Chemistry, MS

Chair:

Mathew M. Maye, 1-133 Center for Science and Technology, 315-443-2146, mmmaye@syr.edu

Faculty

Carlos A. Castañeda, Joseph Chaiken, Arindam Chakraborty, John D. Chisholm, Robert P. Doyle, John M. Franck, Jonathan French, James L. Hougland, Ivan V. Korendovych, Timothy M. Korter, Yan-Yeung Luk, Olga V. Makhlynets, Mathew M. Maye, Davoud Mozhdehi, Karin Ruhlandt, James T. Spencer, Michael B. Sponsler, Rachel Steinhardt, Nancy I. Totah, Weiwei Zheng, Jon Zubieta

The Department of Chemistry is large enough to provide a broad range of graduate-level courses and research opportunities and yet small enough to foster close working relationships between students and professors. It includes 21 faculty, some 85 graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and technical and administrative staff. Programs of study include those for both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, with research offerings in the areas of biochemistry, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as those at the interface of these disciplines.

During the first year of graduate study, courses enable students to gain a sound theoretical foundation for their own research investigations. Students are encouraged to become actively involved in research projects as soon as possible.

Student Learning Outcomes

NO THESIS:

1. Develop knowledge in a specialized area of chemistry

2. Develop broad overview of the current state of chemical knowledge outside one’s own area of specialization

3. Demonstrate knowledge of graduate level chemistry

THESIS:

1. Develop knowledge in a specialized area of chemistry

2. Develop broad overview of the current state of chemical knowledge outside one’s own area of specialization

3. Use instrumentation and techniques for problem solving in chemistry

4. Organize and interpret scientific data for written and oral presentation

5. Critically analyze and evaluate one’s own findings and those of others

6. Extend the state of scientific knowledge in one’s own area of specialization

M.S. in Chemistry

There are two options for M.S. students. A non-thesis option requires at least 30 credits in graduate chemistry and related courses, passing two of four qualifying breadth examinations, GPA of 3.0 prior to graduation and successful completion of a comprehensive examination or other culminating experience based on the coursework taken by the student. An M.S. degree based in part on a thesis requires a satisfactory master’s thesis; at least 18 credits in graduate chemistry courses; a total of 30 graduate credits, including thesis credits; passing two of four qualifying breadth examinations; GPA of 3.0 prior to graduation and passing an oral examination based on the thesis.

Facilities

The Center for Science and Technology near the main quadrangle of the Syracuse University campus provides space and facilities for chemistry faculty and graduate student research: glassblowing and electronic shops; millions of dollars of specialized equipment, including spectrometers, lasers, and other chemical instrumentation; computers and high-speed networks; and an automated X-ray diffractometer for structure determinations.

The Life Sciences Complex, located adjacent to the department of chemistry, provides research and teaching space for the departments of chemistry and biology, and helps foster interactions between the two departments. This building opened in fall 2008.