The Program offers three types of academic training:

• Master’s — initial research training focused on scientific method
• Doctorate — advanced research training for those who already hold a master’s degree
• Direct Doctorate — advanced research training directly after undergraduate studies

The Institute of Chemistry at USP was founded in 1970 during the University Reform, bringing together faculty from various units: the former Department of Chemistry of the Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters (FFCL), the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, and the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Polytechnic School.

The Graduate Program in Chemistry was born alongside the Institute. In February 1970, the Master’s and Doctoral programs began in the four classic areas: Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.

The Program acts as a training hub for Brazilian Chemistry, following its founders’ idea: to train researchers capable of creating new groups, not just filling existing positions.

Many of the faculty who participated in creating the program were trained abroad in the decades preceding the creation of IQ-USP. Their ideas established the culture of the doctorate as original production, the structured research group model, and the requirement for relevant international publication. The first doctors trained by IQ-USP spread throughout the country and were decisive in creating graduate programs at UNICAMP, UFMG, UFRJ, UFSC, UFPR, UNESP, UFPE, UFBA, UFC, among others. In many cases, the first faculty member with a doctorate in Chemistry at a Brazilian university was an IQ-USP graduate.

Subsequent generations expanded this legacy: they created new subfields, established international networks, and began publishing consistently in high-impact journals. Today, common traits inherited from IQ-USP (strong theoretical foundation, appreciation of intellectual autonomy, rigorous training in scientific method) are recognizable in many Chemistry departments across Brazil.

With more than 2,000 master’s and doctoral graduates, the program has helped expand graduate education in the country and advance research, development, and innovation. The program’s graduates are where the future of Chemistry is being built.

Explore the academic genealogy of faculty and alumni at Academic Tree. To learn more about the Institute’s history, visit IQ-USP Memory.

As of January 9, 2026, Resolution CoPGr No. 8928/2026 is in effect, replacing Resolution CoPGr No. 8044/2020.

• 2026 Regulations (Resolution CoPGr No. 8928/2026)
• 2020 Regulations (Resolution CoPGr No. 8044/2020)
• Comparison Between Regulations

Students regularly enrolled before the publication of the new regulations (January 9, 2026) have 90 days to choose whether or not to migrate to the 2026 Regulations.

To opt for the new regulations, the student must:

1. Fill out the option form available at the secretariat
2. Obtain the advisor’s consent
3. Submit to the Graduate Secretariat

The choice is irrevocable — once made, it is not possible to return to the previous regulations.

Before deciding, consider:

• Deadlines: The 2026 Regulations have a reduced Master’s deadline (24 months vs 36 months)
• Qualification: Qualification deadlines are different
• Special credits: New possibilities in the 2026 Regulations (technical training, student representation)
• Proficiency: Requirement linked to qualification enrollment (no longer to fixed deadlines)

Consult the Comparison Between Regulations for a detailed analysis of the differences.

The Graduate Program in Chemistry is subordinate to:

1. USP Graduate Regulations — Resolution No. 7493/2018
2. Program Regulations — CoPGr Resolution specific to the Chemistry Program

In case of omission in the Program regulations, the provisions of the USP Graduate Regulations apply.

Article 1 – The new Regulation for the Graduate Program in Chemistry is hereby approved, as set forth in the annex to this Resolution.

Article 2 – Currently enrolled students will have a period of 90 (ninety) days to opt in or out of this Regulation, from the date of its publication.

Article 3 – This Resolution shall come into effect on the date of its publication.

Article 4 – All contrary provisions are hereby revoked, especially Resolution CoPGr 8044, of 11/17/2020 (Case 2009.1.5799.1.5).

Vice-Provost Office for Graduate Studies of the University of São Paulo, January 2026.

RODRIGO DO TOCANTINS CALADO DE SALOMA RODRIGUES Vice-Provost for Graduate Studies

JUREMA LUCIA DOS SANTOS SILVA Acting Secretary General

III.1 In the Master’s program, the maximum deadline for dissertation submission is 24 (twenty-four) months.

III.2 In the Doctoral program, intended for holders of a Master’s degree obtained at USP or recognized by it, the deadline for thesis submission is 56 (fifty-six) months.

III.3 In the Direct Doctoral program, intended for holders of an undergraduate degree who have not obtained a Master’s degree, the deadline for thesis submission is 60 (sixty) months.

III.4 In duly justified exceptional cases, students may request a deadline extension for a maximum period of 180 days in the Master’s and Direct Doctoral programs and for a maximum period of 120 days in the Doctoral program.

IV.1 Master’s students must complete a minimum of credit units as follows: 160 (one hundred sixty) credit units, with 30 (thirty) in courses and 130 (one hundred thirty) in the dissertation.

IV.2 Doctoral students must complete a minimum of credit units as follows: 320 (three hundred twenty) credit units, with 40 (forty) in courses and 280 (two hundred eighty) in the thesis.

IV.3 Direct Doctoral students must complete a minimum of credit units as follows: 330 (three hundred thirty) credit units, with 50 (fifty) in courses and 280 (two hundred eighty) in the thesis.

IV.4.1 For the Master’s program, required courses are:

• QFL5930 – Laboratory Safety Concepts in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ethics and Research Responsibility
• QFL5939 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry I

IV.4.2 For the Doctoral program, required courses are:

• QFL5930 – Laboratory Safety Concepts in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ethics and Research Responsibility
• QFL5940 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry II
• QFL5942 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry: Seminar Presentation Practice

Sole paragraph. Students who completed the required Doctoral courses during their Master’s program are exempt from retaking them. However, they must fulfill the minimum credit load required for the course through other courses.

IV.4.3 For the Direct Doctoral program, required courses are:

• QFL5930 – Laboratory Safety Concepts in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ethics and Research Responsibility
• QFL5939 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry I
• QFL5940 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry II
• QFL5942 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry: Seminar Presentation Practice

IV.5.1 Upon student request and with advisor approval, special credits (SCs) may be granted for up to 50% of the total credits required in courses in each program. Special credits (SCs) may be obtained through participation in one or more of the following activities:

a) authorship or co-authorship of an article published in an indexed journal or a book chapter with an editorial board, with attribution of 3 (three) credits per work;

b) patent filing, with attribution of 3 (three) credits per patent;

c) presentation of a work, oral or poster, at a scientific event with published proceedings or similar, upon proof of participation, with attribution of 2 (two) credits per event;

d) participation as a teaching assistant in the Teaching Enhancement Program (PAE), with attribution of 2 (two) credits per participation, limited to 20% of course credits;

e) completion of Technical Training, with attribution of 1 (one) credit for every 15 (fifteen) hours of activity;

f) service as a student representative on committees at the Institute of Chemistry of USP, with an attendance rate above 75% during the term, with attribution of 1 (one) credit per term.

Sole paragraph. The granting of special credits is conditional on the submission of supporting documentation for each activity. For the activities described in items a, b, and c, it is additionally required that they be related to the student’s research project. Detailed rules, as well as procedures for requesting and validating credits, are available on the Program’s website.

V.1 Students in the Master’s, Doctoral, and Direct Doctoral programs must demonstrate English proficiency as a requirement for registration in the qualifying examination. Proficiency certificates attesting to at least level B1 (intermediate) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or a “sufficient” rating in the exam administered by FFLCH at USP for the IQUSP Chemistry Program will be accepted as proof. Proficiency certificates are valid for 5 (five) years from the date of the examination.

V.2 Approved foreign nationals from countries where English is the official language are exempt from demonstrating proficiency in this language.

V.3 Foreign students are not required to demonstrate Portuguese proficiency.

VI.1.1 Course accreditation or re-accreditation is based on analysis of the syllabus, compatibility with the Program’s research lines, and the specific competence of the instructors, as well as a detailed report from a reviewer, with input from the CCP.

VI.1.2 The responsible instructor must be accredited in the Program as an advisor.

VI.2.1 Course section cancellation may be requested by the instructor for reasons of force majeure and is subject to CCP approval.

VI.2.2 The CCP must issue a decision on the request within a maximum of 10 (ten) calendar days.

VI.2.3 Course section cancellation due to insufficient enrollment may only occur upon request from the course instructor when there are fewer than 3 (three) enrolled students and must be formalized before classes begin.

VI.2.4 The maximum deadline for CCP deliberation on cancellation is up to 2 (two) business days before the scheduled start date of classes.

VII.1 The qualifying examination is required in the Master’s, Doctoral, and Direct Doctoral programs.

VII.2 Registration for the qualifying examination is the student’s responsibility and must be completed within the maximum deadline established by the Program in this regulation.

Sole paragraph. For registration, the student must submit:

a) Registration form and suggested examining committee, duly completed and signed by the student and advisor;

b) English proficiency certificate;

c) Links to Lattes Curriculum and ORCID;

d) Summary of up to 10 (ten) pages containing the following items:

• i. Description of the formative pathway (academic activities and other activities relevant to the project),
• ii. Research Project (brief description of project objectives and work plan),
• iii. Main Results obtained in executing the research project up to the date of registration for the examination, if any.

e) Master’s students who wish to be considered for transfer to the Direct Doctoral program must also submit a summary of the Doctoral Project in up to 2 pages.

VII.3 Graduate students who do not complete the qualifying examination within the period stipulated for their program will be dismissed from the Program, in accordance with the Regimento de Pós-Graduação da USP.

VII.4 The examination must be held in a public session within 60 (sixty) days after registration.

VII.5 Students who fail the qualifying examination may retake it only once, and must register again within 90 (ninety) days after taking the first examination.

VII.6 The second examination must be held within a maximum of 30 (thirty) days after registration. If the student fails again, they will be dismissed from the Program and will receive a certificate for courses completed.

VII.7.1 The examining committee for the Master’s, Doctoral, and Direct Doctoral qualifying examination shall consist of three members with at least a doctoral degree, with at least one being a Full Advisor of the Program.

VII.7.2 The advisor and co-advisor, if any, may not be part of the Examining Committee.

VII.8.1 The qualifying examination in the Master’s program aims to:

a) Assess the student’s degree of academic maturity and formal knowledge in Chemistry and areas related to the chosen formative pathway, based on the summary, presentation, and oral defense;

b) Provide the student with an external assessment of the research project in progress.

VII.8.2 In the Master’s program, the examination shall consist of a presentation of up to 30 (thirty) minutes by the student on the topics covered in the report and an oral defense by the committee lasting a maximum of 60 (sixty) minutes.

VII.8.3 Master’s students have up to 10 (ten) months after their first enrollment in the program to register for the qualifying examination.

