Missouri State University

Graduate College

2013-14 Graduate Catalog

Preliminary Edition
published April 2013

Department of Chemistry

Temple Hall, Room 423, Phone: (417) 836-5506 , Fax: (417) 836-5507
Email: chemistry@missouristate.edu
Website: http://chemistry.missouristate.edu/
Department Head: G. Alan Schick

Graduate faculty

Professor:   Richard N. Biagioni, Eric Bosch, Nikolay N. Gerasimchuk, Reza Sedaghat-Herati, Tamera S. Jahnke, Mark M. Richter, G. Alan Schick, Shujun Su, Anthony P. Toste

Associate Professor:  Bryan E. Breyfogle, Dean A. Cuebas, Gary A.J. Meints, Erich D. Steinle, Adam K. Wanekaya

Assistant Professor:  Kathryn M. Fichter, Matthew R. Siebet

Emeritus Professor:  Robert L. Ernst, Wyman K. Grindstaff, James F. O'Brien,  Ralph W. Sheets, Vernon J. Thielmann, Clifton C. Thompson,  Paul M. Toom, James M. Wilbur, Jr.

Programs

Master of Science, Chemistry

Erich Steinle, Graduate Director
Temple Hall, Room 417, Phone (417) 836-5319
ESteinle@missouristate.edu

Program Description

This program is designed to prepare students to work in industrial or governmental chemistry laboratories, or to pursue doctoral studies in chemistry.

Program Objectives

Development of a sound knowledge of chemical principles, acquisition of outstanding research and communication skills, and attainment of an understanding and appreciation of applied chemistry and the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to the solution of scientific problems.

Areas of specialization include analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical education, environmental chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry (including polymer chemistry and nanotechnology). organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.

Formal courses, graduate seminars, professional advisement, directed research, and a master's thesis will be incorporated into a customized curriculum based on the individual's scholastic background and career goals.   On completion of the program, the student will have developed the skills needed for a career in chemical production, development, or research.

Entrance Requirements

Students admitted to the graduate chemistry program in full standing must meet the following requirements:

  1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or equivalent training in a foreign university.
  2. A minimum overall GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, or a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of course work.
  3. Scores from the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination.  Normally, students are expected to score at or above the 50th percentile on each section of the GRE and to have an overall college GPA of at least 3.00.
  4. International applicants from countries not recognizing English as the primary official language are additionally required to submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of not less than 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) and with a minimum of 50th percentile on the Listening Comprehension Section.
  5. A minimum undergraduate background in chemistry consisting of two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, one semester of analytical chemistry, and one semester of inorganic chemistry with grades of “C” or better in each course and an overall GPA of not less than 3.00.

Applicants lacking the background courses described in item five above may be admitted, but will be required to rectify any of these deficiencies with appropriate course work.  These leveling courses will not apply toward the master's degree.

Students who do not meet the grade point standards outlined above may be granted conditional admission to the program.  As conditions of admission, students will be required to complete a minimum of 9 hours of specified graduate courses with a GPA of at least 3.00 to be advanced to full standing in the program.

Accelerated Master's Degree Option

Eligible Missouri State University majors in chemistry may apply for preliminary acceptance into the Master of Science program in Chemistry after admission requirements for the accelerated masters option have been satisfied.  If accepted, graduate courses chosen from CHM 602, CHM 607, CHM 642, CHM 652 and CHM 675 may be counted towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees, with a maximum of 12 credit hours counted towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.  This option offers an opportunity for chemistry majors with undergraduate laboratory research experience to complete the requirements for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry in two semesters and a summer after attaining the Bachelor’s degree, rather than the typical four semesters and a summer.  Contact the Department of Chemistry for further information and guidelines.

Before enrolling in a course to be counted as both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the courses towards the masters degree, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and complete a mixed credit form.  Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the course(s).  See the Graduate College for further information.

