Chemistry M.S.

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Minimum Requirements for Chemistry M.S.: 30 credits

Optional Concentrations: Biochemistry and Neuroscience, Environmental Chemistry

Credits
General University Requirements
Complete the graduate general university requirements.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Complete the master's degree requirements.
Chemistry Program Requirements
Complete any deficiencies concurrently with this degree.
Complete two credits of advisory committee-approved seminar courses from the two seminar course choices below. 12
CHEM F688
Biochemistry Colloquium
CHEM F691
Research Presentation Techniques
Complete 7-10 credits of courses approved by the advisory committee. 7-10
Concentration
Complete 6-9 credits from relevant advisory committee-approved graduate-level courses or select one of the following concentrations6-9
Biochemistry and Neuroscience
Environmental Chemistry
Thesis or Project Requirements
Complete the thesis or project option as described below. 212
Total Credits30
1

Students in the Biochemistry and Neuroscience concentration should take the Biochemical and Molecular Biology Seminar and students in the Environmental Chemistry concentration should take Research Presentation Techniques.

2

The minimum number of credits required is 30. The required M.S. coursework above represents 18 credits. The minimum number of thesis credits required is 6. For the thesis option the remaining 6 credits can either be thesis credits or courses at the F400 level or higher.  For the project option, the remaining 6 credits can be courses at the F400 level or higher. 

Thesis or Project Options

Thesis Option 

Credits
Complete the following:
CHEM F699Thesis6
Thesis credits or committee-approved courses that are F400 level or higher.6
Submit a committee-approved, written research-based thesis proposal and pass an oral comprehensive examination centered on the proposal.
Complete a committee-approved, research-based written thesis and pass an oral defense of the thesis.
Total Credits12

Project Option 

Credits
Complete the following:
CHEM F698Non-thesis Research/Project6
Committee-approved courses that are F400 level or higher.6
Submit a committee-approved, literature-based written project proposal and pass an oral comprehensive examination centered on the proposal.
Complete a committee-approved, literature-based written project and pass an oral defense of the project.
Total Credits12

Optional Concentrations

Biochemistry and Neuroscience

Credits
Biochemistry and Neuroscience Concentration Requirements
Complete 9 credits from the following list of core courses9
CHEM F654
Protein Structure and Function
CHEM F657
Molecular Foundations of Gene Expression
CHEM F670
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
CHEM F674
Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics
CHEM F675
Cellular Signaling
Total Credits9

Environmental Chemistry

Credits
Environmental Chemistry Concentration Requirements
Complete 6 credits from the following list of core courses: 6
CHEM F606
Atmospheric Chemistry
CHEM F609
Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry
CHEM F631
Environmental Fate and Transport
CHEM F655
Environmental Toxicology
Total Credits6
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Admission Requirements

Complete the following general university admission requirements for graduate programs.

  1. Submit an application for admission
  2. Submit official transcripts
  3. Official test results: GRE scores are not required for this program, but may be considered if submitted
  4. Submit resume/curriculum vitae
  5. Submit statement of academic goals
  6. Submit 3 letters of recommendation

International Students: Please consult UAF’s most recent application requirements regarding English language proficiency.

Additional program admission requirements and information:

  • A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field from an accredited, government-recognized university

  • Transcripts from all universities or colleges attended: Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the application. Official transcripts must follow prior to matriculation.

  • Curriculum vitae or resume: A summary of education and work history including additional skills, certifications and accomplishments.

  • A Statement of Academic Goals: A letter, (no more than three pages) explaining why you want to be admitted into our program and how your academic and career goals are related to attending our institution. Mentioning specific faculty you would like to work with is highly encouraged.

  • Letters of Recommendation:

    • Letters should be from individuals who can address your potential to succeed in graduate school. 

    • Ideally, letters of reference should come from university faculty, research staff, or professionals familiar with your academic and research achievements and also with the expectations of graduate school. 

    • References are asked to address writing ability, critical thinking skills, quantitative skills, and potential to succeed in a graduate program. 

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Roadmaps

Roadmaps provide suggested semester-by-semester study plans for programs and are based on full-time enrollment, unless otherwise specified.

  • This roadmap should be used in conjunction with regular academic advising sessions. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor or mentor each semester.
  • Certain courses and milestones must be completed in the specified semester to ensure on-time graduation.
  • Transfer credits may affect the roadmap.
  • Requirements, course availability, and sequencing may change.
  • Courses marked with (*) are recommended.

Without Concentration - Thesis Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F688 or F691201CHEM F688 or F691201
Program Elective3Program Elective3
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 7 7
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F699183CHEM F699183
Program Elective1Program Elective183
Program Elective3Program Elective183
 7 9
Total Credits 30

Without Concentration - Project Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F688 or F691201CHEM F688 or F691201
Program Elective3Program Elective3
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 7 7
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F698183CHEM F698183
Program Elective1Program Elective183
Program Elective3Program Elective183
 7 9
Total Credits 30

Biochemistry and Neuroscience Concentration - Thesis Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F654, F657, F670, F674, or F675223CHEM F654, F657, F670, F674, or F675223
CHEM F688 or F691201CHEM F688 or F691201
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 7 7
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F654, F657, F670, F674, or F675223CHEM F699183
CHEM F699183Program Elective183
Program Elective1Program Elective183
 7 9
Total Credits 30

Biochemistry and Neuroscience Concentration - Project Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F654, F657, F670, F674, or F675223CHEM F654, F657, F670, F674, or F675223
CHEM F688 or F691201CHEM F688 or F691201
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 7 7
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F654, F657, F670, F674, or F675223CHEM F698183
CHEM F698183Program Elective183
Program Elective1Program Elective183
 7 9
Total Credits 30

Environmental Chemistry Concentration - Thesis Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F606, F609, F631, or F655223CHEM F606, F609, F631, or F655223
CHEM F688 or F691201CHEM F688 or F691201
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 7 7
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F606, F609, F631, or F655223CHEM F699183
CHEM F699183Program Elective183
Program Elective1Program Elective183
 7 9
Total Credits 30

Environmental Chemistry Concentration - Project Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F606, F609, F631, or F655223CHEM F606, F609, F631, or F655223
CHEM F688 or F691201CHEM F688 or F691201
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 7 7
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F606, F609, F631, or F655223CHEM F698183
CHEM F698183Program Elective183
Program Elective1Program Elective183
 7 9
Total Credits 30

Catalog Department Overview ►

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes are specific, measurable statements that define the knowledge and skills students will gain by the end of the program.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Attain a level of technical ability and knowledge to function as professionals in their discipline
  • Have performed research using technical, safety and problem-solving skills to contribute to their field
  • Have communication/presentation skills consistent with professional standards
  • Obtain employment or continue education in the field following graduation