Dec 09, 2024  
2024-2025 Florida Tech Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Florida Tech Catalog

Chemistry, M.S.


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Major Code: 8031 Degree Awarded: Master of Science
Delivery Mode(s): Classroom Admission Status: Graduate
Admission Materials: Résumé/CV, transcripts Location(s): Main campus - Melbourne

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 may be administered to all new students as an aid in planning each program of study.

Admission Requirements

General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented under Graduate Academic Information . GRE scores from both the general and subject tests in chemistry are recommended but not required. All admitted students are enrolled in the nonthesis option by default. See below for information about transferring to the thesis option. Admission to this program is available for fall and spring semesters only.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Chemistry is based on successful completion of either a thesis option requiring a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours following an approved program plan, a research proposal, thesis and oral examination in defense of the thesis; or a nonthesis option requiring 30 graduate credit hours following an approved program plan that includes the 3-credit hour CHM 5095 Chemical Research Projects , and a final program examination. Students will be placed in the nonthesis option by default.

Thesis Option (department head approval required)

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 the research advisor. During the same semester and with the assistance of the advisor, the student selects an advisory committee, prepares a program plan and defines a research topic. The student then progressively continues through the stages of the 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.

Nonthesis Option (default option)

The nonthesis option requires advisor guidance in the selection of six credit hours of coursework relevant to the student’s area of interest and Chemical Research Projects (CHM 5095 ) in lieu of the thesis. The research will be primarily literature-based and includes the successful completion of a final program examination.

Curriculum


Each student follows an individual program plan. The program plan must have a minimum of 30 credit hours. For the thesis option this includes at least 12 credit hours of chemistry (CHM) coursework, of which six 6 credit hours must be from the core chemistry courses, 6 credit hours of additional relevant coursework and 12 credit hours of thesis (CHM 5999 ). For the nonthesis option, this includes at least 12 credit hours of chemistry courses, of which 6 credit hours must be from the core chemistry courses, 15 credit hours of additional relevant coursework, and three credit hours of CHM 5095 Chemical Research Projects . Students in either option must register for CHM 5900 Chemistry Graduate Seminar  each semester offered. All courses selected for inclusion on the program plan are subject to approval by the program chair.

Nanoscience Specialization


The area of nanoscience provides students with a strong background in technology functioning at the nanoscale. This interdisciplinary specialization currently focuses on nanomaterial structure-function relationships, nanomaterial characterization techniques and the development of nanoscale sensors. 

Astrochemistry Specialization


The specialization in astrochemistry provides students with a strong background in modern chemical techniques applied to the study of molecules in astrophysical conditions. This interdisciplinary specialization focuses on interstellar atoms and molecules, planetary chemistry and elements of molecule-radiation interactions. Special emphasis is also given to computational techniques for identification and characterization of unknown chemistries, with implications in astrobiology.

Environmental Chemistry Specialization


The area of environmental and green chemistry provides students with a strong background in conservation, sustainability and the protection of natural resources. This interdisciplinary specialization focuses on understanding environmental challenges and green solutions.

Total Credits Required: 30


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