<p>What’s the graduate program in physical chemistry like at UCI? at UCLA? I’m deeply considering these 2 schools.</p>
<p>I have no clue about UCLA.</p>
<p>First off, and this sounds obvious but I’m going to say it anyway, here’s the list of all the [chem</a> professors](<a href=“http://www.chem.uci.edu/people/faculty]chem”>Directory | UCI Department of Chemistry). Your particular research experience will obviously be determined more by your one-one interaction with your adviser rather than the actual program.
If you check the [url=<a href=“UCI General Catalogue Archives”>UCI General Catalogue Archives]catalog[/url</a>], you’ll see the various specific programs (pchem, theoretical chem, atmospheric chem). I’m not sure which one you’re specifically interested in, but the only real difference is the coursework. There’s also the [url=<a href=“http://www.champ.uci.edu/]ChaMP[/url”>http://www.champ.uci.edu/]ChaMP[/url</a>] program. You take a few more classes than the regular pchem students. Word around the bend is most chemists end up dropping out of champ and into regular pchem. Again, the only real difference is coursework and your orals are at the beginning of your third year rather than the end of your second. You also do a summer boot-camp thing prior to your first year (and get paid for it!).</p>
<p>If you’re interested in a phd, apply to which ever you feel suits you best. If you’re only interested in a masters, apply for Champ. I don’t think the department admits anyone only for a masters in chemistry (intentionally or unintentionally), but they do for the Champ program.</p>
<p>In terms of faculty, everyone is pretty good. Obviously, you may not gel with a given professor but no one here can predict that. The only professor I’d tell you to avoid is Rentzepis. </p>
<p>In terms of pay, everyone makes ends meet, even in the super expensive orange county. </p>
<p>The best advice is to just apply. When you get in, you’ll get to visit (on their dime!) and talk with each professor and see if you want to come here. </p>
<p>Hope this was helpful. If you have any specific questions, PM me.</p>
<p>Oopzese, I’m at UCLA now after going to undergrad at UCI. I don’t know ANYTHING about the chem departments but flemmyd pretty much hit the nail on the head for your question.</p>
<p>Here are a few things to consider as well (some thoughts after going to grad school for a year).</p>
<p>Professors: Make sure there is a variety in your specialization in case you want to change. When you visit, ask around to see how the professors in your area are as advisors. Your relationship with your advisor is KEY!</p>
<p>Courses: If you have to take courses, check to see if there is a good variety at the school that is interesting. It will also reflect the faculty’s areas in case you might want to jump ship from one specialization to another.</p>
<p>Environment: Pick an environment that best suits you and welcomes you the most.</p>