University of California Davis Fully Funded PhD in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry

PhD @University of California, Davis posted 2 days ago

Job Description

Program Overview

Institution: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Graduate Group: Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry (AGC)
Location: Davis, California

The PhD program in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry at UC Davis is an interdisciplinary program that applies chemistry to address critical societal challenges, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. Students gain advanced expertise in analytical, organic, physical, inorganic, biological, and environmental chemistry, along with the qualitative and quantitative skills essential for professional research and teaching. Key areas of focus include chemical processes in natural systems and their effects on the air, water, soil, and human health; the environmental fate and transport of pollutants; pesticide and toxicant chemistry; food chemistry; fiber and polymer chemistry; enzymatic reactions and fermentation chemistry; and innovations in sustainable chemical practices.

Funding Package

UC Davis is committed to providing financial support to PhD students in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry. Financial assistance typically includes:

Graduate Group Support: Accepted PhD students are often offered two quarters of financial support by the Graduate Group. This support package typically covers stipends, tuition, fees, and health insurance.
Major Professor Support: Following the initial Graduate Group support, students can often secure funding through their major professor’s research grants. This may involve research assistantships or other forms of financial support.
Teaching Assistantships: Many students find opportunities to work as teaching assistants, which provide valuable teaching experience while also offering financial compensation.
Fellowships: Students may also be eligible for various internal and external fellowships, scholarships, or research grants to further support their academic and research pursuits.

Curriculum Structure

The PhD program is structured to provide a robust foundation in agricultural and environmental chemistry, with flexibility to tailor coursework to individual research interests.

Areas of Specialization

Coursework options are divided into four areas of specialization:

Analytical Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Biological & Toxicological Chemistry
Food, Fiber & Polymer Chemistry

Students choose courses that align with their interests and research goals. Sample course tables can be found in the degree requirements documents, and different courses can be taken upon approval by a student’s Academic Adviser.

Seminars and Professional Development

The program includes several seminar programs designed to encourage scientific exchange and professional development:

Fall Seminar Series: Weekly seminars from invited speakers and student exit seminars.
Meet the Faculty Seminar: Introduction to faculty and their research for first-year students.
Winter Colloquium: A professional meeting organized by first-year students, featuring talks by non-first-year students and keynote speakers.

Advancement to Candidacy

Ph.D. students advance to candidacy upon completion of all required coursework and successfully completing an oral Qualifying Exam. This generally takes place between the 7th and 9th quarter of a student’s degree.

Admission Requirements

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as chemistry, environmental science, biology, or a related discipline.
Application Materials:
- Online application through UC Davis Graduate Admissions.
- Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions attended.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Statement of Purpose explaining research interests and career goals.
- Resume/CV detailing academic and professional background.
- TOEFL/IELTS scores for international applicants, if applicable.
Application Fee:
- $135 for U.S. applicants.
- $155 for international applicants.