on the student's individual preferences and his or her previous educational background.

Selection of Thesis Advisors

Students are admitted to our graduate program and not to the research groups of individual faculty. During their first semester at Rice, entering graduate students attend a seminar series in which members of the faculty discuss their research programs. After attending all these seminars, the students discuss possible research projects with individual faculty members and submit their top three choices to the graduate committee. The final decision on research topic assignments is made during a departmental faculty meeting. Entering students normally affiliate with a research group before the beginning of the second semester, at which time work on the research project begins.

About four to five years of study are normally necessary to complete the PhD degree requirements at Rice University. Similarly, about two years of study are normally necessary to complete the MS degree requirements at Rice University. Graduate students are expected to assume maximum responsibility for their own progress and to develop habits of inquiry that will ensure continuing intellectual development throughout their careers.

Overview

MChE Program

CHEMICAL & BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING DEPT. MS-362
Rice University PO Box 1892 Houston, Texas 77251-1892	E-mail: chbe@rice.edu	Phone: (713) 348-4902 FAX:(713) 348-5478