CSUEB Catalog 2007-2008: Chemistry (Graduate)

Chemistry

	Department Information
	M.S. in Chemistry
	Option in Biochemistry
	Graduate Courses

Department Information

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Science
Office: North Science 431
Phone: (510) 885-3452


Professors Emeriti Kevin D. Cadogan, Ph.D. Cornell University Charles T. Perrino, Ph.D. Arizona State University Professors Michael K. K. Leung, Ph.D. University of Southern California Richard T. Luibrand, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin Larry G. Scheve, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside Associate Professors Joy C. Andrews, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley Ann A. McPartland (Chair), Ph.D. Purdue University Assistant Professors Michael Groziak, Ph.D. Northwestern University Chul-Hyun Kim, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley Anne T. Kotchevar, Ph.D. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Lecturers Ronald J. Hicks, M.S. California State University, Hayward Mark A. Karplus, M.S. California State University, Hayward

Graduate Coordinator: Larry G. Scheve

Please consult the 2008-2009 online catalog for any changes that may occur.

M.S. in Chemistry

Program Description
The Master of Science degree in Chemistry mainly serves students in four categories: those seeking opportunities in the chemical industry requiring training beyond the baccalaureate level, fully employed chemists who wish to enhance their career potential, future teachers of high school or community college chemistry, and graduates contemplating subsequent study at the Ph.D. level.

Because the program is relatively small at the present time, all qualified applicants are currently accepted. Applicants may select either a general option permitting emphasis in any area of chemistry, or an option in biochemistry. At present, enrollment is about the same in both options. To make the program more accessible to employed students, most required courses are offered in the evening.

Mission Statement
It is imperative that CSUEB chemistry students possess sufficient theoretical and practical training in chemistry and biochemistry so that they will be able to assume the significant technical responsibilities required by the chemical and biotechnology industries that will employ them. It is important that our students are not only trained in chemistry (and biochemistry), but will become respected scientists and research technicians. In addition, it is important that students planning for entrance into Ph.D. programs or pre-professional programs are more than adequately prepared for entrance into these programs.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an M.S. in Chemistry from Cal State East Bay should: (1) have a solid background in advanced chemistry and a mastery of advanced chemical information; (2) have significant experience in laboratory research methods and be able to present complex chemical information via oral and written reports; (3) have successfully completed a capstone project.

Program Options
Within the Chemistry option, candidates may pursue either Plan A, which requires a university thesis, or Plan B, which entails passing a comprehensive examination over all coursework applied to the degree. The Biochemistry option requires a university thesis; candidates may also elect to concentrate in biochemistry under Plan B of the Chemistry option.

Faculty
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has seven full-time faculty members; each has a Ph.D. degree. Most came to Cal State East Bay with postdoctoral experience either in academia or industry, or both. Added breadth of experience is provided by occasional visiting lecturers in graduate lecture courses.

Facilities
The laboratories are modern and well-equipped. Major instrumentation includes a 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR), capillary gas chromatographs with both flame-ionization and mass-spectral detection (GC/MS), a fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA) with graphite furnace and cold vapor attachments, high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC), ion chromatograph (IC), x-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and a diode-array visible-ultraviolet spectrophotometer that can be adapted for stopped-flow kinetics studies. A molecular modeling facility is available for instruction and research.

The department is served by an office staff of a department secretary and a part-time clerical assistant, and by a staff of four full-time technicians and one part-time person.

Additional Information
The masters' degree program is under the nominal direction of the graduate coordinator, with the participation of the department's Graduate Studies Committee. All inquiries should be directed to the graduate coordinator or to the department chair.

Admission Requirements
The basic requirements for entry into the program are possession of a baccalaureate degree major equivalent to that at Cal State East Bay and an upper division GPA of at least 2.6 in upper division chemistry and biochemistry courses. Equivalent degree programs for the three tracks (Plan A, Plan B, and the Biochemistry option) are the B.S. degree major in Chemistry, B.A. degree major in Chemistry, and B.A. degree option in Biochemistry, respectively. Applicants not meeting the GPA requirement may still be accepted subject to receipt of acceptable letters of recommendation. The G.R.E. is not required. Applicants not having an undergraduate major in chemistry may be accepted into the program depending on the amount of undergraduate coursework required to remove deficiencies.

Qualified applicants are accepted in "Conditionally Classified Graduate" status. To become fully "Classified Graduate" students they and must pass placement tests in organic, physical, and one of analytical, inorganic, or biochemistry; remove any deficiencies in the undergraduate major, complete 12 units applicable to the degree, and pass the university Writing Skills Test (WST).

Plan A, Thesis
A university thesis is required both in Plan A and in the Biochemistry option. A thesis topic is decided by mutual agreement between a graduate student and an appropriate faculty member.

