Nuclear chemistry is the study of the nucleus and its properties, as applied to the chemical sciences. Investigators in this field probe the chemistry of radioactive elements and discover new uses for their radiation. At Cornell, researchers are exploring the application of radioelements in nuclear medicine to both diagnose and treat disease.<br><br>Research in this field uses radiation-detection techniques like gamma spectroscopy and liquid scintillation counting, coupled to conventional synthetic methods to prepare radioactive complexes for biological evaluation.<br>The program of graduate study is designed to give broad training in the fundamentals of chemistry and in methods of research. Students ordinarily pursue those objectives by taking advanced courses, participating in organized and informal seminars, and carrying out and reporting on research projects in their major subject. Students normally conduct research during the summer and receive financial support for this purpose. With the consent of the Special Committee, a student may elect one or two minors from the above list or from another field. Entering students are required to register with the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at the beginning of their first term.