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Master of Science in Chemistry

The Master of Science in Chemistry degree gives students preparation for a range of satisfying careers in chemistry towards interdisciplinary research and application with molecular, cellular and computational perspectives. Students receive rigorous theoretical instruction, interdisciplinary training and exposure to experimental methods, honing lab and research skills in the various disciplines of chemistry, including organic, analytical, inorganic, physical and biochemistry with various research and mentorship opportunities. 

 

Concentrations

  • Analytical Chemistry

  • Computational Chemistry and Biology

  • Drug Discovery

Program Objectives

 

The program prepares students to:

  • solve problems in Chemistry using computational, molecular and cellular approaches and be able to articulate these solutions to a broad audience in oral and written formats.

  • perform innovative research in the field of Chemistry

  • critically evaluate the scientific literature in the field of Chemistry and be able to articulate their critiques, and to explain their ideas in oral and written formats.

Program Outcomes

 

By the time of graduation, students will be able to:

  • employ physics, chemistry and mathematics appropriate for explaining chemical phenomena and concepts. (Scientific Foundations) 

  • determine properties of molecules such as kinetic parameters, thermodynamic properties and rationalize chemical properties and their characteristics. (Technical Foundations) 

  • employ standard methods to synthesize organic and inorganic molecules and determine purity. (Experimentation) 

  • identify and quantitate chemical materials using instrumental analytical methods, such as spectroscopic (IR, UV, NMR, MS), and chromatographic methods. (Tools) 

  • prepare to enter the workforce as a scientist or for admission to U.S. medical, dental, osteopathic medical schools and further graduate study.  (Professionalism)

  • demonstrate good work ethics and a collaborative attitude in the pursuit of knowledge. (Teamwork)

  • compose reports in journal article format and communicate research findings effectively in both written and verbal format.  (Communication) 

  • observe and practice laboratory safety rules, procedures and protocols in an ethically safe manner.  (Ethical)

Degree Requirements

The program is a 30-credit degree program. Students are required to complete:

  • 4 core courses (12 credits) 

  • 6 technical elective courses (18 credits)

    • may include 6 credits of unrestricted electives including courses in biomedical engineering

  • 2 semesters of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Seminar (CH 700) for 0 credits

Research is encouraged and can be included in the master's degree program, either as a Special Research Problem (BIO 800 or CH 800) or a Master's Thesis (BIO 800 or CH 900), and counted towards the 30 credits required for the degree.]

 

Students are encouraged to choose their electives toward fulfillment of a graduate certificate, especially Drug Discovery, Analytical Chemistry or Computational Chemistry and Biology.


Core Courses in Chemistry

CH 520Advanced Physical Chemistry

3
CH 610Advanced Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry

3
CH 640Advanced Organic and Heterocyclic Chemistry

3
CH 662Separation Methods in Analytical and Organic Chemistry

3
CH 700Seminar in Chemistry

0

Technical Elective Courses

 
BIO 507Applications of Statistics in Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences

3
BIO 508Clinical Research Methodology and Design

3
BIO 526Cancer Biology

3
BIO 568Computational Biology

3
BIO 583Physiology

3
BIO 586Immunology

3
BIO 682Biochemical Laboratory Techniques

3
BIO 683Microscopy Imaging in Biological Systems

3
BIO 684Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques

3
BIO 687Molecular Genetics

3
BIO 690Cellular Signal Transduction

3
CH 550Spectra and Structure

3
CH 561Instrumental Methods of Analysis

3
CH 580Biochemistry I - Cellular Metabolism and Regulation

3
CH 581Biochemistry II: Biomolecular Structure and Function

3
CH 582Biophysical Chemistry

3
CH 620Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

3
CH 642Synthetic Organic Chemistry

3
CH 646Chemistry of Natural Products

3
CH 660Advanced Instrumental Analysis

3
CH 664Computer Methods in Chemistry

3
CH 666Modern Mass Spectrometry

3
CH 685Medicinal Chemistry

3
CH 669Applied Quantum Chemistry

3
CH 574Polymer Functionality

3
CH 701Practicum in Chemistry

1
CH 800Special Research Problems in Chemistry

1-6
CH 900Masters Thesis in Chemistry/Chemical Biology

1-6