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Year/Term Classes  (note  1) Teaching Research Formal Exams (note 2) Yr1-Fall 2-3 usually TA see note 1 - Yr1-Spring 2-3 usually TA begin light research - Summers   - Mostly RA yes   Yr2-Fall 1-2 TA or RA (note 3) yes Cumulative exams (note 4) Yr2-Spring 0 - 1 TA or RA yes cumes + RUI (note 5) Yr3-Fall 1 TA or RA yes cumes (if necessary) Yr3-Spring 0-1 TA or RA yes cumes (if necessary) Yr4-Fall 0 TA or RA yes Proposal (note 6) Yr4-Spring 0 TA or RA yes - Yr5-Fall 0 TA or RA yes - Yr5-Spring 0 TA or RA WRITE!   final oral = Ph.D! (note 7)

Notes:

1. A program of studies can consist of as few as six or seven lecture courses; however, a more typical number is seven to nine.    Entering students on teaching assistantships (TAs) normally take three lecture courses in the fall and either two or three in the spring.    Students scoring very well on entrance exams  may be encouraged to take only two courses in the first semester in order to begin an independent research project.  Students who enter UNL on  Research Assistantships (RAs)  typically take three courses and begin a research project. <Return>

2. All students participate in one of the  divisional seminar programs (Analytical, Bio, Inorganic, Organic, or Physical).  The requirements vary slightly by division but usually  involve presentation of several literature reviews.   <Return>

3. The majority of first-year students are supported on Teaching Assistantships (TAs).    By the end of the year, all students will have joined individual research groups, and will be supported during the summer on  Research Assistantships (RAs).  The mechanism of support (TA or RA) in subsequent semesters is determined in consultation with the student's research advisor.   <Return>

4. Cumulative exams are written exams in each of the divisional areas (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, physical)  offered each month from September-April.  Topics are posted one week in advance and students are free to attempt cumes in any area.  <Return>

5. The Research Update Interview (RUI) is a brief oral exam designed to make sure the student has made a good start on  his/her thesis research.  <Return>

6. The OPO (Original Proposal) exam is an oral defense of an independent  and original proposal.   <Return>

7. The average time to Ph.D. is just over five years.  Of course, getting a Ph.D. is an individual experience, so "your mileage may vary" depending upon your specific research area and research group.  <Return>