Description
The Master of Science in Chemistry provides students with a solid and compressive background in the field of chemical sciences, including analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, physical studies. Students are trained to work with instrumentation required for modern research in chemical applications to meet the increasing need of a high-quality workforce. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to enter a PhD program, medical or dental schools; work in academic, industrial, or government research laboratories; or teach chemical-related content at the community college or at the K-12 grade level (providing the student holds the appropriate New York state teaching certificate). Small class sizes and close working relationships with the advisor and advisory committee are ideal for students seeking a rigorous graduate education in a small-college atmosphere. A limited number of graduate teaching and research assistantships are available.
The curriculum, with a common core and an individual course of study, allows graduate candidates to develop the conceptual knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and solve environmental problems in ecology, chemistry, and the earth sciences.
At SUNY Brockport, a Master of Science in Chemistry may be obtained under one of two plans (Plan I or Plan II). Students must select a plan by the end of their first semester.
Admission to the Program
Each student pursuing the MS is supervised by a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The thesis advisor monitors the student’s academic progress and is responsible for directing the student’s academic program, including the thesis proposal, oral comprehensive examination, thesis project, and thesis defense. Whether or not the applicant can be accepted will depend on his or her credentials and intended area of specialization, and the ability of a faculty member to accept a new MS advisee. Before a student is admitted to the MS program in Chemistry, a faculty member must be willing to serve as the student’s thesis advisor.
Two programs of study are available to students. Both plan options may include flexible pathways where students determine their own pacing through the program.
Program Requirements
Plan I: Thesis Option
A traditional program requiring a thesis based on original research. Students considering further graduate study or employment in government or private laboratories are encouraged to enroll in this plan.
Plan I: Thesis Option Program Requirements
Major Departmental Requirements (30 credits)
A written thesis based on original investigation.
Core courses (6 credits)
- CHM 610 Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHM 620 Advanced Biochemistry (3 credits)
- CHM 630 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHM 640 Advanced Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHM 650 Advanced Physical Chemistry (3 credits)
Required (12 credits)
- CHM 700 Scientific Writing, Communication, and Research Seminar (3 credits)
- CHM 799 Thesis (3 semesters, 3 credits each semester for a total of 9 credits)
At least 12 credits from Chemistry electives:
- CHM 505 Physical Chemistry I
- CHM 506 Physical Chemistry II
- CHM 511 Optical Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis
- CHM 513 Instrumental Methods I: Spectral Interpretation
- CHM 515 Electroanalytical Chemistry
- CHM 517 Computational Chemistry
- CHM 522 Mechanisms of Drug Action
- CHM 523 Standard and Modern NMR
- CHM 531 Inorganic Chemistry
- CHM 540 Polymer Chemistry
- CHM 555 Green Solvents and Sustainable Chemistry
- CHM 567 Biochemistry I
- CHM 568 Biochemistry II
- CHM 571 Principles and Applications of Nucleic Acid Chemistry
- CHM 721 Biochemistry of Gene Expression
- CHM 730 Group Theory
- CHM 740 Topics in Modern Organic Chemistry
- CHM 754 Applications of Laser Spectroscopy
Plan II: Non-Thesis Option
A non-thesis program option is also available for individuals who determine that the constraints of thesis research may not be appropriate or desirable. Examples for whom the non-thesis option may be a good fit are students employed full time or secondary education teachers that desire a chemistry-based master’s degree. This plan requires an independent literature-based research experience.
Plan II: Non-Thesis Program Requirements
Major Departmental Requirements (30 credits)
A written report or other appropriate product based on independent research.
Core courses (6 credits)
- CHM 610 Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHM 620 Advanced Biochemistry (3 credits)
- CHM 630 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHM 640 Advanced Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHM 650 Advanced Physical Chemistry (3 credits)
Required (9 credits)
- CHM 700 Scientific Writing, Communication, and Research Seminar (3 credits)
- CHM 790 Literature Project (2 semesters, 3 credits each semester for a total of 6 credits)
At least 15 credits from Chemistry electives:
- CHM 505 Physical Chemistry I
- CHM 506 Physical Chemistry II
- CHM 511 Optical Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis
- CHM 513 Instrumental Methods I: Spectral Interpretation
- CHM 515 Electroanalytical Chemistry
- CHM 517 Computational Chemistry
- CHM 522 Mechanisms of Drug Action
- CHM 523 Standard and Modern NMR
- CHM 531 Inorganic Chemistry
- CHM 540 Polymer Chemistry
- CHM 555 Green Solvents and Sustainable Chemistry
- CHM 567 Biochemistry I
- CHM 568 Biochemistry II
- CHM 571 Principles and Applications of Nucleic Acid Chemistry
- CHM 721 Biochemistry of Gene Expression
- CHM 730 Group Theory
- CHM 740 Topics in Modern Organic Chemistry
- CHM 754 Applications of Laser Spectroscopy
Additional Degree Requirements
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all required major courses (Major Departmental Requirements).
- Completion of all college-wide degree requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
- Master Foundational Chemistry: Achieve proficiency in core chemistry concepts and techniques through coursework.
- Navigate Chemical Literature: Conduct comprehensive literature searches, critically analyze, interpret, and appropriately reference chemical literature to address scientific inquiries.
- Utilize Chemical Instrumentation: Apply specialized knowledge of chemical instrumentation relevant to the chosen subdiscipline.
- Solve Complex Problems: Apply chemical principles to tackle intricate problems, utilizing technological methods for both practical application and theoretical description.
- Communicate Effectively: Demonstrate the ability to communicate technical information with clarity, precision, and ethical integrity, suitable for diverse audiences, both technical and non-technical.
- Collaborate Productively: Collaborate efficiently within a diverse peer group, employing teamwork to address chemical challenges effectively.
- Promote Ethical Practices: Exhibit a profound grasp of ethical standards in data management and reporting, including documentation and data integrity, proper citation, recognition of plagiarism, and adherence to scholarly norms for scientific publication.