VII.8.4 Master’s students must have completed 24 credits in courses by the date of the examination, except in cases where a direct transfer to the Doctoral program with a change in institutional scholarship level is requested, in which case 100% of course credits must be completed.

VII.9.1 The qualifying examination in the Doctoral or Direct Doctoral programs aims to:

a) Assess the student’s degree of academic maturity and formal knowledge in Chemistry and areas related to the chosen formative pathway, based on the summary, presentation, and oral defense;

b) Provide the student with an external assessment of the research project, results obtained to date, research project timeline, and products derived from the project.

VII.9.2 In the Doctoral and Direct Doctoral programs, the examination shall consist of a presentation of up to 40 (forty) minutes by the student on the topics covered in the report and an oral defense by the committee lasting a maximum of 120 (one hundred twenty) minutes.

VII.9.3 Doctoral and Direct Doctoral students have a maximum of 24 (twenty-four) and 30 (thirty) months, respectively, after their first enrollment in the program to register for the qualifying examination.

VII.9.4 Doctoral and Direct Doctoral students must have completed at least 32 and 40 credits, respectively, in courses by the date of the examination.

VIII.1.1 Students may request, with justification and advisor approval, transfer from the Master’s to the Direct Doctoral program, or from the Doctoral/Direct Doctoral to the Master’s program. The request will be analyzed by the CCP, based on a detailed report from a reviewer or on the opinion of the funding agency responsible for granting the scholarship for the new program.

VIII.1.2 The deadlines established for completing the qualifying examination and fulfilling the minimum credits required for the new program must be observed. If the deadline has already passed or the minimum number of credits has not been completed, the program transfer will not be authorized.

VIII.1.3 Students who transfer from Master’s to Direct Doctoral must take a new qualifying examination in the new program.

IX.1 Students will be monitored throughout their program by an assessor, holding a doctoral degree, appointed by the CCP from a list prepared by the advisor and with the student’s approval, within a maximum of 6 (six) months after first enrollment.

IX.2 Students will be evaluated throughout their program by the assessor based on the research plan, to be submitted within 60 (sixty) days after first enrollment, and on annual activity reports, according to deadlines set by the CCP or the funding agency. Failure to meet these requirements or unsatisfactory academic performance may result in dismissal from the Program.

IX.2.1 The project must contain an abstract, introduction, justification, objectives, work plan, timeline, materials and methods, and bibliography, and must be no more than 20 pages typed in double spacing.

IX.2.2 The report must contain an abstract of the student’s research project (1 page), description of activities performed and achievement of planned goals (up to 10 pages), planning or re-planning of future activities (up to 2 pages). It must also be accompanied by the advisor’s evaluation of the student’s academic and scientific performance. Alternatively, the report may follow the format defined by the funding agency responsible for granting the scholarship.

IX.3 Students whose report is rejected must submit a new report within a maximum of 30 (thirty) days, counted from the date the Program announces the evaluation result.

IX.4 In addition to the rules established in the Regimento de Pós-Graduação da USP, students may be dismissed from the graduate program, in any of the programs (Master’s, Doctoral, and Direct Doctoral), in the following situations:

a) failure to submit a research plan within 60 days after first enrollment;

b) failure to submit annual reports within established deadlines;

c) absence of regular enrollment in two consecutive academic terms;

d) two failures in the same course or three failures in different courses;

e) two failures in the qualifying examination;

f) rejection of the activity report twice consecutively;

g) for unsatisfactory academic and/or scientific performance, based on justified statement from the advisor and detailed report prepared by a reviewer designated by the CCP, which shall make the final decision on dismissal.

X.1 The accreditation or re-accreditation of advisors will be decided by the CCP, based on a detailed report from an assessor appointed by it. For accreditation or re-accreditation, graduate advising and teaching activities, scientific or technological production, and coordination and/or participation in funded research projects will be considered, according to the minimum criteria specified in this regulation.

X.2 Accreditations may be full or specific. Specific accreditations are dedicated to a particular student.

X.3 Candidates for accreditation as a full advisor must be permanent faculty at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) or researchers affiliated with Research Institutes. Post-doctoral researchers, young researchers, and other candidates without employment ties but with ongoing projects at the Institute of Chemistry may apply for specific accreditation.

X.4 Full advisor accreditation is valid for 5 (five) years. Specific advisor accreditation is valid for the duration of the student’s program.

X.5 The maximum number of advisees per advisor is 10 (ten). Additionally, the advisor may co-advise up to 5 (five) students.

X.6 The maximum number of advisees per specific advisor is 2 (two).

X.7 To request accreditation or re-accreditation, the applicant must submit to the CCP:

a) formal, detailed request objectively indicating their qualifications to work or continue working in the program;

b) web address for Lattes curriculum, ResearchID, and ORCID. Foreign candidates without a Lattes Curriculum may submit their updated Curriculum Vitae.

X.8.1 For full accreditation, the requirements are:

a) being an active faculty member at a Higher Education Institution;

b) having published, in the last five years, at least five articles in journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) with Journal Impact Factor Percentile (JIF Percentile) ≥ 50%. Publications must be related to the Program’s research areas, or alternatively, demonstrate engagement in research on Chemistry teaching and outreach with regular technical or scientific production (such as book chapters, educational materials, projects, etc.) during the same period;

c) presenting a grant letter or other documentation indicating the capacity to provide material conditions for developing research projects;

d) presenting a proposal for a graduate course.

X.8.2 IQ-USP faculty hired up to 6 (six) months before the accreditation request are exempt from the requirements described in items (b) and (c).

X.8.3 Accreditation of candidates external to IQ-USP as full advisors requires the submission of the following additional documents:

a) Letters of recommendation from 2 (two) full advisors of the program, highlighting the candidate’s potential contribution to the Graduate Program and their academic history;

b) Assessment by the CCP of the candidate’s profile alignment with the Program’s research lines.

X.9.1 For full re-accreditation, the faculty member must meet the same minimum accreditation requirements specified in item X.8, plus the following requirements:

a) having offered and taught a Program graduate course at least twice in the last five years;

b) must be advising or have completed advising at least one Program student in the last five years;

c) having, in the last five years, four productions with Program students and alumni; publications in JCR-indexed journals with the affiliation information required for indexing as published on the Program’s website and with Journal Impact Factor Percentile (JIF Percentile) ≥ 50%, patent applications, and productions related to Chemistry teaching and outreach research are accepted.

X.10.1 For specific accreditation, the requirements are:

a) having published, in the last five years, at least three articles in JCR-indexed journals in the Program’s research areas with Journal Impact Factor Percentile (JIF Percentile) ≥ 50%, or alternatively, demonstrating engagement in Chemistry teaching and outreach research;

b) presenting a grant letter or other documentation indicating the capacity to provide material conditions for developing research projects;

c) if having previously served as a specific advisor in the Program, must have published, in co-authorship with a student or alumnus, at least 1 (one) article in a JCR-indexed journal with Journal Impact Factor Percentile (JIF Percentile) ≥ 50%. Alternatively, if working in Chemistry teaching or outreach research, must demonstrate production with a student or alumnus, in addition to the dissertation or thesis.

X.11.1 The deadline for co-advisor accreditation in the Master’s program is 12 (twelve) months after first enrollment.

X.11.2 The deadline for co-advisor accreditation in the Doctoral and Direct Doctoral programs is 24 (twenty-four) months after first enrollment.

X.11.3 For co-advisor accreditation, the following criteria will be considered:

a) expertise in an area complementary to the advisor’s domain;

b) adherence to the Program’s specific advisor criteria.

XI.1.1 The final work in Master’s programs is a Dissertation in traditional format or as a collection of articles. In both cases, the dissertation must contain:

a) cover page with author name, title of the work, location and date;

b) title page with the name of the Unit, author name, title of the work, advisor name, location and date;

c) title, abstract, and keywords in Portuguese and English.

XI.1.2 In the case of a collection of published articles, they must have been submitted after the student’s admission to the program and be related to the research project. Furthermore, it must be ensured that there will be no copyright violation/reproduction, as provided by national and international copyright laws.

XII.1.1 Regarding the composition of the Dissertation and Thesis Defense Committee, the procedures are those established in the Regimento de Pós-Graduação da USP and in Item IV of the CPG Regulations.

XII.1.2 In the Master’s Dissertation defense, the advisor shall participate in the defense committee as president and examining member, with voting rights.

XII.1.3 In the Doctoral Thesis defense, the advisor shall participate in the defense committee exclusively as president, without voting rights.

XIII.1 In compliance with the Regimento de Pós-Graduação da Universidade de São Paulo, all Dissertations and Theses must contain a title, abstract, and keywords in Portuguese and English.

XIII.2 Dissertations and Theses may be written and defended in Portuguese or English. Dissertations and Theses written as a collection of articles may be partially written in Portuguese and English.

XIII.3 Dissertations and Theses may be written in other languages upon request from the advisor and approval by the CCP.

XIV.1 Master’s students who fulfill all program requirements will receive the title of “Master of Science”. Program: Chemistry.

XIV.2 Doctoral or Direct Doctoral students who fulfill all program requirements will receive the title of “Doctor of Science”. Program: Chemistry.

Article 1 – The new Regulation of the Graduate Program in Chemistry is hereby approved, as set forth in the annex to this Resolution.

Article 2 – The option for this Regulation, in accordance with the new Regimento de Pós-Graduação, may occur within 12 (twelve) months from the date of publication of this Resolution.

Article 3 – This Resolution shall enter into force on the date of its publication.

Article 4 – Contrary provisions are hereby revoked, especially Resolutions CoPGr 6656, of 12/17/2013 and 7076, of 06/29/2015 (Process 09.1.5799.1.5).

Pro-Rectory of Graduate Studies of the University of São Paulo, November 17, 2020.

CARLOS G. CARLOTTI JR Pro-Rector of Graduate Studies

PEDRO VITORIANO DE OLIVEIRA General Secretary

For registration in the selection process, candidates must present the documents listed in the public notice, available on the Program’s website and published in the Official Gazette of the State of São Paulo.

II.2.1 Candidates for admission to the Master’s, Doctoral, and Direct Doctoral programs must choose one of two possible access routes:

II.2.1.1 General Chemistry Knowledge Examination (ECGQ), held periodically by the CCP with a specific public notice.

II.2.1.2 GRE Chemistry Subject Test (Graduate Record Examination), administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

II.2.2 Candidates who choose the ECGQ will be ranked by the scores obtained, with the following considered approved:

a) for the Master’s program, those who obtain a score equal to or greater than 5.0;

b) for the Doctoral program, those who obtain a score equal to or greater than 5.0 and hold a Master’s degree issued or validated by a graduate program recognized by Capes;

c) for the Direct Doctoral program, those who obtain a score equal to or greater than 5.0 and present a letter of acceptance provided by the future advisor.

