OVERVIEW
STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS
Study Plan
OVERVIEW
The MSc in Applied Chemistry is awarded to candidates who successfully complete the academic courses and research thesis requirements of the program. The program is intended for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other related specialization. The program’s typical length is four semesters, with the first three semesters requiring the completion of a combination of course work and thesis work, and the final semester only requiring thesis work and writing. The program is designed to give candidates an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of chemistry and develop research expertise and skills in instrumentation and methodology that will prepare them for careers in applied chemistry or to pursue a doctorate degree.
Program Objectives
- Provide a pool of highly trained professionals who can utilize their acquired knowledge in applied chemistry and skills in instrumentation and methods to contribute to the technical and research expertise of their employer;
- Prepare graduates with outstanding educational skills and knowledge in applied chemistry and related areas to further their career aspirations;
- Prepare students with effective communication and teamwork skills in areas related to applied chemistry to function successfully in their careers;
- Provide students with sufficient expertise in applied chemistry to design and develop innovative solutions to complex scientific problems in the oil and gas industry;
- Provide students with a quality education in applied chemistry in an academic environment committed to excellence and innovation that fosters leadership, professionalism and life-long learning and successful careers.
Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Applied Chemistry, the graduates will:
- Be able to apply advanced concepts of fundamental and applied chemistry to the formulation and solution of complex problems in the oil and gas and related industries.
- Develop and potentially publish the results of their research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Have sufficient experience to successfully begin a PhD program in applied chemistry in a recognized university.
- Be equipped with the knowledge and skills in applied chemistry to meet requirements of appropriate job opportunities at chemical companies.
STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS
Overall Program Structure
The MSc ACHE program is equivalent to 30 credit hours, distributed as follows: 12 credit hours of Core courses, 9 credit hours of Program Elective courses and 9 credit hours of Master’s Thesis. The components of the program are summarized in the table below.
| Program Component |
Credit hours |
| Program Core |
12 |
| Program Electives |
9 |
| Master’s Thesis |
9 |
| Total |
30 |
Program Requirements
Students seeking the degree of MSc in Applied Chemistry must successfully complete 30 credit hours as specified in the program requirements detailed below, with a minimum CGPA of 3.0. Course selection should be made in consultation with the student’s Main Advisor.
Program Core (12 credit hours)
Students must complete the core courses listed below.
Program Elective Courses
|
Applied Organic Chemistry & Instrumental Analysis |
3 cr. |
|
Petroleum Production & Process Chemistry |
3 cr. |
|
Corrosion Science & Advanced Physical Chemistry |
3 cr. |
|
Polymers & Nanomaterials Chemistry |
3 cr. |
Program Electives (9 credit hours)
One elective course can be selected from other relevant graduate programs. Selection of elective courses should be made in consultation with the research supervisor and requires written approval from the Department Chair or designee.
|
Computational Chemistry |
3 cr. |
|
Applied Inorganic Chemistry |
3 cr. |
|
Advanced Industrial Catalysis |
3 cr. |
|
Advanced Organometallics & Applications |
3 cr. |
|
Spectrochemical Studies |
3 cr. |
|
Environmental Science & Water Technology |
3 cr. |
|
Fuels & Alternative Energy Sources |
3 cr. |
|
Construction Chemicals & Green Chemicals |
3 cr. |
Master’s Thesis (9 credit hours)
Students must complete a Master’s Thesis that involves creative, research-oriented work within the field of applied chemistry, under direct supervision of a full-time faculty advisor from the Chemistry Department, and at least one other full-time faculty who acts as a co-advisor. The outcome of research should demonstrate the synthesis of information into knowledge in a form that may be used by others. The research findings must be documented in a formal thesis and defended successfully in a viva voce examination.
|
Master of Science Thesis |
9 cr. |
The following table illustrates a typical study sequence that starts in the fall semester. Thesis research will be initiated in the first year but completed primarily in the second year of the program due to the majority of the course work being completed in the first year.In addition to completing these courses, candidates must write and successfully defend a Master of Science Thesis.
| Term |
Courses |
| Fall Semester 1 |
CHEM 670 Polymers & Nanomaterials Chemistry
CHEM 668 Corrosion Science & Advanced Physical Chemistry
CHEM 695 Graduate Seminar I
COMM 601 Technical and Scientific Writing Elective (1)
Elective Course 1
|
| Spring Semester 1 |
CHEM 625 Applied Organic Chemistry & Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 695 Graduate Seminar II
CHEM 699 Master of Science Thesis Electives (2)
Elective Course 2
|
| Fall Semester 2 |
CHEM 655 Petroleum Production & Process Chemistry
CHEM 699 Master of Science Thesis Elective (1)
Elective Course 3
|
| Spring Semester 2 |
CHEM 699 Master of Science Thesis |
Master of Science Thesis
The Master of Science Thesis work is a faculty-directed, independent study of a suitable applied problem, subject or research topic. The topic of research is to be selected in consultation with a student’s research advisor subject to approval by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. The designated research advisor provides guidance to the student in the execution of the thesis. A co-advisor may also be appointed, if needed.
Study Plan
Students must consult with their respective advisors on the courses that they will enroll in, the required pre-requisites, and the thesis topic selection. Full-time graduate students must register for 9 to 12 credits, including thesis credits, during a regular semester (Fall and Spring) and a maximum of 6 credits during a Summer term. In the case of part-time students, the credit load is normally 6 credits during a regular semester as well as the summer term.
Students can only register for thesis credits after successfully completing a minimum of 9 credits of the core courses of the master’s program they are enrolled in. It is to be noted that the minimum pass grade for graduate courses is a “C” letter grade. Students should consult the Graduate Catalog to learn about the graduate programs, the grading system, graduation requirements, and other pertinent matters.