Admission Requirements for Accelerated Master's Degree Option
  1. Junior standing, a GPA in chemistry of 3.00 or better and an overall GPA of 3.00 or better. 
  2. Completion of CHM 160, 161, 170, 171, 302, 342, 343, 375, 398, and 399; PHY 123 and 124 or PHY 203 and 204; MTH 287 and 288, or MTH 261 and 280 or MTH 261 and 288 with an overall GPA of 3.00 or better.
  3. Undergraduate laboratory research experience in residence in the Department of Chemistry with a supportive recommendation from the student’s undergraduate research mentor.
  4. Acceptance of applicant by a graduate faculty member who agrees to serve as the student’s graduate research mentor.
  5. Acceptance of the applicant by the graduate faculty in Chemistry under the accelerated masters option. 
Degree Requirements  (minimum of 32 hours)
  1. Advisory Committee. Initially, each student will be advised by the departmental coordinator of graduate studies.  As soon as possible, the student will select a faculty member to chair a graduate advisory committee consisting of at least four persons.  At least one committee member, but not more than two, shall be from outside the chemistry department.  This committee will supervise the remainder of the candidate's graduate program.
  2. Program of Study. The candidate's program will be structured by the advisory committee in consultation with the student.  Academic background, professional experience, placement test scores, and academic objectives will be considered in establishing the individual's program.
  3. Chemistry Requirement. A minimum of 24 hours in chemistry including at least 16 hours from courses numbered 700 or above with at least 6 hours of 700-level chemistry course work in addition to research, thesis, and colloquium.  Students who have not passed (with a C or better) undergraduate courses in physical chemistry, instrumental analysis, advanced organic chemistry, and advanced inorganic chemistry will be required to pass (with a grade of C or better) some or all of the following courses:  CHM 606, CHM 607*, CHM 633, CHM 642, CHM 675, and CHM 675.  Hours received from these courses will count toward the 32 hours required for the master’s degree.

    * Students who have had a one-semester physical chemistry course will be given an assessment exam; a score of the 50th percentile or above will satisfy the physical chemistry core course requirement.  Students scoring less than the 50th percentile, but higher than the 33rd percentile, will satisfy the physical chemistry core requirement by passing CHM 607.
  4. Colloquium.  2 hours of credit must be earned in CHM 700, Chemistry Colloquium. 
  5. Electives. Upon approval of the advisory committee, graduate courses from related fields may be selected to a maximum of 8 hours within the 32 hour degree requirement.
  6. Research Requirement.  The maximum credit toward the 32-hour degree requirement is 6 hours of CHM 798 and 6 hours of CHM 799.  Submission of a thesis is a specific requirement for the degree.  The purpose of the thesis is to demonstrate competence in scientific research and the ability to: choose a research topic of scientific importance; conduct a comprehensive literature search of the problem; design and implement a plan of research; collect and interpret scientific data; and communicate results and findings to peers.  An oral defense of the thesis is required.
  7. Comprehensive Examination.  A written comprehensive examination will be administered after most of the course work has been completed.  This examination must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be given.

Master of Science, Plant Science

See Darr School of Agriculture.

Master of Natural and Applied Science

Contact Dr. Bryan Breyfogle and see the interdisciplinary program within the College of Natural and Applied Science.  Accelerated master’s program available.  See “Master of Natural and Applied Science”.

Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education: Natural Science Area of Emphasis

Contact Dr. Tamera Jahnke and see program requirements for the M.S.Ed., Secondary Education under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.

Natural Science Prerequisite and Requirements 

In this option, students complete a minimum of 15 hours with course work selected from two of the following disciplines:  Biology, Chemistry, Geography and/or Geology, Mathematics, and Physics.  A minimum of 3 hours of course work numbered 700 or above must be included. The prerequisite requirements are those listed in the departmental statements of both selected academic areas of emphasis.

Courses from one of the above disciplines                      9 hrs

Courses from a second of the above disciplines             6 hrs

Total                                                                               15 hrs

Chemistry Courses

CHM 602 Techniques of Instrumental Analysis

Prerequisite: "C-" or better in either CHM 200 or CHM 342; and "C-" or better in CHM 302. Recommended Prerequisite: PHY 124 or PHY 204. Applications of instrumental methods for the separation and analysis of materials; included are potentiometry, photometry and chromatography. Does not apply to a Chemistry major if the student passes CHM 702. May be taught concurrently with CHM 502. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 502 and CHM 602.