II.2.3 Candidates who choose the GRE will be ranked by the scores obtained, with the following considered approved:

a) for the Master’s program, when classified above score 700 on the Subject Test Chemistry;

b) for the Doctoral program, when classified above score 700 on the Subject Test Chemistry and hold a Master’s degree issued or validated by a graduate program recognized by Capes, equivalent or recognized by USP;

c) for the Direct Doctoral program, those who are classified above score 700 on the Subject Test Chemistry and present a letter of acceptance provided by the future advisor.

II.2.4 Approval in the selection process does not automatically guarantee enrollment, and the candidate must provide all documentation required in the public notice in a timely manner. The total number of approved candidates according to the criteria established in items II.2.2 and II.2.3 is limited to the number of available positions, which will be announced in the selection process public notice. In case of a tie, a new score will be calculated excluding the questions in which the candidates obtained the highest score, and so on, until the tie is broken.

III.1 In the Master’s program, the deadline for dissertation submission is 36 months.

III.2 In the Doctoral program, for holders of a master’s degree, the deadline for thesis submission is 56 months.

III.3 In the Doctoral program, without prior obtainment of a master’s degree (Direct Doctoral), the deadline for thesis submission is 68 months.

III.4 In exceptional and duly justified cases, students may request an extension of up to a maximum of 4 months in the Master’s, Doctoral, and Direct Doctoral programs.

IV.1 The Master’s student must complete a minimum of credit units as follows: 160 credit units, with 30 in coursework and 130 in the dissertation.

IV.2 The Doctoral student, holder of a Master’s degree from USP or recognized by it, must complete a minimum of credit units as follows: 320 credit units, with 40 in coursework and 280 in the thesis.

IV.3 The Doctoral student, without prior obtainment of a Master’s degree, must complete a minimum of credit units as follows: 330 credit units, with 50 in coursework and 280 in the thesis.

The credit units in required courses shall be 6 (six), 6 (six), and 10 (ten) credits for the Master’s, Doctoral, or Direct Doctoral programs, respectively.

IV.4.1 The required courses for Master’s students are:

• QFL5930 or QBQ5744 – “Notions of Safety in Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories, Ethics and Responsibility in Research” (2 credits). The student should take this course, preferably, within the first 12 months after admission.
• QFL5939 – “Advanced Topics in Chemistry I” (2 credits)
• QFL5940 – “Advanced Topics in Chemistry II” (2 credits)

IV.4.2 The required courses for Doctoral students are:

• QFL5930 or QBQ5744 – “Notions of Safety in Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories, Ethics and Responsibility in Research” (2 credits). The student should take this course, preferably, within the first 12 months after admission. Students who have already taken the course do not need to take it again; however, they must take other courses to complete the required credits.
• QFL5941 – “Advanced Topics in Chemistry III” (2 credits)
• QFL5942 – “Advanced Topics in Chemistry IV” (2 credits)

IV.4.3 The required courses for Direct Doctoral students are:

• QFL5930 or QBQ5744 – “Notions of Safety in Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories, Ethics and Responsibility in Research” (2 credits). The student should take this course, preferably, within the first 12 months after admission.
• QFL5939 – “Advanced Topics in Chemistry I” (2 credits)
• QFL5940 – “Advanced Topics in Chemistry II” (2 credits)
• QFL5941 – “Advanced Topics in Chemistry III” (2 credits)
• QFL5942 – “Advanced Topics in Chemistry IV” (2 credits)

Special credits may be granted, up to a maximum of 8 (eight), 12 (twelve), and 16 (sixteen) credits for the Master’s, Doctoral, and Direct Doctoral programs, respectively.

IV.5.1 Maximum of 3 (three) credits for each complete work published, as author or co-author, in an international scientific journal with an editorial board;

IV.5.2 Maximum of 3 (three) credits for each international patent filed;

IV.5.3 Maximum of 2 (two) credits for each national patent filed;

IV.5.4 Maximum of 3 (three) credits for each book or book chapter of recognized scientific or technological merit;

IV.5.5 1 (one) credit for each complete work published in a national scientific journal with an editorial board;

IV.5.6 1 (one) credit for each complete work published in proceedings or similar;

IV.5.7 1 (one) credit for each participation, with work presentation, in a national scientific conference, limited to a total of 2 (two) credits in this category for Master’s, 2 (two) credits for Doctoral, and 4 (four) credits for Direct Doctoral;

IV.5.8 Maximum of 2 (two) credits for each participation, with work presentation, in an international scientific conference; limited to a total of 2 (two) credits in this category for Master’s, 4 (four) credits for Doctoral, and 4 (four) credits for Direct Doctoral;

IV.5.9 2 (two) credits for each semester participation in the Teaching Improvement Program (PAE), limited to a total of 4 (four) credits for Master’s, 4 (four) credits for Doctoral, and 8 (eight) credits for Direct Doctoral.

V.1.1 Students must demonstrate proficiency in English, for both Master’s and Doctoral and Direct Doctoral programs.

V.1.2 Master’s students must demonstrate proficiency within 18 (eighteen) months after admission.

V.1.3 Doctoral students must demonstrate proficiency within 24 (twenty-four) months after admission.

V.1.4 Direct Doctoral students must demonstrate proficiency within 30 (thirty) months after admission.

V.1.5 The student must demonstrate English proficiency by presenting proof of one of the following proficiency exams: TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, TEAP, WAP, Cambridge, or equivalent exams, subject to CCP analysis upon student request, taken up to 5 (five) years before the date of exam presentation.

V.1.6 The minimum level required to demonstrate English proficiency:

V.1.7 Documented education equivalent to elementary, secondary, or higher education in a country where English is the first language will be accepted as demonstration of foreign language proficiency, for Master’s and Doctoral levels.

Course accreditation or re-accreditation is based on analysis of the syllabus, compatibility with the Program’s research lines, updated bibliography, specific competence of the professors responsible for the course, and a detailed report from a reviewer, with CCP consultation.

For re-accreditation, the regularity of course offering will also be considered.

Accreditation of non-face-to-face or hybrid courses will also be based on specific criteria established by the CaC.

In accreditation and re-accreditation proposals, course syllabi must be presented in Portuguese and English.

VI.2.1 Cancellation of course sections may occur upon request from the instructor, for reasons of force majeure, approved by the CCP.

VI.2.2 The CCP must issue an opinion on the request within a maximum period of 10 (ten) days.

VI.2.3 Cancellation of a course section due to lack of students will only occur if there are fewer than 3 (three) regularly enrolled students, upon request from the course instructor before the established start of classes.

VI.2.4 The maximum deadline for CCP deliberation is up to 2 (two) days before the class start date.

The Qualifying Examination is required for both Master’s and Doctoral and Direct Doctoral programs. Registration for the qualifying examination is the responsibility of the student and must be completed within the maximum deadline established by the program in this Regulation according to items VII.2.1, VII.3.1, and VII.4.1.

The examination must be held within a maximum of 90 (ninety) days after registration.

Graduate students who do not take the qualifying examination within the period stipulated for their program will be dismissed from the program, according to the Regimento de Pós-Graduação da USP.

Students who fail the qualifying examination may register to retake it only once, and must complete new registration within 60 (sixty) days after taking the first examination. The second examination must be taken within 90 (ninety) days after the second registration. If the failure persists, the student will be dismissed from the Program and will receive a certificate of courses completed.

The qualifying examination committee, for both Master’s and Doctoral and Direct Doctoral programs, shall consist of three examiners with a minimum qualification of doctorate, with at least two of them being Full Advisors of the Program.

The Advisor and co-advisor may not be part of the Examining Committee. The CCP will appoint the Chair of the Examining Committee, following, whenever possible, the hierarchy among its members.

VII.2.1 Master’s students must register for the examination within a maximum period of 18 (eighteen) months after their first enrollment in the program, having completed a minimum of 22 (twenty-two) credits in coursework and demonstrated English proficiency.

VII.2.2 The objective of the qualifying examination in the Master’s program is to evaluate the student’s proficiency in knowledge in their area of investigation, as well as in related areas relevant to their activities.

VII.2.3 In the Master’s program, the examination will consist of the evaluation of a brief report of no more than four pages, presenting the main ideas and results of the work, and an oral presentation and examination on the student’s research area and related areas, as well as analysis of the academic transcript.

VII.2.4 The report must be submitted to the SPG at the time of student registration for the examination in digital format, in PDF or equivalent.

VII.2.5 The oral presentation, in a public session, shall have a maximum duration of 60 minutes, followed by examination by the Examining Committee. The maximum duration of the examination shall not exceed 120 minutes.

VII.3.1 Doctoral students must register for the qualifying examination within a maximum period of 24 (twenty-four) months after their first enrollment in the program, having completed a minimum of 32 (thirty-two) credits in coursework and demonstrated English proficiency.

VII.3.2 The objective of the qualifying examination in the Doctoral program is to evaluate the student’s proficiency in knowledge in their area of investigation, as well as in related areas relevant to their activities, their ability to understand and critically analyze scientific works in their research area, and their potential to provide adequate experimental direction to solve a problem presented to them.

VII.3.3 In the Doctoral program, the examination will consist of the evaluation of a brief report of no more than four pages, presenting the main ideas and results of the work, and an oral presentation and examination on the student’s research area and related areas, as well as analysis of the academic transcript.

VII.3.4 The report must be submitted to the SPG at the time of student registration for the examination in digital format, in PDF or equivalent.

VII.3.5 The oral presentation, in a public session, shall have a maximum duration of 60 minutes, followed by examination by the Examining Committee. The maximum duration of the examination shall not exceed 180 minutes.

VII.4.1 Direct Doctoral students must register for the qualifying examination within a maximum period of 30 (thirty) months after their first enrollment in the program, having completed a minimum of 38 (thirty-eight) credits in coursework and demonstrated English proficiency.

VII.4.2 The objective of the qualifying examination in the Direct Doctoral program is the same as for the Doctoral program. The examination will be conducted according to Doctoral program rules.

VIII.1.1 Upon approval in the qualifying examination, and at the suggestion of the examining committee, the student may request to change from the Master’s to the Direct Doctoral program, provided they have the consent of the advisor, within a maximum period of 30 (thirty) days. The CPG will analyze the request based on a detailed report issued by a reviewer on the new research project and the student’s academic performance.

