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20260412890The PhD Program in Chemistry is a research-intensive program designed to prepare highly qualified scientists with advanced knowledge and expertise across major fields of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, materials, and computational chemistry. The program integrates advanced coursework with original research, enabling students to contribute to scientific knowledge, innovation, and national priorities. It targets graduates with strong academic backgrounds who seek careers in academia, research institutions, and industry.
To be a leading doctoral program in chemistry recognized locally and internationally for excellence in research, innovation, and graduate quality.
To prepare highly qualified, ethically responsible researchers and leaders in chemistry through rigorous training, original research, and interdisciplinary innovation, contributing to global scientific advancement while addressing national priorities.
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 700 | Topics in Advanced Computational Chemistry | 2 | – |
| Description | This course provides advanced theoretical and practical training in computational chemistry methods, focusing on quantum mechanical calculations, molecular modeling, and electronic structure analyses for complex chemical systems. The theoretical framework covers Hartree-Fock theory, Density Functional Theory (DFT), post-Hartree-Fock methods, basis sets, and molecular dynamics simulations to predict geometry optimization, thermodynamic stability, and spectroscopic properties. Students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard computational packages to construct, compute, and interpret molecular systems. | ||
| CHEM 701 | Instrument Interface | 3 | – |
| Description | This course covers modern principles and practical implementations of instrumental interfacing, theoretical and applied molecular spectroscopy, and advanced signal acquisition systems essential for modern chemical analysis. Topics encompass the design and operation of electronic interfaces, analog-to-digital conversion, computer-controlled instrumentation, and advanced spectroscopic methods including NMR, Mass Spectrometry, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy for complex structural elucidation. Students engage in extensive tutorial sessions to bridge high-dimensional spectral data processing with experimental instrumentation. | ||
| CHEM 795 | Seminar | 1 | – |
| Description | This course is designed to develop doctoral candidates' independent scientific literature research, critical analysis, and oral presentation skills through peer discussions and formal presentations. Students conduct exhaustive reviews of current, peer-reviewed literature in specialized subfields of chemistry, prepare a comprehensive written research proposal, and present their findings during formal academic seminars. Active participation in research discussions and constructive critique of peer presentations are central components of the course. | ||
| CHEM 799 | Thesis | 20 | – |
| Description | This comprehensive research course serves as the central capstone of the Ph.D. program, engaging candidates in original, independent laboratory and theoretical research to generate novel scientific contributions. Operating over an extended timeline, the course encompasses experimental design, laboratory/field investigations, advanced data collection and processing, continuous individual supervision, participation in research workshops, and biannual progress reports. Candidates synthesize their novel findings into a doctoral thesis and defend their work before an academic examination committee. | ||
| CHEM 702 | Chemometrics | 3 | – |
| Description | This course focuses on applying mathematical, statistical, and logical methods to design optimal experimental procedures and extract maximum relevant chemical information from complex, multivariate measurements. The curriculum details experimental design, optimization strategies, exploratory data analysis, signal processing, multivariate calibration (such as PLS and PCR), pattern recognition, and classification techniques applied to chemical analytics. Through computer-based assignments and projects, students work with realistic datasets to build and evaluate predictive chemometric models. | ||
| Chem 720 | Physical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry | 3 | – |
| Description | This course provides an advanced, research-oriented treatment of physical and spectroscopic methods for characterizing inorganic compounds, including coordination complexes, organometallics, and solid-state materials. It covers the fundamental principles, instrumentation, data acquisition, and interpretation of electronic (UV-Vis-NIR) and vibrational (IR, Raman) spectroscopy, magnetic measurements and EPR, multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, paramagnetic NMR), X-ray diffraction (single-crystal and powder), mass spectrometry (ESI, MALDI), and advanced thermal/surface analysis (TGA, DSC, XPS overview). Emphasis is placed on critically analyzing experimental data, applying group theory and ligand field theory to spectral interpretation, and integrating multiple complementary techniques for complete structural and electronic elucidation. Case studies from recent literature are used to develop cross-validation strategies and recognize methodological limitations, preparing students for independent research in inorganic chemistry. | ||
| Chem 721 | Organotransition Metal Complexes in Homogeneous Catalysis | 3 | – |
| Description | This course introduces the principles and applications of organotransition-metal complexes in homogeneous catalysis, focusing on catalyst design, ligand effects, and structure–activity relationships. Students examine catalytic cycles, reaction kinetics, catalyst stability, deactivation pathways, and performance measures such as turnover frequency (TOF), turnover number (TON), selectivity, and rate-determining steps. The course also covers analytical and computational tools including NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as an introduction to DFT calculations in homogeneous catalysis. Major reactions include hydrogenation, hydroformylation, cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki and Heck reactions, and C–H activation. Industrial applications in petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals are discussed alongside green chemistry and catalyst recycling. | ||
Last Modified Date: 22/07/2026 - 3:44 PM Saudi Arabia Time