CHM 605 Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry

Prerequisite: 20 hours of chemistry; and "C-" or better in either MTH 287 or MTH 261. A one semester introduction to physical chemistry including the following topics: thermodynamics, solution chemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics, and atomic and molecular structure. Laboratory experiments will illustrate principles of physical chemistry and techniques of analysis. Does not apply to a Chemistry major if the student passes CHM 606. May be taught concurrently with CHM 505. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 505 and CHM 605.

CHM 606 Physical Chemistry I

Prerequisite: "C-" or better in CHM 170; and MTH 280 or MTH 288 or concurrent enrollment in MTH 280 or MTH 288. Recommended Prerequisite: MTH 302; and PHY 124 or PHY 204. First semester of a two-semester series covering aspects of quantum mechanics, classical and statistical thermodynamics, spectroscopy, kinetic theory of gases, and chemical kinetics. A grade of "C-" or better is required in this course in order to take CHM 607. May be taught concurrently with CHM 506. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 606 and CHM 506.

CHM 607 Physical Chemistry II

Prerequisite: "C-" grade or better in CHM 506 or 606. Recommended Prerequisite: CHM 375. Second semester of a two-semester series that builds upon and completes the topics introduced in CHM 606. May be taught concurrently with CHM 507. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 607 and CHM 507.

CHM 608 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I

Prerequisite: "C-" or better in CHM 302; and "C-" or better in CHM 506 or CHM 606 or concurrent enrollment in CHM 506 or CHM 606. Experiments in physical chemistry employing principles and techniques reflecting material presented in CHM 506 or 606. May be taught concurrently with CHM 508. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 608 and CHM 508.

CHM 609 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II

Prerequisite: CHM 507 or CHM 607 or concurrent enrollment; and CHM 508 or CHM 608. Experiments in physical chemistry employing principles and techniques reflecting material presented in CHM 507 or 607. May be taught concurrently with CHM 509. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 609 and CHM 509.

CHM 614 Polymer Chemistry

Prerequisite: "C-" or better in CHM 343 or CHM 344; and CHM 505 or CHM 605 or CHM 506 or CHM 606. Morphology and chemical structure, polymer characterization, chemical structure and polymer properties, vinyl and non-vinyl polymers and mechanism of formation. Inorganic and partially inorganic polymers. May be taught concurrently with CHM 514. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 514 and CHM 614.

CHM 642 Advanced Organic Chemistry

Prerequisite: "C-" grade or better in CHM 343 or CHM 344. Structure, reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry and other topics of theoretical nature in organic and polymer chemistry. May be taught concurrently with CHM 542. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 542 and CHM 642.

CHM 652 Biochemistry II

Prerequisite: "C-" or better in CHM 452. Bioenergetics--Metabolism of biomolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and nucleotides. Photosynthesis. Nitrogen metabolism. Mechanisms of hormone action. May be taught concurrently with CHM 552. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 552 and CHM 652.

CHM 653 Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory

Prerequisite: CHM 453; and CHM 552 or CHM 652 concurrent enrollment in CHM 552 or CHM 652. Emphasis on modern techniques in the biochemistry laboratory; enzymology, protein purification and analysis; protein structure determination; isoelectric focusing; HPLC; trace techniques. Supplemental course fee. May be taught concurrently with CHM 553. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 553 and CHM 653.

CHM 675 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Prerequisite: "C-" or better in CHM 375; and CHM 507 or CHM 607 or concurrent enrollment in CHM 507 or CHM 607. Theories and techniques of modern inorganic chemistry; correlation of theories with inorganic compounds. May be taught concurrently with CHM 575. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 575 and CHM 675.

CHM 697 Special Topics in Chemistry

Prerequisite: 18 hours of chemistry. Selected topics of a theoretical or applied nature. May be repeated up to a total of 6 hours with differing topics. May be taught concurrently with CHM 597. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 597 and CHM 697.

CHM 700 Chemistry Colloquium

A series of oral presentations on new developments in chemistry. Presentations to be made by faculty members, students, and guest speakers from industry and academe. One of the requirements of this course is an oral presentation. May be repeated, but not more than 2 hours may be counted toward the 32-hour requirement for the MS in Chemistry degree.

