M.S. in Chemistry

The graduate program in chemistry, leading to the MA, MS, and PhD degrees, includes course work, seminar participation, research, and teaching, and is designed to lead to a broad understanding of the subject. Entering students may be admitted to either the master’s or the doctoral program. All students will be required to demonstrate knowledge in advanced areas of chemistry. The doctoral program is designed to be flexible so that individual programs of study may be devised to satisfy the particular interests and needs of each student. In each case, this program will be decided by joint consultation between the student, the graduate studies committee, and the thesis supervisor, when selected. The doctoral program will normally include advanced courses in the student’s own area of interest, to be supplemented by suitable courses in other areas of chemistry and, where appropriate, biochemistry, biology, computer science, mathematics, and physics. Learning Goals Chemistry, often referred to as the “Central Science”, examines the world at the molecular level, allowing us to understand how we interact with plants, animals and humans through agriculture, biology and medicine, and with the physical world through electronics, new materials and new sources of energy. In gaining an understanding of natural phenomena at the molecular level, chemists develop methods to command these phenomena, connecting chemistry with many disciplines including physics, mathematics, earth and environmental sciences, biology, and medicine. Put concisely, the Central Science impacts our planet by protecting and preserving our health, ecology, culture and heritage. Chemistry majors develop extensive practical experience through laboratory courses, using both macro- and microscale techniques. Honors students participate in independent research, and virtually all majors take advantage of research opportunities, a critical part of a scientific education. Well-trained BA or BS graduates may continue their education at the highest-ranking graduate and professional schools, and/or enter traditional positions in industry (pharmaceutical, biotech) or academia; some might even pursue less traditional positions in areas as diverse as project management, science journalism, and law. Program of Study Each candidate is required to successfully complete one year of study at the graduate level in chemistry, or, with prior permission of the graduate studies committee, in related fields. The program will include six term courses at the graduate level, two semesters of colloquium, one semester of a specialty seminar and CONT 300b (Responsible Conduct of Science). The detailed program of study will be chosen jointly by the candidate and the graduate studies committee. In order to earn the Master of Science degree, the student must complete a minimum of 54 credits unless otherwise specified by the Graduate Studies Committee. If a student fails to pass a placement examination after two attempts, a graduate course in that area of chemistry must be passed before the end of the second year. A list of courses appropriate for this purpose is available upon request. To continue for a Master of Science degree, students must find a research advisor by the end of their second semester at Brandeis.