Off-Campus Research
Candidates whose employers permit the use of appropriate facilities and approve the release of the applicable findings may arrange to conduct research on their employers' premises in support of their M.S. theses, subject to prior approval by the department.

Plan B, Comprehensive Examination
Plan B entails the completion of additional specified coursework in lieu of a thesis and completion of a significant literature search and report on a selected topic. Applicants must pass a comprehensive examination which consists of an oral portion covering the report of the literature search and a written portion covering all other coursework applied to the degree.

Required Coursework
Units are specifically required in courses covering thermodynamics, the chemical bond, and advanced topics in other areas. Plan B additionally requires courses in instrumental analysis and the chemical literature. The total 45 units are rounded out by approved upper division courses in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and occasionally other subjects in science or mathematics.

Advancement to Candidacy
In order to progress in the program, a student must pass or obtain a waiver for the placement exams. A waiver is usually obtained by enrolling in an undergraduate course covering appropriate material. The exams must be completed within one year of entry into the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Additionally, students must pass the Writing Skills Test and qualify for "Classified Graduate" status within two years of admission.

Advancement to Candidacy requires that the student complete 12 units in 6000-level courses applicable towards the degree with an average grade of 3.0 or better and select a research advisor for the thesis or a supervisor for the Plan B literature search and comprehensive examination.

Chemistry Option Requirements
(Plan A or Plan B must be selected)


Plan A, Thesis In order to be eligible for the degree, the student must satisfy the following departmental requirements:
1.	Complete a total of 22 units in required courses in Chemistry comprising the following:
	CHEM 4521 Elements of Chemical Thermodynamics (4) CHEM 6521 The Chemical Bond (3) CHEM 6820 Seminar (1,1,1) CHEM 6830 Research (6) CHEM 6850 Methods of Graduate Research (3) CHEM 6910 University Thesis (3)
2.	Complete a minimum of nine units from the Advanced Topics courses 6310 and 6510
3.	Complete additional units to total the minimum 45 units required--to be selected, with the approval of the student's advisor, from additional graduate courses in chemistry. These units must be selected from the list of upper division courses in chemistry acceptable for the master's degree and must not include more than four units of 6900 and three units of 6830. A maximum of six units from applicable courses in related fields may be included (e.g., in physics, geological sciences, or mathematics), and additional units must be taken to replace any courses in (1) or (2) above that were taken as an undergraduate
	Upper Division Chemistry Courses Acceptable for the Master's Degree (A maximum of 15 units may be chosen from this category; all choices must be approved by the candidate's advisor.)
		CHEM 4162 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 4311 Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4411, 4412, 4413 General Biochemistry, 4430 General Biochemistry Laboratory, 4700 Survey of Chemical Literature
4.	Submit to the department an acceptable master's degree thesis (University Thesis, CHEM 6910)
Plan B, Comprehensive Examination In order to be eligible for the degree, the student must satisfy the following departmental requirements:
1.	Complete a total of 21 units in the following required Chemistry courses:
	CHEM 4240 Instrumental Methods of Analysis (4) CHEM 4521 Elements of Chemical Thermodynamics (4) CHEM 4700 Survey of Chemical Literature (2) CHEM 6521 The Chemical Bond (3) CHEM 6820 Seminar (1, 1, 1) CHEM 6850 Methods of Graduate Research (3) CHEM 6901 Comprehensive Review (2)
2.	Complete a minimum of 12 units from the Advanced Topics courses 6310, 6410 and 6510
3.	Complete additional units to total the minimum required 45 to be selected, with the approval of the student's advisor, from additional graduate courses in chemistry (to include no more than two units of 6900 and none of 6830 or 6910), from the lists of upper division courses in chemistry acceptable for the master's degree (including those acceptable for the biochemistry option, see below), up to a maximum of 12 units in applicable courses in related fields, and additional units to replace any courses in (1) or (2) above taken as an undergraduate
4.	Pass a comprehensive examination consisting of a written portion covering the courses taken and an oral portion covering the content of CHEM 6901.

Other Degree Requirements
In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the university requirements for graduation which are described in the Graduate and Post-baccalaureate Studies chapter at the beginning of the graduate section of this catalog. These requirements include the 32-unit residence requirement, the five-year rule on currency of subject matter, the minimum number of units of 6000-level courses, the 3.00 GPA, and the University Writing Skills requirement.

