The graduate major in Analytical Chemistry offered through the College of Arts and Sciences , prepares students for employment as analytical chemists in public and private laboratories that specialize in the application of wet chemical and instrumental procedures to problem solving. This graduate major is designed to build upon an undergraduate background in chemistry or a related field, providing a theoretical base in analytical chemistry while emphasizing practical experience with analytical instrumentation. Hands-on experience with instrumentation is the focus of the curriculum and is its most important asset. Recognizing the importance of future genetic engineering technology and the analytical techniques that will need to be developed to support it, the curriculum also has a biochemistry component.
Faculty research interests range widely and include topics such as spectrochemistry, ion chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, analysis of metals in the environment, water analysis, biochemistry, molecular modeling, science education, photooxygenation chemistry, fullerene chemistry, photochemistry, bio-inorganic chemistry, trace analysis of organic pesticides, and proteomics/genomics.
Required Preparation
Before admission, applicants should have completed the following course work with a grade of “B” or better in each course: at least four hours of analytical chemistry with lab (CHEM-3233 , CHEM-3234 ); eight hours of physical chemistry with lab (CHEM-3641 , CHEM-3642 , CHEM-3643 , CHEM-3644 ; eight hours of organic chemistry with lab (CHEM-3531 , CHEM-3532 , CHEM-3533 , CHEM-3534 ); three hours of biochemistry (CHEM-4331 ); three hours of advanced inorganic chemistry (CHEM-4443 ); three hours of statistical methods (STAT-4219 /STAT-6219 ); three hours of computer science; and one hour of chemical literature (equivalent to CHEM-4155 ). Students lacking one or more of these courses or having less than a “C” in a course may be admitted to the program. However, they will have to complete or repeat the appropriate course(s) at Governors State University. All students are conditionally admitted until course review is completed and placement exam requirements are satisfied.
Placement Exams
All conditionally admitted students enrolled in the M.S. Analytical Chemistry program will be required to take placement exams in organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry. These multiple choice exams were developed by the American Chemical Society to assess entering graduate students and cover the course content in the various fields of chemistry at the undergraduate level. Students who show a deficiency in these areas will be required to take and earn a minimum grade of B in the respective undergraduate course(s): Organic Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory I and II (CHEM-3531 , CHEM-3532 , CHEM-3533 , CHEM-3534 ); physical chemistry: Physical Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory I & II (CHEM-3641 , CHEM-3642 , CHEM-3643 , CHEM-3644 ); analytical chemistry: Analytical Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory (CHEM 3233 , CHEM 3234 ); and either inorganic chemistry: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM-4443 ) or biochemistry: Biochemistry (CHEM-4331 ). The deficiency courses should be taken within the five terms of initial registration. Students who do not receive the grades of “B” in the deficiency courses within the prescribed time may be dropped from the program. The new students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and who have received the grades of “B” or better in organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry may opt to not participate in the respective exam(s).
Thesis/Project/Internship Option
As part of this degree program, students must choose between a thesis, project, or internship option.
In the thesis option, students develop a thesis proposal usually related to a faculty member’s research, carry out a formal research study under the supervision of the faculty member and a degree committee, prepare a final manuscript, and make a presentation in CHEM - 8997 Research Presentation in Chemistry (1) . The thesis option would be appropriate for students who have focused research interests or who intend to pursue doctoral study.
In the project option, students develop a master’s project proposal, complete a master’s project in conjunction with a faculty member, and prepare a final report. The project student makes a presentation of the relevant literature in CHEM - 8997 Research Presentation in Chemistry (1) .
In the chemistry literature project option, students identify a chemistry project related to the one or more courses of the master’s degree study in analytical chemistry, do an in depth current literature inquiry, and prepare a final report with discussions including their own conclusions including future developments. The minimum time for the research project is one term. The chemistry literature project students make a presentation of the relevant literature in CHEM - 8997 Research Presentation in Chemistry (1) .
In the internship option, students identify an internship sponsor, complete an internship application and proposal, and, once accepted, complete the internship under the joint guidance of the site supervisor and GSU faculty sponsor. A final written report and presentation in CHEM - 8997 Research Presentation in Chemistry (1) is required.
Admission to Candidacy
- completed the required preparation listed above;
- completed the required courses listed in section I. below with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher; and
- completed an approved proposal for a thesis, a project, or an internship.
More detailed candidacy information is available through the division office or the student’s advisor.
