Chemistry and Chemical Biology, M.S.

chemistry.ucmerced.edu
Contact: Professor Erik Menke, emenke@ucmerced.edu

Research in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology graduate group spans the traditional disciplines of chemistry and related interdisciplinary fields including chemical biology. Students in the group choose one of four emphasis areas: physical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or computational chemistry. Students are educated and must demonstrate proficiency in a particular subdiscipline, but have the opportunity to pursue research that spans multiple fields of chemistry and other disciplines if they so desire. This approach provides our students with both the rigorous training and the broad perspectives needed to address present-day scientific and technological challenges. Most students are admitted to the Chemistry and Chemical Biology program to work toward a Ph.D. degree, but applications from students whose goal is a terminal M.S. degree will be considered in special cases. However, a student who has been in residence for at least two semesters, is in good academic standing, and has passed the preliminary exam may petition the Admissions Committee to pursue a terminal M.S. degree. The recipient of a M.S. degree is understood to possess knowledge of a broad field of learning that extends well beyond that attained at the undergraduate level, but is not necessarily expected to have made a significant original contribution to knowledge in that field.

The deadline for receipt of applications is January 15. Late applications are considered as space permits. Normally applications are accepted for Fall semester only. The minimum requirement admission to the Chemistry and Chemical Biology program is a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field of science or engineering with a grade point average of at least 3.0. The GRE general test is required and the subject test in chemistry or a related field is recommended. Admission decisions are based on undergraduate grades, performance on the GRE, accomplishments in undergraduate research, and letters of recommendation. Students from non-English speaking countries must take the TOEFL exam and are normally interviewed by telephone in order to evaluate English proficiency.

Program Requirements

The Chemistry and Chemical Biology group has established the two plans leading to a M.S degree, with the following requirements:

Plan I

Complete at least two semesters of full-time academic residence (12 units minimum) at UC Merced;
Complete a minimum of 24 semester units, at least 12 of which must be earned in 200 series graduate-level courses;
Complete the required courses for one of the available emphasis tracks, with a letter grade of at least “B” in each course (“S” in seminar courses graded S/U);
Earn a passing grade in a course addressing scientific ethics, approved by the Educational Policy Committee;
Serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester;
Pass the preliminary examination;

Plan II

Complete at least two semesters of full-time academic residence (12 units minimum) at UC Merced;
Complete a minimum of 24 semester units, at least 12 of which must be earned in 200 series graduate-level courses;
Complete the required courses for one of the available emphasis tracks, with a letter grade of at least “B” in each course (“S” in seminar courses graded S/U);
Earn a passing grade in a course addressing scientific ethics, approved by the Educational Policy Committee;
Serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester;
Pass the preliminary examination;
Pass a comprehensive oral examination administered by the faculty committee that tests the student’s understanding of the main concepts in the field at the graduate level.

Program Learning Outcomes

Plan I Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Chemistry and Chemical Biology thesis M.S. program will:

Possess the fundamental knowledge needed to understand and critically evaluate current research in their chosen subfield of chemistry.
Communicate fundamental concepts in their field as well as their own research effectively, in both written and oral form.
Conduct themselves ethically and responsibly in science-related professions.
Be proficient in laboratory, theoretical, and/or computational techniques necessary to contribute to knowledge in their chosen subfield of chemistry.

Plan II Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Chemistry and Chemical Biology exam M.S. program will:

Possess the fundamental knowledge needed to understand and critically evaluate current research in their chosen subfield of chemistry.
Communicate fundamental concepts in their field as well as their own research effectively, in both written and oral form.
Conduct themselves ethically and responsibly in science-related professions.

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