Doctor of Philosophy in Radiochemistry
Program Overview
The Ph.D. program in Radiochemistry at UNLV emphasizes fundamental radiochemistry principles and applications. Students engage in comprehensive coursework and hands-on research, specializing in areas such as nuclear chemistry, environmental studies, and medical diagnostics. The program prepares graduates for advanced research careers in academia, industry, and government agencies, contributing to advancements in radiochemistry and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ph.D. program in Radiochemistry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a research-intensive program emphasizing the fundamental aspects of radiochemistry. The curriculum offers comprehensive coursework and hands-on research experiences that delve into the chemical and nuclear properties of radioisotopes. Students gain a profound understanding of the applications of radiochemistry across various disciplines, such as radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, materials research, renewable energy studies, nuclear forensics, and environmental studies, among others. The program prepares graduates to pursue advanced research careers and contribute significantly to the field.
Outline:
Courses
The Radiochemistry Ph.D. program curriculum comprises a rigorous blend of core and elective courses. Core courses provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the discipline, while elective courses allow students to specialize in their areas of interest.
Core Courses (12 credits)
- Applied Nuclear Physics (RDCH 701)
- Radiochemistry (RDCH 702)
- Radiation Detection (HPS 602)
- Radiation Physics and Instrumentation Laboratory (HPS 603)
Elective Courses (30-36 credits)
Students can select elective courses from various disciplines based on their research interests. These may include:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Radiobiology
Research
Research is at the heart of the Radiochemistry Ph.D. program at UNLV. Students are expected to engage in original research under the guidance of their faculty advisors. Research opportunities are diverse, ranging from fundamental studies in radioisotope production and characterization to applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and nuclear energy.
Dissertation (12-18 credits)
The culmination of the Ph.D. program is the dissertation. Students demonstrate their mastery of the field by conducting independent research and presenting their original findings in a written dissertation. The dissertation must be successfully defended before a faculty committee.
Assessment:
Students' progress in the Radiochemistry Ph.D. program is assessed through various means, including:
- Coursework: Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher throughout the program. They must earn a grade of B or above in all core Radiochemistry courses.
- Qualifying Examination: Within 1.5 years of completing the core Radiochemistry courses, students must pass an oral qualifying examination. The exam assesses their understanding of the fundamental principles of radiochemistry and their depth of knowledge in their research specialization.
- Dissertation Prospectus Defense: Students must prepare and defend their dissertation prospectus before the end of their sixth semester in the program.
- Dissertation Defense: Upon completion of their research, students present and defend their doctoral dissertation to their faculty advisory committee in a final oral defense.
Teaching:
The Radiochemistry Ph.D. program at UNLV is taught by a distinguished faculty of experts in radiochemistry and related disciplines. Faculty members are actively engaged in ongoing research, ensuring that students have access to the most up-to-date knowledge and methodologies. The program fosters an environment that promotes close interaction between faculty and students, encouraging mentorship and research collaboration. Teaching approaches are tailored to the diverse learning needs of graduate students, incorporating lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and independent research.
Careers:
Graduates of the Radiochemistry Ph.D. program at UNLV are well-prepared for a wide array of career paths in academia, industry, and government agencies. The advanced skills and knowledge they acquire make them highly sought after in fields such as:
- Research and development in radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and related areas
- Medical physics
- Nuclear medicine and imaging technologies
- Environmental science and monitoring
- Radiation safety and regulation
- Nuclear forensics
- Radioisotope production and applications
- Teaching and research positions in academia The Ph.D. degree also provides a strong foundation for pursuing postdoctoral fellowships and further research opportunities.
