The training of research chemists at the Weizmann Institute of Science

Abstract

The main problems in establishing the rules and curriculum for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students of chemistry in a graduate school are: (a) defining the purpose of training; (b) integrating students with B.Sc.s of uneven background; (c) maintaining a balance between course work and independent research; and (d) reducing the time spent in the graduate school. The Feinberg Graduate School of the Weizmann Institute of Science has, at present, over 400 graduate students (taking both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees) of which 140, or about a third, are chemists. There are no undergraduates at the Weizmann Institute. The Board of Studies in Chemistry has set itself, as a primary task, the production of capable and versatile research chemists. At the same time, it h€pes to broaden the horizons of its students and to encourage them to tackle new areas of research—such as geoisotopic chemistry, membrane technology, solid state chemical research, and immunochemistry—all of which are currently being investigated at the Weizmann Institute. A salient problem in the planning of curricula at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels is maintenance of the optimum balance between courses and research and the type and number of courses to offer. We have decided to place the burden of coursework at the M.Sc. level, thereby enabling Ph.D. students to concentrate on their research, since the M.Sc. intake is derived from a variety of universities of Israel, from both Eastern and Western Europe, from North and South Africa, the U.S.A. and South America, the students display a wide range of knowledge and background, particularly regarding the more physical aspects of chemistry. We have, therefore, insisted on compulsory courses in mathematics, quantum chemistry, thermodynamics (for three to four semesters) for all chemists, with optional courses in the theory and practice of modern physicochemical experimental techniques (see Table 1). Many of these optional courses emphasize a particular aspect of a given topic, such as kinetics of rapid reactions or the physical chemistry of polymer solutions, which bring the students closer to the reality of up-to-date research. Students are also free to substitute courses from the physics or biochemistry curricula if they wish. The courses are given in English, thus enabling foreign students and new immigrants to follow the courses and at the same time enforcing a better grasp of English on all our students.