POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY 2005-2007

CHEMISTRY PROGRAM
Program Directors:
Bruce A. Garetz (undergraduate)
Mary K. Cowman (graduate)
Chemistry is concerned with knowledge
of the structures, properties and reactions
of matter and evolving theories to explain
observations, predict chemical behavior
and suggest experiments.
Classical divisions of chemistry are
(1) organic chemistry, dealing primarily
with compounds of carbon; (2) inorganic
chemistry, concerned with all other
compounds; (3) analytical chemistry,
concerned with quantitative determinations
of composition; and (4) physical
chemistry, which seeks understanding of
matter, including chemical bonds and
molecular interactions. These classical
fields have increasingly overlapped, and
several interdisciplinary fields are now
of great importance: biochemistry, electrochemistry,
photochemistry, polymer
chemistry, solid-state chemistry and
chemical physics.
The Othmer Department of Chemical
and Biological Sciences and
Engineering offers a full complement of
undergraduate and graduate courses in
various aspects of modern chemistry.
Graduates are prepared for positions at
educational institutions, research institutes,
industrial organizations and government
laboratories.
Staff members conduct and supervise
research at undergraduate, graduate and
postdoctoral levels. This research is
combined with teaching so that courses
at all levels are taught by chemists highly
competent in their respective fields.
Undergraduates participating in
optional research activities are stimulated
and well-prepared for graduate
school or professional positions. The
department offers programs leading to a
Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular
Science, a Master of Science in
Chemistry and a Doctor of Philosophy
in Materials Chemistry.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of the Master of Science program
are to advance students’ knowledge
and experience beyond the BS level and
equip them with the needs of a changing
industrial environment.
The goal of the PhD program is to
offer candidates an opportunity to learn
various aspects of materials chemistry
especially associated with polymers and
biological materials.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
The BS degree requirements are
described in the Biomolecular Science
Program section of this catalog. Note, in
particular, the option in chemistry.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Admission to graduate studies in chemistry
requires a solid foundation in mathematics,
physics and chemistry. College
preparation should include at least four
semesters of mathematics, two semesters
of physics and all basic chemistry courses
(analytical, inorganic, organic and
physical). In addition, it is desirable for
students to have taken differential equations
and modern physics. All applicants
are required to take the Graduate Record
Examination (general and chemistry).
Applicants for whom English is a second
language must score at least 550 on the
TOEFL. Chemistry graduate students
cannot take CM 5011, CM 5024 or CM
5040 for graduate credit.
Students in this program are trained
and given the appropriate knowledge to
function at the mid-managerial level of
the chemical industry and other organizations
involved in chemically related
work. Certain students in this program
can be expected to continue their efforts
toward the doctoral degree. Many students
in this program may already be
employed in chemistry related institutions
and will gain the knowledge to
move ahead in these organizations. The
MS program will allow graduate credit
for both courses and special studies that
may involve research as arranged with
advisers in the program.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
MASTER OF SCIENCE
A total of 36 units past the bachelor’s
degree is required with an overall GPA of
B (3.0) or better in all courses (exclusive
of thesis research or guided studies) submitted
for a master’s degree. Programs
must include the following core courses:
Course No. Course Title
Units
CM 601 Inorganic Chemistry 4 1 ⁄2
CM 703 Chemical Physics I 4 1 ⁄2
or
CM 704 Chemical Physics II 4 1 ⁄2
CM 802 Applied Spectroscopy 4 1 ⁄2
or
CM 907 Organic Spectroscopy 4 1 ⁄2
CM 903 Organic Chemistry I 4 1 ⁄2
or
CM 904 Organic Chemistry II 4 1 ⁄2
Upon approval of the department head,
students may elect CM 771 Introductory
Polymer Chemistry in place of CM 601.
Students may elect research and a thesis
(12 units). The oral defense of the thesis
is held after the typed thesis has been submitted.
A grade of A or B in thesis
research is required. Students not electing
to write a thesis are required to take 3 to
6 units of guided studies (CM 871, CM
872) with the submission of a written
report.
Students in the master’s program must
participate in seminars for two semesters
(CM 973, CM 974); those not preparing
thesis must present at least one lecture to
the seminar group. Students must be in
continuous attendance at departmental
colloquia. All master’s students must take
CM 5040 Chemical Laboratory Safety.
Students are strongly encouraged to take
CM 5011 Information Sources for the
Chemical Sciences.
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