VIII.1.2 The student may request, with the advisor’s consent, to change from the Master’s to the Direct Doctoral program, within 28 (twenty-eight) months after the first graduate enrollment. The request must be accompanied by: (1) a letter addressed to the CPG Chair with the advisor’s agreement, (2) an updated academic transcript, and (3) a detailed justification from the advisor regarding the progress of the scientific work and the student’s academic performance. The CPG will analyze the request based on a detailed report issued by the CCP on the new research project and the student’s academic performance.

VIII.1.3 For any of the cases described in items VIII.1.1 and VIII.1.2, the student must take the Qualifying Examination for the Direct Doctoral program, following the rules in Item VII.

VIII.1.4 The change from the Direct Doctoral to the Master’s program may also be requested by the student within 16 (sixteen) months after the first graduate enrollment. The request must be accompanied by: (1) a letter addressed to the CPG Chair with the advisor’s agreement, (2) an updated academic transcript, and (3) a detailed justification from the advisor regarding the progress of the scientific work and the student’s academic performance. Based on the documents submitted, the CCP will issue an opinion on the request, forwarding it to the CPG to authorize or deny the change.

VIII.1.5 The change from the Direct Doctoral to the Doctoral program, after Master’s degree recognition, may be requested by the student with the advisor’s consent, within a maximum period of 22 (twenty-two) months after the first graduate enrollment. The CCP will issue an opinion on the request, forwarding it to the CPG to authorize or deny the change.

VIII.1.6 For program changes, the deadlines for taking the qualifying examination and the minimum credits required for qualification in the new program must be verified. If this deadline has already passed or the minimum number of credits has not been met, the change will not be possible.

IX.1 Students will be evaluated annually through their activity reports. Reports must be submitted annually by the student according to the schedule established by the CCP, announced by the Secretariat and published on the Program’s website.

IX.2 The report must contain a summary of the student’s research project, description of activities performed and achievement of planned goals, and planning or replanning of future activities. It must also be accompanied by the advisor’s evaluation of the student’s academic and scientific performance.

IX.3 Students whose reports are rejected must submit a new report within a maximum of 30 (thirty) days from the date of publication of the evaluation result by the Program Secretariat.

IX.4 In addition to the rules established in the Regimento de Pós-Graduação da USP, students may be dismissed from the graduate program in any of the programs (Master’s, Doctoral, and Direct Doctoral) for unsatisfactory academic and scientific performance, upon CCP deliberation, if any of the following situations occurs:

a) failure to submit a research plan within 60 days after the first enrollment;

b) two failures in the same course or three failures in different courses;

c) absence of regular enrollment in two consecutive academic terms;

d) two failures in the Qualifying Examination;

e) rejection of the research plan by an ad hoc reviewer appointed by the CCP;

f) failure to submit annual reports within the established deadlines;

g) rejection of the report by an ad hoc reviewer appointed by the CCP;

h) written and detailed opinion from the advisor regarding the student’s unsatisfactory performance, based on unjustified non-compliance with the activities in the Research Plan.

X.1 The decision on accreditation or re-accreditation of an advisor will be deliberated by the CPG after forwarding by the CCP, based on the excellence of their scientific, artistic, or technological production and the coordination and/or participation in funded research projects, according to the minimum criteria specified in this regulation.

X.2 The maximum number of advisees per advisor is 10 (ten). Additionally, the advisor may co-advise up to 10 (ten) doctoral or master’s students, provided that the sum of advisees and co-advisees does not exceed 15 (fifteen).

X.3 Accreditations may be full or specific. Specific accreditations are for advising a particular student.

X.4 Full advisor accreditation shall be valid for 4 (four) years.

X.5 For accreditation or re-accreditation, the applicant must submit a formal detailed request to the CCP objectively stating their qualifications to act or continue acting in the program. The request must be accompanied by an updated Lattes curriculum or Curriculum Vitae (in the case of foreign candidates without a Lattes Curriculum) and electronic addresses for ResearchID and ORCID registration.

X.6 The advisor must necessarily undertake teaching activities in the Graduate Program in Chemistry of at least 1 (one) course every two years.

X.7.1 For full accreditation, the following criteria will be considered:

(i) Scientific production in indexed journals and periodicals demonstrating the candidate’s competence in their area of activity. The minimum required production is at least 3 (three) articles in journals classified in the top three QUALIS/CAPES strata in the last four years;

(ii) Ability to provide material conditions for the development of research projects, through the acquisition of resources from funding agencies or the private sector. Participation in a current or completed project or agreement within the last 5 years is required, which can be demonstrated by a grant letter or coordinator’s letter and, in the case of newly hired faculty, proof of submission;

(iii) Adequacy of laboratory infrastructure for the development of research projects. Present justification specifying where the main equipment, techniques, or materials necessary for the execution of research projects are located.

X.8.1 For full re-accreditation, the following criteria will be considered:

(i) Scientific production in indexed journals demonstrating competence in their area of activity. The minimum production required for the first re-accreditation request is 3 (three) articles in the last 4 (four) years with graduate students from the program as co-authors in the top 3 QUALIS/CAPES strata. For subsequent re-accreditations, a minimum of 5 (five) articles in the top 3 QUALIS/CAPES strata with graduate students from the program as co-authors will be required.

(ii) Ability to provide material conditions for the development of research projects, through the acquisition of resources from funding agencies or the private sector. Participation in a current or completed project or agreement within the last 5 years is required, which can be demonstrated by a grant letter or coordinator’s letter;

(iii) Adequacy of laboratory infrastructure for the development of research projects. Present justification specifying where the main equipment, techniques, or materials necessary for the execution of research projects are located.

(iv) Completed or ongoing supervision of a Program student;

(v) Supervision history. Frequent changes of advisor are not recommended, with up to two changes allowed in the last 4 (four) years;

(vi) Participation as instructor or collaborator in Program courses that have been taught at least 2 (two) times in the last 4 (four) years;

(vii) Participation in examining committees for qualifying examinations, dissertations and theses, and ad hoc consulting for the CCP or CPG. At least 4 (four) participations in the last 4 (four) years.

X.9.1 For specific accreditation, the following criteria will be considered:

(i) Scientific production in indexed journals and periodicals demonstrating competence in their area of activity. The minimum recommended production is at least 3 (three) articles in journals classified in the top 3 QUALIS/CAPES strata in the last four years;

(ii) Ability to provide material conditions for the development of research projects, through the acquisition of resources from funding agencies or the private sector. Participation in a current or completed project or agreement within the last 5 years is required, which can be demonstrated by a grant letter or coordinator’s letter;

(iii) Adequacy of laboratory infrastructure for the development of research projects. Present justification specifying where the main equipment, techniques, or materials necessary for the execution of research projects are located;

(iv) Prior supervision of at least 1 (one) undergraduate research student or graduate student at the master’s or doctoral level;

(v) If previous supervisions have been granted in the Program, contribution to at least 1 (one) graduate course and examining committees for qualifying examinations, dissertations, and theses will be required;

(vi) Adequacy of the student’s project to the Program’s research lines;

(vii) If previous supervisions have been granted in the Program, the history of advisor changes will be considered. Frequent changes of advisor must not have occurred, with up to 2 (two) changes allowed in the last 4 (four) years.

X.10.1 The deadline for co-advisor accreditation in the master’s program is 28 months.

X.10.2 The deadline for co-advisor accreditation in the doctoral program is 44 months.

X.10.3 The deadline for co-advisor accreditation in the direct doctoral program is 54 months.

X.10.4 For co-advisor accreditation, the following criteria will be considered:

(i) Activity in an area complementary to the advisor’s area of expertise;

(ii) Potential contribution of the co-advisor to the development of the dissertation or thesis;

(iii) Scientific production in indexed journals and periodicals demonstrating the candidate’s competence in their area of activity. The minimum required production is at least 3 (three) articles in the top 3 QUALIS/CAPES strata in the last 4 (four) years.

X.11.1 Preferably, external collaborators to the Unit should have specific accreditation.

X.11.2 Retired faculty from the Institute of Chemistry at USP included in the “senior collaborators” list with a valid Permission and Use Agreement may request full and/or specific accreditation.

X.11.3 Fellows of Young Researcher Programs or equivalent, officially affiliated with IQ-USP, may request specific supervision accreditation.

X.11.4 Accreditation as full or specific advisor will not be granted to senior-level technicians or postdoctoral fellows.

X.11.5 For full accreditation of advisors external to IQ-USP, in addition to what is established in item X.7, the following information must be presented:

(i) Detailed justification from the applicant regarding the innovative contribution of the project to the graduate program;

(ii) Demonstrate the functional status and institutional affiliation;

(iii) Curriculum vitae of the interested party, which must include, if applicable, completed and ongoing supervisions at USP and elsewhere.

X.11.6 For specific accreditation of advisors external to IQ-USP, in addition to what is established in item X.9, the information described in X.11.5 must be presented.

X.11.7 For specific accreditation of advisors of the Young Researcher, Visiting Professor, or equivalent type, in addition to what is established in item X.9, the following information must be presented:

(i) Detailed justification from the applicant regarding the innovative contribution of the project to the graduate program;

(ii) Statement from an institution professor or supervisor, with the consent of the department head, demonstrating agreement with the use of the space for the development of the requested supervision and the maintenance of conditions for the execution of the graduate student’s project;

(iii) Curriculum vitae of the interested party, which must include, if applicable, completed and ongoing supervisions at USP and elsewhere;

(iv) Demonstrate the functional status and institutional affiliation of the interested party. The period of stay at IQ-USP must be at least 75% of the maximum deadline for dissertation or thesis submission.

The final work in the master’s program will be in the form of a dissertation. The structure of the master’s dissertation is defined by the publication “Guidelines for the presentation of dissertations and theses at USP: electronic and printed document. Part I (ABNT)” published by the Integrated Library System (SIBi) USP, available on the program’s website, and must contain the following items:

• Cover with author’s name, title of the work, location, and date;
• Title page with unit name, author’s name, title of the work, advisor’s name, location, and date;
• List of Figures, Illustrations, Equations, and Tables;
• Abstract in Portuguese;
• Abstract in English;
• Introduction;
• Materials and Methods;
• Results;
• Conclusions;
• Suggestions for future work;
• Bibliography;
• Annexes;
• Appendices;
• Brief CV.

The final work in the doctoral program will be in the form of a thesis, following either the traditional format or article compilation format.

The thesis in traditional format must contain the same items as the master’s dissertation.

The doctoral thesis in article compilation format must have at least two articles published and/or submitted, with at least one of the articles published or in press. In this case, the author must present consent from the publishers for the reproduction of each of these articles in the thesis.

