Graduate Program Information
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Curriculum program plans shown reflect current degree requirements. Previous academic year requirements can be accessed from the catalog page by choosing the appropriate academic year.
Master of Science in Chemistry
| Major Code: | 8031 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
An applicant for admission to the master’s program should have an undergraduate degree in chemistry or in a related area. Typically, a minimum of eight semester courses should have been taken in four of the five major fields of chemistry: organic, analytical, physical, inorganic and biochemistry; as well as appropriate courses in mathematics and physics. Applicants may be admitted on a provisional basis with the requirement that undergraduate deficiencies be corrected during the first year of study. Proficiency examinations are administered to all new students the week before the beginning of classes as an aid in planning each program of study.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements*
The Master of Science in Chemistry is based on successful completion of a minimum of 34 graduate credit hours following an approved program plan. A research proposal, thesis* and oral examination in defense of the thesis are required.
Thesis Research
A thesis based on research conducted in residence at Florida Tech under the direction of a member of the chemistry department graduate faculty is required. During the first academic semester, the student selects a faculty member to serve as research adviser. During the same semester and with the assistance of the adviser, the student selects an advisory committee, prepares a program plan, and defines a research topic. The student then progressively continues through the stages of research proposal, research, thesis and oral examination. Throughout this period, the advisory committee provides assistance and direction to the student and serves as the review board for the research proposal, thesis and oral examination.
Curriculum
Each student follows an individual program plan. The program plan must have a minimum of 34 credit hours and include four core chemistry courses, three additional chemistry courses, one technical elective, nine credit hours of thesis and one credit of seminar. The student must register for Graduate Seminar (CHM 5900) each semester offered, concluding with Thesis Seminar (CHM 5901) during the last semester of thesis research. All courses selected for inclusion on the program plan are subject to approval by the department head.
| Core Courses | |
| CHM 5002 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry |
| CHM 5111 | Advanced Physical Chemistry |
| CHM 5304 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry |
| CHM 5500 | Advanced Organic Chemistry |
| Chemistry Electives (three courses from different areas of specialization from the following) | |
| CHM 5017 | Physical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry |
| CHM 5018 | Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry |
| CHM 5095 | Chemical Research Projects |
| CHM 5112 | Special Topics in Physical Chemistry |
| CHM 5114 | Applied Optical Spectroscopy |
| CHM 5119 | Chemical Dynamics |
| CHM 5501 | Interpretation of Chemical Spectra |
| CHM 5503 | Organic Synthesis |
| CHM 5504 | Theoretical Organic Chemistry |
| CHM 5507 | Natural Products |
| CHM 5550 | Polymer Chemistry |
Technical Elective
The technical elective may be selected from other courses offered within the chemistry department or other departments of the university.
*A nonthesis option for the master's program in chemistry will be published in the 2012–2013 University Catalog according to the requirements below:
Nonthesis Option
A nonthesis option requiring 33 graduate credit hours following an approved program plan that includes the 3-credit hour Chemical Research Project (CHM 5095) and a final program examination may be chosen in lieu of the thesis option.
The nonthesis option requires adviser guidance in selection of nine credit hours of coursework relevant to the student’s area of interest. Research will be primarily literature-based and includes a final program examination.
Curriculum
Each student follows an individual program plan. The program plan must have a minimum of 33 credit hours for the nonthesis option and include four core chemistry courses, three additional chemistry courses, one technical elective, and nine credit hours of relevant coursework. Students must register for Chemistry Graduate Seminar (CHM 5900) each semester offered. All courses selected for inclusion on the program plan are subject to approval by the department head.