Chemistry and Biochemistry MS

The student must decide on a particular plan before acquiring 12 credits. The time limitation on credit for courses, established by the Graduate School, will apply to all Plans.

Plan A

Master of Science with Thesis Research

(mandatory for students holding research assistantships):

A total of 30 credits (18 credits course work and 12 credits thesis research). A minimum of 18 credits in formal courses are required, of which at least 12 credits must be in graduate courses numbered 500 and above. The remaining 6 credits may be in advanced undergraduate courses. Courses at the 400 level in chemistry and in related disciplines (biology, mathematics, physics, computer science) qualify as advanced undergraduate courses. A maximum of 6 credits may be taken in courses other than chemistry. In addition, the student is required to register for the graduate seminar course for each semester in residence.

A student’s particular program of study must be approved by the Thesis Committee by the end of the first semester in residence. A thesis is required for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry (Plan A). The subject and scope of the thesis will be outlined by the student in consultation with his or her research director. As soon as practicable, a formal outline of the research project will be submitted to the student’s Thesis Committee which is composed of the research director and three additional members of the Chemistry Department Research Faculty. The thesis must reveal independent investigation and a knowledge of the methods of original research. Draft copies of the completed thesis will be submitted to the Thesis Committee, whose members are responsible for reading and approving the thesis. The student’s Thesis Committee shall constitute the oral examination board.

Plan B

Master of Science with Laboratory Research Project

A total of 35 credits (30 credits course work and 5 credits directed research) is required. A written progress report on the research project is required. Laboratory research may be performed days, evenings, weekends, or summers by arrangement with the individual research director. The course work (30 credits) must involve at least 21 credits in chemistry. Up to 9 credits may be taken in a related discipline. At least 24 credits of the course work must be at the 500 level or above. The remaining 6 credits may be in advanced undergraduate courses. Courses at the 400 level in chemistry and in related disciplines (biology, mathematics, physics, computer science) qualify as advanced undergraduate courses. In addition, the student is required to register for the graduate seminar course for each semester in residence. The student is also required to present two seminars.

Plan C

Master of Science with Library Research Project

Total of 35 credits (30 credits course work and 5 credits Library Research). A written report on the Library Research Project is required. Course requirements are the same as for Plan B above.

Comprehensive Examination Option

Students in plans B and C may elect to substitute a comprehensive examination for project work. Successful passage of this examination will satisfy the 5-credit requirement.

Seminar Requirement

Each graduate student is required to attend departmental seminars and register for the graduate seminar course for each semester in residence. The student must present two formal seminars. The first seminar is presented before the end of the third semester in residence. The second seminar is presented as part of the oral thesis defense process.

BS/MS Undergraduate/Graduate Integrated Program Option

The department offers an integrated program that allows qualified UMass Dartmouth undergraduate majors in Chemistry to proceed directly to the master’s degree program and complete both degrees with a reduction in overall credits required. See the current General Catalogue for information on this option.