After the introduction chapter, the author must include a chapter describing the relationship between the articles present in the body of the thesis.

The submission of copies will be made by the candidate, or their legal representative, at the Graduate Secretariat by the end of business on the last day of their regulatory deadline. The submission must be accompanied by a letter from the advisor certifying that the advisee is ready for the defense.

For the Master’s, 4 (four) bound copies of the dissertation must be submitted, plus a copy of the dissertation in PDF format and its abstract in DOC format, both in digital media.

For the Doctoral, 5 (five) bound copies of the thesis must be submitted, plus a copy of the thesis in PDF format and its abstract in DOC format, both in digital media.

Regarding the Composition of the Dissertation and Thesis Examining Committee, in addition to the provisions of the Regimento de Pós-Graduação da USP and Item IV of the CPG Bylaws, the advisor will participate in the examining committee as chair and examining member, with voting rights, in the master’s program.

In the doctoral and direct doctoral programs, the advisor will participate in the examining committee exclusively as chair, without voting rights.

XIII.1 In compliance with the Regimento de Pós-Graduação da Universidade de São Paulo, all Dissertations and Theses must contain a title, abstract, and keywords in Portuguese and English.

XIII.2 Dissertations and Theses may be written and defended in Portuguese or English. Dissertations and Theses written in article compilation format may be written partially in Portuguese and English.

XIII.3 Dissertations and Theses may be written in Spanish upon request from the advisor and approved by the CCP.

XIV.1 Master’s students who fulfill all program requirements will receive the degree of “Master of Science”. Program: Chemistry.

XIV.2 Doctoral or Direct Doctoral students who fulfill all program requirements will receive the degree of “Doctor of Science”. Program: Chemistry.

XV.1 Internship

Internships for graduate students may occur, with the advisor’s consent and approval from the CCP and CPG, following the guidelines for graduate student internships at the University of São Paulo.

Note: Course QFL5942 became “Seminar Presentation Practice” in the 2026 Regulation.

1. Longer extension for Master’s and Direct Doctorate (180 days vs 4 months)
2. Expanded special credits (up to 50% vs absolute values)
3. New activities for credits: technical training, student representation
4. Simplified proficiency: single B1 level for all programs
5. Flexibilized qualification committee: minimum 1 full advisor (vs 2)
6. Extended accreditation validity to 5 years
7. Dissertation as collection allowed for Master’s
8. New assessor for individualized follow-up

1. Master’s term reduced from 36 to 24 months
2. Direct Doctorate term reduced from 68 to 60 months
3. Earlier qualification for Master’s (10 vs 18 months)
4. Increased minimum credits for qualification (DD: 40 vs 38)
5. Significantly reduced co-advisor deadline
6. Accreditation criteria based on JIF Percentile (vs QUALIS)

1. Submission via corporate system (vs physical copies)
2. Selection process referred to call (vs detailed rules in regulation)
3. More flexible dissertation/thesis format

Sabiá is the request management system for the Chemistry Graduate Program at IQ-USP.

For Students

• Submit English proficiency certificates
• Request enrollment suspension
• Request special credits (publications, conferences, internships)
• Track the status of all your requests
• Update personal data and Lattes CV

For Advisors

• Request accreditation, re-accreditation, or specific accreditation
• Issue opinions when designated as assessor
• Track advisees’ requests

For Staff and Coordination

• Assign assessors to review requests
• Forward processes for deliberation
• Record CCP decisions

1. Access the system with your USP email
2. Fill out the request using the appropriate form
3. Attach documents when required
4. Track progress through the requests panel
5. Receive notifications by email about updates

The Program Coordinating Committee (CCP) is the body responsible for the academic management of the Graduate Program in Chemistry. According to the USP Graduate Bylaws, the CCP is responsible for coordinating the teaching and research activities of the program, as well as deliberating on students’ academic matters.

The CCP is composed of:

• 4 full advisors from the Program as regular members
  • One of them is the Coordinator
  • One of them is the Vice-Coordinator (alternate for the Coordinator)
• 1 student representative as regular member

Each regular member has their respective alternate.

Graduate Program in Chemistry (USP 46007, CAPES 33002010191P0)

The CCP is responsible for:

• Accreditation and re-accreditation of advisors
• Accreditation of courses
• Accreditation of co-advisors

• Appointment of assessors/rapporteurs for student monitoring
• Analysis of annual activity reports
• Deliberation on dismissals due to unsatisfactory performance

• Approval of deadline extensions
• Analysis of program transfers
• Changes in concentration area
• Analysis of appeals and special requests

• Cancellation of course sections
• Analysis of course content
• Compatibility with the Program’s research lines

• Analysis, Automation and Separation Processes
• Education and Outreach in Chemistry
• Structure and Properties in Chemistry
• Advanced Materials and Energy
• Health, Environment and Sustainability
• Synthesis, Catalysis and Optimization of Chemical Processes

The USP Graduate Studies Bylaws establish general rules for admission to graduate programs. The main rules are:

Selection process:

• Admission to graduate courses occurs through a selection process that evaluates the academic merit of candidates
• Evaluation must be conducted through objective tests or assessments, ensuring equality among candidates
• Specific selection criteria are defined by each program and published in the admission notice

Enrollment:

• Charging fees for regular enrollment in graduate courses at USP is prohibited
• Simultaneous enrollment in two graduate courses at USP is not allowed
• Enrollment is done each semester, according to the calendar established by the Unit

Special students:

• Are enrolled only in isolated courses, without formal connection to the program
• Are not entitled to an advisor or to defend a dissertation or thesis
• Receive a certificate of approval in the courses taken
• Credits obtained may be used in case of subsequent regular enrollment, provided they were completed within the last 36 months

Admission to the program occurs through a selection process regulated by a specific notice, prepared by the CCP and published in the Official Gazette of the State of São Paulo and on the program’s website. The notice specifies the number of positions, procedures and documents required for registration, the stages and schedule of the selection process, the evaluation items and the documents required for enrollment.

Access routes:

The candidate must choose one of two access routes:

Additional requirements:

• Doctorate: Hold a Master’s degree issued or validated by a course recognized by CAPES
• Direct Doctorate: Present a letter of acceptance from the future advisor

Foreign language proficiency:

• Proficiency is required after admission, according to deadlines established in the regulation (section V)
• It is not a requirement for registration in the selection process

Note: Approval in the selection process does not automatically guarantee enrollment; the candidate must provide all documentation specified in the notice in due time.

Admission to the Master’s, Doctorate and Direct Doctorate courses of the Graduate Program in Chemistry occurs through a selection process regulated by a specific notice, prepared by the Program Coordinating Committee (CCP) and published in the Official Gazette of the State of São Paulo and on the Program’s website.

The notice for each selection process specifies:

• The number of positions available for each course
• The procedures and documents required for registration
• The stages of the selection process and the respective schedule
• The evaluation items and classification criteria
• The documents required for completing enrollment

The Unified Chemistry Exam (EUQ) is the assessment instrument currently used for admission to the Program. The EUQ is a Chemistry knowledge test prepared, administered and graded by the Brazilian Chemical Society (SBQ), ensuring a standardized and independent evaluation process.

Approval criterion:

• Candidates who obtain a score equal to or higher than the overall average of all participants in the same edition of the exam are accepted for admission
• The average is calculated by SBQ and released along with individual results

Available languages:

• The EUQ can be taken in Portuguese or English, at the candidate’s choice
• This option facilitates the admission of foreign candidates and promotes program internationalization

Validity:

• The EUQ certificate is valid for 3 (three) calendar years from the date of the exam
• To compete for institutional scholarships, candidates must have taken the exam in the edition immediately prior to the opening of the notice

Positions:

• The Program offers 100 positions per selection process

More information and registration: euq.sbq.org.br

Personal documents (all candidates):

• Copy of EUQ participation certificate with score and edition average
• Copy of Identity Card (RG)
• Copy of CPF
• Copy of Voter Registration Card with electoral clearance certificate
• Copy of Military Service Certificate or equivalent document (when applicable)
• Copy of Birth or Marriage Certificate

Academic documents for Master’s and Direct Doctorate:

• Copy of Undergraduate Academic Transcript (with grades and course hours)

• Copy of Undergraduate Diploma (front and back) or Completion Certificate with graduation date

• Declaration of acceptance from the advisor, indicating the intended course

Additional documents for Doctorate:

• Copy of Master’s Academic Transcript
• Master’s Completion Certificate approved by CPG or Master’s Diploma
• Digital copy of Master’s Dissertation
• Copy of CAPES Evaluation Report for the master’s program completed

Important: Undergraduate graduation is a mandatory requirement for enrollment. Candidates who have not yet graduated cannot enroll, even if they have been approved on the EUQ.

In Regulation 2026, Master’s students can enroll in the program without a defined advisor. The deadline to indicate an advisor is 6 months after first enrollment.

Flow for those entering without an advisor:

What is the Formative Track:

Since the student does not yet have an advisor, the 60-day document is not a research project. The Formative Track should contain:

• Your expectations and areas of interest
• Courses you intend to take in the first year
• Internships and technical training of interest
• Potential advisors you intend to contact

Recommendation: After the assessor is designated by the CCP, talk to them about course selection and finding an advisor. If in doubt, contact the CCP.

Doctorate and Direct Doctorate:

For Doctorate and Direct Doctorate, the advisor’s acceptance letter remains a requirement for enrollment, and the traditional research plan must be submitted within 60 days.

To be considered for institutional scholarship distribution, the candidate must:

• Express interest in receiving an institutional scholarship at the time of registration
• Have taken the EUQ in the edition immediately prior to the opening of the notice
• Not hold a scholarship from another funding agency
• Not have previously received a scholarship for a course at the same level already completed
• Not receive retirement benefits or other income incompatible with receiving a scholarship

The distribution of institutional scholarships follows a classification system that considers the EUQ score and the advisor’s institutional affiliation. Scores are normalized so that the average of each edition corresponds to 5.0, allowing comparison of candidates from different editions.

Based on the normalized score (N) and the advisor’s affiliation, candidates are distributed into four priority groups:

Within each group, the advisor’s priority (P) is also considered. It ranges from 0 to 10 and is calculated based on the difference between the number of advisees with institutional scholarships and external scholarships. Advisors with a higher proportion of external scholarship holders have higher priority for receiving new institutional scholarships, promoting balance in distribution.