Option in Biochemistry

To be eligible for the Option in Biochemistry, M.S. in Chemistry, the student must satisfy the following departmental requirements:


1.	Complete the following required courses in biochemistry and chemistry (22 units):
	CHEM 6410 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (3) CHEM 6430 Protein Chemistry Techniques (4) CHEM 6820 Seminar (1, 1, 1) CHEM 6830 Research (Biochemistry Specialization) (6) CHEM 6850 Methods of Graduate Research (3) CHEM 6910 Thesis (Biochemistry Specialization) (3)
2.	Complete a minimum of six units from the following courses:
	CHEM 4521, 6310, 6410, 6521 including at least one of CHEM 4521 and 6521
3.	Complete additional units to total the minimum 45 units required-to be selected, with the approval of the student's advisor, from additional graduate courses in chemistry and biochemistry. These units must be selected from the list of upper division courses in chemistry acceptable for the master's degree, Option in Biochemistry, and must not include more than four units of 6900 and three units of 6830. A maximum of ten units from applicable courses in Biological Sciences may be selected from the following:
		BIOL 4450 Cell Culture Techniques (4) BIOL 6140 Recombinant DNA Techniques (4) BIOL 6151, 6152 Cell and Molecular Biology I, II (5, 5)
		Additional units must be selected to replace any courses in (1) and (2) above taken as an undergraduate Upper Division Chemistry Courses Acceptable for the Biochemistry Option, Master's Degree in Chemistry
			CHEM 3531, 3532 Physical Chemistry Laboratory, 4161, 4162 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 4180 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, 4240 Instrumental Methods of Analysis, 4311 Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4700 Survey of Chemical Literature
4.	Submit to the department an acceptable master's degree thesis (University Thesis, CHEM 6910).

Graduate Courses


The course prefix for the following courses is CHEM.
6310	Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry (3) Selected topics in special advanced fields of organic chemistry. Topics vary each quarter. May be repeated for maximum of 9 units credit. Prerequisite: CHEM 4311 or consent of instructor. (Y)
6410	Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (3) Selected topics in biochemistry, e.g., advanced discussion of proteins, enzyme kinetics, physical biochemical techniques, nucleic acid chemistry. May be repeated for a maximum of six units. Prerequisite: CHEM 4413 or consent of instructor. (Y)
6430	Protein Chemistry Techniques (4) Techniques in protein chemistry. Methods for protein quantitation, separation, identification, purification and sequence analysis. Emphasis on modern procedures employing techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, gene splicing and immunological probing. Prerequisites: CHEM 4412 (or equivalent) and permission of instructor. Cross-listed with BIOL 6430. Two hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab. (Alt. Y)
6510	Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry (3) Selected topics in physical chemistry, e.g., molecular structure, spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and crystallography. May be repeated for maximum of 9 units. Prerequisite: 1 year physical chemistry. (Y)
6521	The Chemical Bond (3) The quantum mechanical description of the structure and spectroscopic properties of atoms and molecules, of the chemical bonding in molecules, and of bonding in solids and liquids. Prerequisite: CHEM 3513. (Sp)
6820	Seminar (1) Written and oral review of topics in the current chemical literature; reports of research in progress. May be taken three times for credit. CR/NC grading only. Prerequisite: upper division or graduate standing in chemistry. (A)
6830	Research (1-5) Original research in chemistry, under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. May be repeated for a total of nine units. Prerequisites: Advancement to Candidacy and departmental approval. (A)
6850	Methods of Graduate Research (3) An introduction to advanced research methods including bibliographical, instrumental, and laboratory applications. Prerequisites: "Classified Graduate" standing in chemistry and departmental approval. (Y)
6898	Cooperative Education (1-4) Supervised work experience in which student completes academic assignments integrated with off-campus paid or volunteer activities. May be repeated for up to 4 units. No units may be counted toward the Chemistry major. CR/NC grading only. Prerequisites: at least a 3.0 GPA and departmental approval of activity. (A)
6900	Independent Study (1-3) A maximum of four units may be applied toward the degree. (A)
6901	Comprehensive Review (2) Preparation for Comprehensive Examination including review of relevant areas and preparation of a substantial written report on a selected topic under the direction of a faculty advisor. The final examination covers the selected topic and is the oral portion of the Comprehensive Examination. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: completion of or concurrent enrollment in all courses required in categories (1), (2) and (3) of M.S. program excluding one unit of CHEM 6820. (A)
6910	University Thesis (1-3) Development and writing of a formal research paper for submission to the university in the specified bound format. Supervision by a departmental committee, at least one of whom must be a Cal State East Bay faculty member. Oral defense is normally required. Prerequisites: Advancement to Candidacy and departmental approval. Maximum of 3 units per student. (See also, "University Thesis Writing Guide," available in WA 859.) (A)
6999	Issues in Chemistry (4) Readings, discussion, and research on contemporary and/or significant issues in chemistry. May be repeated for credit when content varies.