Chem PhD: Sticking with Concentration Declared on Application?

[KaffeeCafe]

Hey all,

I just wanted to ask if it was required, generally, to stick with the research concentration that one indicates on the application?  For example, I am indicating that I plan to pursue Chemical Biology because I would really prefer an interdisciplinary research field using multiple areas for investigation (spectroscopy, synth etc ).  But if during my rotations I chose to pursue something more 'pure' physical chem, would that be frowned upon?

Thank you

[Vene]

I would be surprised if anybody even notices.

[Eigen]

What might be more difficult is getting a rotation in, say, pure physical chem if you came in declaring chemical biology.

Generally, departments try to take in people in disciplines that match groups that are looking for students- I know sometimes we wouldn't have any space in groups in a different discipline than what someone applied in some years. Others it would work out fine.