• Approval on the EUQ does not automatically guarantee enrollment; all documentation must be submitted within the established deadlines
• Students already enrolled in the Program may compete for institutional scholarships by participating in the selection process
• The number of available scholarships varies with each notice, according to funding agency allocations
• Exceptionally during 2026, scholarship holders with temporary scholarships awarded in 2025 will have preference in the distribution of new scholarships

The Program adopts measures to strengthen inclusion and value diversity, offering score bonuses in the selection process for:

• Low-income individuals: proven through specific documentation indicated in the notice
• People with disabilities: according to legal definition and supporting documentation
• Black, brown and indigenous people: through self-declaration and, when applicable, validation by a specific committee

Bonus percentages and application procedures are detailed in each admission notice. These actions aim to expand access to the program and ensure equitable admission conditions for groups historically underrepresented in graduate education.

→ See more details at Community > Affirmative Actions

The Unified Chemistry Exam (EUQ) is a Chemistry knowledge test used as an admission criterion for various graduate programs in Chemistry in Brazil, including the Graduate Program in Chemistry at IQ-USP.

The exam is organized, administered and graded by the Brazilian Chemical Society (SBQ), an independent scientific entity. This organization ensures a standardized, transparent evaluation process with credibility recognized by the academic community.

Content:

• The exam covers general Chemistry knowledge at the undergraduate level
• Questions cover the main areas: Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and related areas
• The format and number of questions are defined by SBQ and announced before each edition

Languages:

• The candidate may choose to take the test in Portuguese or English
• This option facilitates the participation of foreign candidates and promotes internationalization of programs

Administration:

• The exam is administered twice a year, usually in May and November
• The test can be taken in various cities in Brazil, at locations defined by SBQ
• Registration is done directly on the SBQ website

To be accepted into the Graduate Program in Chemistry at IQ-USP, the candidate must obtain a score equal to or higher than the overall average of all participants in the same edition of the exam.

The average is calculated by SBQ and released along with individual results. Each edition of the exam has its own average, which means that the approval criterion varies according to the overall performance of participants in that specific edition.

The EUQ participation certificate, with the score obtained, is valid for 3 (three) calendar years from the date the exam was taken.

Important: To compete for institutional scholarships (CAPES/CNPq) distributed by the Program, the candidate must have taken the EUQ in the edition immediately prior to the opening of the admission notice. Exams from previous editions allow continuous flow admission (without institutional scholarship), but not participation in scholarship ranking.

Registration for the EUQ is done directly on the Brazilian Chemical Society website:

https://euq.sbq.org.br/

On the website, you will find information about:

• Dates of upcoming editions
• Test locations
• Content outline
• Registration fees
• Results from previous editions

Since the EUQ assesses general Chemistry knowledge at the undergraduate level, preparation should include review of main content from basic Chemistry courses or related areas. Tests from previous editions may be available on the SBQ website for consultation and practice.

Candidates approved on the EUQ (score equal to or higher than the overall average) must formalize their enrollment registration through the SIAD platform:

www.iq.usp.br/posgraduacao/sistema/

1. Access uspdigital.usp.br/janus
2. Click on “First access” (Primeiro acesso)
3. Enter your USP number
4. The password will be sent to the email provided in your application form

The USP student ID card is your identification document at the University. To request yours:

1. In the Janus System, click on Cartão USP → Nova solicitação → Salvar
2. Click on Incluir/alterar Foto and attach a digital photo
3. Track the status in Listar solicitação
4. You will be notified by email when your ID card is available at the Graduate Secretariat

The USP Transport Card (Bilhete USP) is a transit card for use on certain buses within the São Paulo campus. It is not the student ID card.

1. In the Janus System, click on Cartão USP → Solicitação (1ª e 2ª Via)
2. Or access directly: BUSP Query
3. Track the status through the same link
4. Pick it up at the Graduate Secretariat when available

The initial enrollment is done by the Graduate Secretariat. In the following semesters, you must register through the Janus System in January (1st semester) and July (2nd semester).

• The enrollment period is announced via USP email
• If you are not taking courses, complete follow-up enrollment (matrícula de acompanhamento)
• Warning: Failure to enroll may result in dismissal from the program

1. Access the Janus System
2. Click on Disciplinas → Consultas → Oferecimento
3. Select the Chemistry Program
4. Enrollment must be completed before the course starts

Must be done through the website http://www.iq.usp.br/posgraduacao/sistema/ from the publication date of this notice until 11:59 PM on December 1st to January 11th, 2026 (Brasília time).

2.1. Required Documents

The following documents must be attached in the registration system:

• Copy of EUQ participation certificate call 2025/2 with a score equal to or higher than the overall average of candidates’ scores;
• Copy of Identity Card;
• Copy of CPF;
• Copy of Voter Registration Card, together with the electoral clearance certificate;
• Copy of Military Certificate (when applicable by law);
• Copy of Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate.

Candidates whose registrations are approved must complete enrollment during the period to be announced on the Graduate Chemistry website. Copies of documents required for enrollment may be attached in the registration system or delivered at the time of enrollment. In both cases, original documents must be presented for verification. Enrollments with incomplete documentation will not be accepted.

3.1. Required Documents

3.1.1. Master’s and Direct Doctorate

• Copy of Undergraduate Academic Transcript;
• Copy of Undergraduate Diploma (front and back) or Undergraduate Completion Certificate with graduation date;
• Declaration of acceptance from the advisor.

3.1.2. Doctorate

In addition to the documents listed in item 3.1.1, present:

• Copy of Master’s Academic Transcript;
• Completion Certificate approved by the CPG of the master’s course or Master’s Diploma;
• Digital copy of the Dissertation;
• Copy of the CAPES Evaluation Report for the master’s period.

3.2. Registration Fee

There is no registration fee.

3.3. Number of Positions

100 positions. If positions are not fully filled by the final date, the Committee may open additional calls.

3.4. Information About Institutional Scholarships

Those who have presented a letter of acceptance from the advisor will be ranked according to their EUQ scores and other criteria adopted by CCP-Chemistry for the distribution of institutional scholarships in the chosen course. Candidates who intend to enroll only if awarded a scholarship must submit a letter of acceptance from the advisor and the documentation required in item 2.1, within the deadline stipulated for enrollment, to be included in the institutional scholarship distribution.

3.5. EUQ Validity

The validity of the EUQ, for enrollment purposes in the Master’s, Doctorate and Direct Doctorate programs in Chemistry, is 3 (three) calendar years from the date the exam was taken. However, only the 2025.2 exam will be accepted to compete for scholarships for candidates in the first semester of 2026.

For more information, contact us by email: ccp@iq.usp.br.

Omitted cases will be handled by CCP-Chemistry.

São Paulo, November 19, 2025.

Accredited advisors in the Program are listed below. Use the filters to find advisors by accreditation type or search by name.

• Full: advisor with full accreditation, can advise master’s and doctorate
• Specific: advisor accredited for specific advising (project or student)
• Expired with Advisee: expired accreditation, but with ongoing advisees

For information on how to become a Program advisor, see the Advising page.

ORCID links provide access to the advisor’s complete academic profile, including publications and advising history.

The Bylaws establish general rules for advising graduate students at USP:

Minimum requirements for advisors:

• Doctoral degree
• Excellent scientific, artistic or technological production
• Participation in funded research projects

Statutory limits:

• Full advising: maximum 10 students per advisor
• Co-advising: maximum 10 students per co-advisor
• Total (advising + co-advising): maximum 15 students

Accreditation validity: From 3 to 5 years, renewable upon evaluation.

Change of advisor:

• Requires consent of current advisor and new advisor
• CCP approval
• If there is no agreement from the current advisor, the student may appeal to the CPG

Co-advisor:

• Complements the work of the main advisor
• Specific accreditation per student
• Must hold a Doctoral degree (exceptions approved by the Congregation and CoPGr)

The JIF Percentile (impact factor percentile) indicates the relative position of a journal in its field of knowledge. A journal with JIF Percentile ≥ 50% is among the top 50% in its field. This indicator:

• Is calculated by Journal Citation Reports (JCR), from Clarivate Analytics
• Allows fairer comparison of journals from different fields
• Is updated annually

See how to check a journal’s JIF Percentile.

For full accreditation, the faculty member must meet the following criteria:

1. Scientific production: Have at least 3 articles in journals classified in the top three tiers of QUALIS/CAPES, in the last 4 years
2. Funding: Participation in a current or completed project or agreement in the last 5 years, proven by grant letter or coordinator’s letter
3. Infrastructure: Justification specifying the location of main equipment, techniques or materials needed for project execution

For accreditation renewal, the faculty member must meet the following criteria:

1. Scientific production:
   • At first re-accreditation: 3 articles in the last 4 years with graduate students from the program as co-authors, in the top 3 QUALIS/CAPES tiers
   • At subsequent re-accreditations: 5 articles in the top 3 QUALIS/CAPES tiers, with graduate students from the program as co-authors
2. Funding and infrastructure: same criteria as for accreditation
3. Advising: Have completed or ongoing advising of a Program student
4. Courses: Have participated as responsible or collaborator in Program courses taught at least 2 times in the last 4 years
5. Institutional participation: At least 4 participations in qualification, dissertation, thesis committees or ad hoc assessment in the last 4 years

Specific accreditation allows advising of a single student and is valid for the duration of that student’s course. Requirements:

1. Scientific production: Have at least 3 articles in journals in the top 3 QUALIS/CAPES tiers, in the last 4 years
2. Funding: Participation in a current or completed project or agreement in the last 5 years
3. Infrastructure: Justification about available equipment and resources
4. Experience: Prior advising of at least 1 undergraduate research student or graduate student
5. For repeat applicants: Contribution to at least 1 graduate course and committee participation

Note: Regulation 2020 does not establish a specific limit for specific advisors, only for full advisors.

To apply for full accreditation, the candidate must:

1. Institutional affiliation: Be an active faculty member at a Higher Education Institution or researcher affiliated with a Research Institute

2. Scientific production: Have published, in the last five years, at least 5 articles in JCR-indexed journals with JIF Percentile ≥ 50%

   • Publications must be related to the Program’s research areas
   • Alternative: Demonstrate work in research on Chemistry education and outreach with regular technical or scientific production

3. Infrastructure: Present a grant letter or documentation indicating the capacity to provide material conditions for developing research projects

4. Teaching: Present a graduate course proposal

External candidates must present additional documents:

• Letters of recommendation from 2 full advisors in the program, highlighting the potential contribution and academic history
• Fit of the profile to the Program’s research lines, as assessed by the CCP

Full accreditation is valid for 5 (five) years.