CHM 701 Chemistry Seminar

Attendance at oral presentations on new developments in chemistry. Presentations may include those made by departmental faculty members, departmental graduate students, guest speakers from industry and academe and ACS tour speakers. All graduate students not enrolled in CHM 700 must be enrolled in CHM 701. Hours earned will not count toward the 32-hour requirement for the MS in Chemistry degree. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

CHM 702 Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry

Prerequisite: CHM 602. An advanced topic in analytical chemistry will be addressed via faculty lectures and student projects. Examples of proposed topics include: electroanalytical methods, nanotechnology, forensic chemistry and data acquisition methods. Variable content course. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours with differing topics.

CHM 710 Special Topics in Chemical Education

Prerequisite: coursework sufficient to meet Missouri certification standards in chemistry for secondary teaching or permission. A single topic of current interest in the teaching of chemistry will be considered. May be repeated to a total of 9 hours provided the topics are different.

CHM 720 Topics in Theoretical Chemistry

Prerequisite: coursework sufficient to meet Missouri certification standards in chemistry for secondary teaching or permission. Nature of matter including atomic structure, chemical bonding and spectroscopy.

CHM 735 Investigation in Chemistry for Teachers

Prerequisite: coursework sufficient to meet Missouri certification standards for secondary/middle school science teaching. Techniques in performing science investigation with application to secondary and middle school science. May be taught concurrently with CHM 435. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 435 and CHM 735.

CHM 740 Seminar

Extensive paper on selected topics to be read before staff seminars. May be repeated to total 4 hours.

CHM 742 Physical Organic Chemistry

Prerequisite: CHM 642. An in-depth study of the experimental techniques and physical principles used for the determination of organic reaction mechanisms.

CHM 752 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry

Prerequisite: CHM 652. An advanced topic in biochemistry will be addressed via faculty lectures and student projects. Examples of proposed topics include: carbohydrates, the cell surface, and physical biochemistry. Variable content course. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours with differing topics.

CHM 760 Chemistry of Environmental Systems I

Chemistry of water and soil, water treatment, agricultural chemistry, and related topics. May be taught concurrently with CHM 460. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 460 and CHM 760.

CHM 761 Chemistry of Environmental Systems II

Prerequisite: CHM 760. Recommended Prerequisite: some advanced coursework in chemistry, geosciences, biology, or related fields. Atmospheric chemistry; pollution issues related to power production and transportation; energy sources and fuels. May be taught concurrently with CHM 461. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 761 and CHM 461.

CHM 762 Chemistry of Environmental Systems Laboratory

Prerequisite: CHM 760 or concurrent enrollment. Techniques and procedures for environmental monitoring to test natural samples. Applications and limitations of wet chemical and instrumental methods such as atomic absorption, gas chromatography, and absorption spectrophotometry. May be taught concurrently with CHM 462. Cannot receive credit for both CHM 462 and CHM 762.

CHM 770 Chemical Kinetics

Prerequisite: CHM 606. Fundamental concepts of chemical kinetics and dynamics, from both macroscopic and molecular level perspectives. An emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of gas, liquid, surface and catalyst reaction kinetics and mechanisms.

CHM 771 Chemical Bonding

Prerequisite: CHM 607. Quantum mechanics; atomic and molecular structure; computational procedures. Independent study project required.

CHM 775 Organometallic Chemistry

Prerequisite: CHM 675. An in-depth examination of the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules containing one or more metal atoms bonded to organic fragments.

CHM 790 Advanced Topics in Chemistry

Detailed treatment of various advanced topics in chemistry. Topics may include: water analysis, physical chemistry of macromolecules, chemistry of natural products, surface chemistry, and forensic chemistry. Variable content course. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours with differing topics.

CHM 796 Science Internship

Completion of an internship project (80 hrs/credit hour) at a discipline-related business, nonprofit organization, or government agency, approved and supervised by both the departmental and internship advisors. Includes a formal report in the appropriate professional format, and an oral presentation at an approved venue. Graded Pass/Not Pass only. No more than 6 hours may count toward a masters degree.

CHM 798 Research

Supervised research in special chemistry areas. May be repeated, but not more than 6 hours of CHM 798 may be counted toward the 32-hour requirement for the MS degree.

CHM 799 Thesis

Independent research and study connected with preparation of thesis. Not more than 6 hours of CHM 799 may be counted toward the 32-hour requirement for the MS degree.