Request accreditation through Sabiá System: Access System

To renew full accreditation, in addition to accreditation requirements, the faculty member must demonstrate effective participation in the Program:

• Postdoctoral researchers
• Young researchers
• Other candidates without employment ties, but with ongoing projects at the Institute of Chemistry

1. Have published, in the last five years, at least 3 articles in JCR journals with JIF Percentile ≥ 50% in Program areas

   • Alternative: Demonstrate work in research on Chemistry education and outreach

2. Present a grant letter or infrastructure documentation for research

3. For repeat applicants: Those who have previously served as specific advisors must have published at least 1 article co-authored with a student or alumnus

For co-advisor accreditation, the following criteria will be considered:

1. Work in a complementary area to the advisor’s domain area

2. Potential contribution of the co-advisor to the development of the dissertation or thesis

3. Scientific production in indexed journals and magazines that demonstrates the candidate’s competence in their area of expertise. The minimum required production is at least 3 articles in the top 3 strata of QUALIS/CAPES in the last 4 years

For co-advisor accreditation, the following criteria will be considered:

1. Work in a complementary area to the advisor’s domain area

2. Adherence to the Program’s specific advisor criteria:

   • Having published, in the last five years, at least 3 articles in journals indexed in JCR in the research areas of interest of the Program and that have an impact factor percentile (JIF Percentile) ≥ 50% — see how to check

     • Alternative: Demonstrate work in research on Chemistry teaching and outreach

   • Present a grant term or other documentation indicating the capacity to provide material conditions to develop research projects

   • If previously worked as a specific advisor in the Program: Must have published, in co-authorship with a student or graduate, at least 1 article in a journal indexed in JCR with an impact factor percentile (JIF Percentile) ≥ 50%

     • Alternative: If working in the area of research on Chemistry teaching or outreach, must demonstrate production with a student or graduate, in addition to the dissertation or thesis

To request accreditation or reaccreditation, the applicant must send to the CCP:

1. Detailed formal request objectively indicating their qualifications

2. Academic identifiers:

   • Lattes Curriculum (electronic address)
   • ResearcherID
   • ORCID

3. Foreign candidates without a Lattes Curriculum yet may send an updated Curriculum Vitae

The CCP will designate an evaluator to issue a detailed opinion on the request.

Request accreditation through Sabiá System: Access System

The advisory is an academic monitoring mechanism that offers students an external perspective on their work. The advisor offers advice, connections, and an independent view on the project’s progress. It is not a second supervision or co-supervision: the advisory is an open conversation, without the formal responsibilities of the advisor-student relationship.

The open advisory model adopted by the Program is based on studies on academic mentoring. Students benefit from diverse perspectives (Liénard et al., 2018) and intellectual independence is one of the main predictors of career success (Ma, Mukherjee & Uzzi, 2020).

All Program students, regardless of course, scholarship source, or enrollment date, must have an internal advisory.

The advisor is a PhD holder who monitors the student’s academic and scientific development. Their role is to offer teachings, advice, and an independent view.

What the advisor does:

• Talks with the student about the project’s progress
• Offers suggestions on research direction
• Evaluates the research plan and annual reports
• Talks with the supervisor and communicates any identified problems to the CCP

What the advisor does NOT do:

• Does not replace the supervisor or co-supervisor
• Is not responsible for project execution
• Does not need to follow the work on a daily basis

Who can be an advisor:

• Anyone with a PhD degree, including but not limited to:
  • Full or specific supervisors of the Program
  • Researchers external to the Program
  • Postdoctoral researchers

Restrictions:

• Cannot be the student’s supervisor or co-supervisor
• Each advisor can monitor a maximum of 5 students simultaneously

Each student must have a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 2 advisors. The desired number must be indicated in the advisory form.

How it works

1. The supervisor and student prepare a list with 4 names of potential advisors, including contact email
2. It is recommended to consult potential advisors before sending the list to the CCP
3. The list is sent to the CCP together with the research plan (60 days after first enrollment)
4. The CCP designates the advisor(s) considering:
   • Adequacy to the research project
   • Number of students already advised by each person (maximum 5)

Substitution

The advisor can be replaced upon justification sent to the CCP. It is desirable that the advisor accompanies the student throughout the entire course to evaluate the project’s evolution, but changes are permitted when necessary.

The student must meet with their advisor at least once a year.

Format:

• In-person or virtual
• The supervisor may participate, but it is recommended that they do not

The recommendation that the supervisor not participate follows practices adopted in international graduate programs. At the University of North Carolina, for example, the supervisor leaves the room during part of the committee meeting so that the student can talk confidentially with the other members. The goal is to allow the student to openly discuss difficulties and expectations without embarrassment.

Record: After each meeting, the student fills out a form with the measures adopted based on the advisor’s recommendations. The form must be signed by the advisor and sent to the CCP along with the report.

Research plan

Annual reports

Summaries for courses and qualification

The advisor also evaluates the summaries presented for course credit and for the qualification exam.

Dissertation or thesis

The final report corresponds to the complete dissertation or thesis, which is evaluated by the advisor before the defense.

Students with FAPESP scholarships or from other agencies other than CAPES or CNPq must also have an advisor designated by the Program.

Difference in deadlines: In these cases, reports follow the funding agency’s calendar. The student must send to the CCP the grant term, a copy of the report submitted to the agency, accompanied by the meeting form signed by the advisor.

• Submit the research plan within 60 days after enrollment
• Submit annual reports within established deadlines
• Meet with the advisor at least once a year
• Obtain the advisor’s signature on the meeting form
• Incorporate relevant suggestions into the project

• Meet with the student at least once a year
• Evaluate the research plan and annual reports
• Sign the meeting form
• Communicate any identified problems to the CCP
• Offer constructive suggestions for the project

Supervisors who act as advisors receive a 3% bonus per student advised in the program notice of their choice.

This incentive aims to distribute the advisory workload among faculty and value participation in monitoring Program students.

Advisors who are not Program supervisors may request a participation certificate from the CCP.

Non-compliance with requirements may result in dismissal:

Preparing the list of advisors

When preparing the list of potential advisors for your student:

1. Include 4 names with contact email
2. Consider PhDs with knowledge in the project area
3. Value diversity of perspectives: advisors from complementary areas enrich the monitoring
4. Consult potential advisors before including them in the list
5. Verify that the potential advisor does not exceed the limit of 5 advisees
6. Obtain the student’s approval of the list

Supervisor’s evaluation

Along with each annual student report, you must submit an evaluation of academic and scientific performance. This evaluation complements the advisor’s assessment.

Participation in meetings

You may participate in meetings between the student and the advisor. However, it is recommended that the student have at least part of the meeting alone with the advisor, so they can openly discuss the project’s progress.

The USP Graduate Studies Bylaws establish the absolute maximum deadlines for each course, counted from the first enrollment. These deadlines cannot be exceeded under any circumstances, even with extensions:

Within these limits, each program establishes its own deadlines for deposit and qualification, which are typically shorter.

The Bylaws provide situations where deadline counting is suspended, meaning time is not counted against the student:

The maximum deadlines for dissertation or thesis deposit, counted from the first enrollment, are:

In duly justified exceptional cases, students may request a deadline extension.

The request must be submitted to the CCP with:

• Detailed justification of the reasons for the delay
• Revised timeline for work completion
• Favorable opinion from the advisor

Important: Even with the maximum extension, the total deadline cannot exceed the statutory limits (48, 60 or 72 months, depending on the course).

The maximum deadlines for dissertation or thesis deposit are:

Registration for the qualification exam must be completed within the following deadlines, counted from the first enrollment:

After registration, the exam must be held within 60 days. Failure to take the exam within the deadline results in dismissal from the Program.

The deadlines for qualification exam registration are:

After registration, the exam must be held within 90 days. Failure to take the exam within the deadline results in dismissal from the Program.

Proof of English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for registration in the qualification exam. Therefore, the deadlines for proof coincide with the qualification registration deadlines:

Note: Proficiency is not required for Program admission, allowing the student time to prepare and obtain certification during the first year of the course.

Proficiency must be proven by the following deadlines:

The request for co-advisor accreditation must be made within the following deadlines:

After this deadline, co-advising will only be authorized in exceptional cases, with justification approved by the CCP.

Note: The 60-day deadline for research plan has been extended to April 9, 2026 for registration in Sabiá.

The concept of formative track allows the student to build a personalized academic path, combining courses from different cores, internships and technical training according to their interests and research objectives.

The core system indicates the suggested progression of courses. For example:

• “Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics [C]” is a Conceptual core course that provides theoretical foundations
• “Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics [A]” is an Advanced core course that deepens concepts, recommended after taking the conceptual course

It is recommended to prioritize:

• Mandatory courses (QFL5930 and QFL5939 for Master’s)
• [B] Core courses (Foundation) - complement fundamental training
• [C] Core courses (Conceptual) - provide theoretical basis for the research project

With the conceptual foundation established, the student can advance to:

• [A] Core courses (Advanced) - theoretical deepening
• [F] Core courses (Frontier) - current research topics
• [TT] Core courses (Cross-cutting Themes) - interdisciplinary expansion

This organization also facilitates planning of technical training in the second semester.

In USP graduate studies, academic progress is measured in credit units. Each credit unit equals 15 hours of activity (classes, seminars, laboratory work, dissertation or thesis preparation, etc.).

Credits are divided into two categories:

• Course credits: obtained by passing courses in the program or other recognized programs
• Dissertation/thesis credits: attributed to research work and final work writing

Important limit: Course credits cannot exceed 50% of the total credits required for the degree. This ensures that most of the student’s time is dedicated to research.

The Bylaws establish the minimum credits that each program must require:

Graduate courses are evaluated with the following grades:

Attendance: Minimum attendance of 75% in scheduled activities of each course is required.

Failure: Courses in which the student failed may be retaken. Both grades appear on the academic transcript, but only the most recent is considered for credit completion purposes.

The Bylaws allow part of course credits to be obtained through special credits, granted for relevant academic activities performed during the course:

• Publication of articles in journals with recognized editorial board
• Presentation of complete works at scientific conferences
• Patent filing
• Participation in the Teaching Improvement Program (PAE), limited to 20% of total course credits

The Graduate Program in Chemistry requires the following number of credits for degree completion:

Course credits must be obtained through courses offered by the Program or other recognized graduate programs, in addition to special credits for relevant academic activities.

Each course has mandatory courses that should preferably be taken in the first semester:

Master’s (4 mandatory credits):

• QFL5930 – Safety Notions in Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories, Ethics and Research Responsibility (2 credits)
• QFL5939 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry I (2 credits)

Doctorate (6 mandatory credits):

• QFL5930 – Safety Notions in Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories, Ethics and Research Responsibility (2 credits)
• QFL5940 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry II (2 credits)
• QFL5942 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry: Seminar Presentation Practice (2 credits)

Direct Doctorate (8 mandatory credits):

• QFL5930 – Safety Notions in Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories, Ethics and Research Responsibility (2 credits)
• QFL5939 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry I (2 credits)
• QFL5940 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry II (2 credits)
• QFL5942 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry: Seminar Presentation Practice (2 credits)

Exemption: Doctorate students who completed mandatory courses during their Master’s in the same Program are exempt from retaking them. However, they must fulfill the minimum credit load through other courses.

Master’s (6 mandatory credits):

• QFL5930 or QBQ5744 – Safety Notions in Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories, Ethics and Research Responsibility (2 credits) — preferably in the first 12 months
• QFL5939 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry I (2 credits)
• QFL5940 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry II (2 credits)

Doctorate (6 mandatory credits):

• QFL5930 or QBQ5744 – Safety Notions in Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories, Ethics and Research Responsibility (2 credits) — exempt if already taken in Master’s
• QFL5941 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry III (2 credits)
• QFL5942 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry IV (2 credits)

Direct Doctorate (10 mandatory credits):

• QFL5930 or QBQ5744 – Safety Notions in Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories, Ethics and Research Responsibility (2 credits)
• QFL5939 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry I (2 credits)
• QFL5940 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry II (2 credits)
• QFL5941 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry III (2 credits)
• QFL5942 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry IV (2 credits)

Upon student request and with advisor approval, special credits may be granted for relevant academic activities. The maximum limit of special credits is 50% of total required course credits:

Documentation: The granting of special credits is conditional on presenting supporting documentation. For articles, patents and conference papers, it is also required that the production be linked to the student’s research project.

Request special credits through Sabiá System: Access System

The maximum limit of special credits is defined by course:

The student must have completed a minimum number of course credits by the qualification exam date:

Exception for level change: Master’s students requesting level change to Direct Doctorate with institutional scholarship change must have 100% of course credits completed at the time of qualification (30 credits).

The complete course catalog and offering schedule can be consulted in the Janus System:

• Program course catalog
• Courses offered this semester

Access the Janus System for enrollment and queries.

At USP graduate studies, courses are evaluated with the following grades:

Minimum attendance: Attendance of at least 75% in scheduled activities of each course is required for approval.

Failure: Courses in which the student failed may be retaken. Both grades appear on the academic transcript, but only the most recent is considered for credit completion purposes.

Grade submission deadline: Faculty have up to 60 days after course completion to submit grades to the system.

Program Regulation 2026

The Program’s course catalog is organized into six thematic cores. In the title of each course there is an index in brackets indicating which core it belongs to. For example, “Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics [C]” is a Conceptual course whose objective is to discuss the most general aspects of the topic and prepare the student to take “Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics [A]”, an Advanced core course.

This method allows analyzing alumni trajectories in terms of courses taken.

For more details and organization suggestions, see the Formative Tracks page.

Exemption: Doctorate students who completed mandatory courses during their Master’s in the same Program are exempt from retaking them. However, they must fulfill the minimum course credit load through other courses.

Mandatory courses should be taken in the first semester.

Course QFL5930 or QBQ5744 should be taken preferably in the first 12 months.

Exemption: Students who took QFL5930 or QBQ5744 in Master’s are exempt from this course in Doctorate.

All courses offered by the Program will be taught in English when there is at least one enrolled student who does not speak Portuguese. This policy:

• Promotes program internationalization
• Prepares students for international scientific communication
• Facilitates participation of foreign students and faculty

The Program maintains continuous course offering throughout the academic year. Courses have modular course loads, which:

• Aligns the academic calendar with international semesters
• Promotes global student mobility
• Facilitates compatibility with courses from partner institutions
• Allows greater flexibility in organizing the formative track

Course accreditation or re-accreditation is decided by the CCP based on:

• Analysis of the syllabus
• Compatibility with Program research lines
• Specific competence of instructors
• Detailed report from designated reviewer

Requirement: The faculty member responsible for the course must be accredited in the Program as an advisor.

Class cancellation may occur in two situations:

1. At instructor request: In case of force majeure, subject to CCP approval. The CCP has up to 10 calendar days to issue a decision.

2. Due to insufficient enrollment: When there are fewer than 3 students enrolled. Cancellation must be formalized before classes begin and the CCP decision must occur up to 2 business days before the scheduled start date.

Course enrollment cancellation may be requested by the student within deadlines established in the CPG-IQUSP academic calendar. Cancellation:

• Must be formally requested
• Does not count as failure
• The course does not appear on the academic transcript (if cancelled within the deadline)

The Regulations allow graduate students to undertake internships as part of their training, provided that:

• The advisor consents
• It is approved by the CCP and CPG
• It follows the internship guidelines established by USP

Internships are considered complementary activities to academic training and can contribute to the development of practical competencies relevant to professional careers.

Internships can be carried out in different environments:

1. Proposal preparation: Together with the advisor, define objectives, location, period, and internship activities
2. Submission to CCP: Present the proposal for analysis and approval by CCP and IQ-USP Internship Committee
3. Approval by CPG: After CCP approval, the request is forwarded to CPG
4. Formalization: Sign commitment agreement according to USP guidelines

To make the curriculum more flexible and allow for different formative pathways, the Program offers short-duration technical training in research laboratories.

Technical training grants 1 special credit per 15 hours of activity.

Students must complete at least one technical training or internship during the course.

→ See complete details in Technical Training

In internships and technical training, assessment is binary:

• Assessment is carried out by the activity supervisor (internship or training supervisor)
• The evaluation is submitted to the CCP-Chemistry Internship Committee for validation
• Credits are awarded only after validation of approval

The student must present:

• Report of activities performed
• Supervisor’s evaluation
• Proof of hours completed

Preparatory stage that can be fulfilled through:

• Courses on didactics and pedagogy of higher education
• Courses and workshops offered by USP
• Other activities recognized by the institution

Practical activity in which the student acts as a teaching assistant in undergraduate courses, under the supervision of the responsible faculty member.

• Master’s and Doctorate students regularly enrolled
• Must have completed or be taking the Pedagogical Preparation Stage
• CAPES fellowship doctoral students are required to complete the ESD

The following students cannot participate:

• Those with employment ties to the University
• Those with enrollment suspended or on leave
• Those who will defend their dissertation or thesis during the internship period

Activities performed during the internship cannot exceed 6 hours per week and must be compatible with regular graduate activities.

• First participation: completion certificate
• Subsequent participations: participation declaration

Interns may receive a scholarship according to criteria established in the public notice. Participation can also be voluntary, without a scholarship.

At IQUSP, the ESD is preferably carried out in undergraduate courses. Experimental courses and those with large numbers of students have priority in the allocation of scholarship interns.

Starting in 2025, doctoral students can also complete the ESD in graduate courses, provided they have already fulfilled the CAPES requirement in undergraduate courses.

Registration is done through the Janus System according to the calendar defined in a specific public notice published each semester by IQUSP.

The public notice contains:

• Registration period
• List of available courses
• Selection and priority criteria
• Scholarship values (when applicable)
• Required documentation

1. Janus registration: indicate up to 3 preferred courses
2. Approval: advisor and course supervisor must approve the registration
3. Selection: evaluation by the PAE Committee according to public notice criteria
4. Work plan: include in Janus the activities to be developed
5. Commitment agreement: deliver in person at SPG before the start

• Withdrawal without just cause places the student in last priority in the next selection
• Two withdrawals without just cause prevent participation as a scholarship recipient in future selections

PAE is regulated by the following ordinances:

• Ordinance GR-3588/2005
• Ordinance GR-4391/2009
• Ordinance GR-4601/2009
• Ordinance GR-8603/2024

The Technical Training Program offers short-duration practical training in research laboratories. The objective is to develop specific technical skills, promote safe equipment use, and create a culture of continuous training in the program.

• Offer practical training focused on techniques, methods, and best practices
• Allow conversion to special credits according to regulations
• Encourage cascade training: those who learn, teach
• Promote safe, ethical, and standardized laboratory use
• Develop technical, didactic, and scientific communication skills
• Expand students’ network of contacts and increase interactions between research groups

Students regularly enrolled in Master’s, Direct Doctorate, and Doctorate programs.

External participants: for every 5 program students, the training can accept 1 special student.

The following can act as instructors:

• Doctoral students
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Laboratory technicians
• Faculty (preferably in a supervisory role)

The workload includes:

• In-person laboratory activities
• Complementary activities: reading protocols, reports, data analysis

Complementary activities can account for a maximum of 20% of the total training workload.

Considering the limit of 50% special credits in course credits:

If the number of credits in technical training exceeds the maximum allowed, the maximum value will be counted as course credits.

• Minimum: 15 hours (1 credit)
• Maximum per training: 30 hours (2 credits)
• Can be distributed over weeks, depending on laboratory availability

• Ideal: 2 to 5 students
• Maximum: 6 students
• Small classes ensure safety and training quality

• Minimum attendance of 75%
• Additional criteria defined by the group offering the training

There is no numerical grade.

• Reduces faculty workload
• Creates multiple students trained in each technique
• Strengthens the culture of continuous training
• Ensures continuity even with defenses and leaves

Laboratories should propose topics that:

• Are clearly defined
• Can be taught in 15-30 hours
• Have well-defined protocols
• Do not involve high-risk procedures without adequate supervision
• Can be reproduced by other students in the future

• Good safety practices in chemical laboratories
• Use and basic maintenance of equipment (HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR)
• Sample preparation and purification
• Basic organic synthesis techniques
• Physical-chemical characterization techniques
• Chemical waste treatment and disposal
• Data analysis with specific software
• Writing and organizing laboratory notebooks

Laboratories offering training receive resources for purchasing consumables and services:

The total resources allocated by the CCP for this program equal 15% of the annual PROEX budget.

Talent recruitment

• Period of mutual observation with potential advisees
• Selection based on real performance, not just curriculum

Operational efficiency

• Standardized and documented training
• Reusable teaching materials
• Less dependence on a single person to operate equipment

Institutional visibility

• Recognition as a technical reference
• Can be cited in reports and FAPESP, CNPq, CAPES projects

Safety

• Formal documentation of training
• Reinforcement of safety standards

• Designate a technical supervisor for the training
• Ensure adequate PPE and infrastructure
• Provide protocols and teaching materials
• Follow safety, environmental, and ethical standards

1. Fill out the proposal template (below)
2. Submit to the CCP for approval
3. After approval, announce dates and open registration

☐ I certify that we have the necessary infrastructure to offer the training and will provide adequate safety training for the activity.