Chemistry - Biochemistry Concentration, (MS)

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Program objectives are: (1) competence in a common core of material in the major area of specialization; (2) experience in experimental design, data analysis, and oral and written presentation of research results; (3) competitive for professional positions in the chemical sciences.

In the biochemistry concentration, students will study the chemistry of amino acids, nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates. These studies will occur in the context of analytical techniques, synthesis of new molecules, and chemical behavior in vitro and in vivo.

MS Degree Program

Admission Standards and Procedures

Applicants to the Department of Chemistry are required to apply to the University of Memphis Graduate School. Students must complete a Bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in chemistry (or related field) OR complete a Bachelor’s degree and completed sufficient chemistry coursework at the undergraduate level to be sufficiently prepared for graduate study prior to matriculation. A typical applicant will have already completed their degree or be in the final year of study when applying to the program.

A full application will include:

Academic Transcripts (Certified for International Applicants)
Personal Statement
Minimum of 2 Letters of Recommendation

Students may, at their discretion, include a C.V. or resume with a list of credentials and publications/presentations, though this is not required. The GRE is NOT required or considered as a standard for admission.

An average admitted student will have the following credentials:

Research or work experience in chemistry or a related field
Average GPA of admitted students in a typical incoming class is between 3.2 and 3.3 (4 point scale). We do not have a strict GPA minimum beyond that imposed by the University of Memphis Graduate School.
Strong letters of recommendation detailing academic achievement and work ethic

NOTE: Students who may be weak in one area (research, GPA, letters of recommendation) are encouraged to apply! Each student application is evaluated holistically by the graduate studies committee of the Department of Chemistry for academic rigor and departmental fit. Similarly, meeting the minimum, or exceeding the average, requirements does not entitle the applicant to admission. Meeting such standards only ensures full consideration of the application.

Program Requirements

Diagnostic Requirements

We believe a well-rounded chemistry background is essential for success in a chemistry career. As such, we impose the following Diagnostic requirements prior to awarding the M.S. Degree:

A score of 50^th percentile or better on the American Chemical Society General Chemistry Exam (3 attempts allowed)
Proficiency in three areas of chemistry, as determined by completion of a course or a score of 50^th percentile or better on a standardized subject exam.
- Organic Chemistry (CHEM 6311)
- Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 6211)
- One of Inorganic (CHEM 6111), Physical (CHEM 6411), or biochemistry (CHEM 6511).

Course Work Requirements

30 hours of course credit beyond the Bachelor’s degree are required to obtain the M.S. degree. No more than 9 hours of credit at the 6000 level may be counted. At least 9 hours must be in courses numbered CHEM 7100-7899, with at least two areas of chemistry represented. Presentation (CHEM 7911) is required of all graduate students. Additional hours can be filled via research (CHEM 7001 - Directed Research, CHEM 7910 - Spec Prob In Chem, CHEM 7996 - Thesis) and attendance at Chemistry Seminar CHEM 7913 - Chemistry Seminar)

Biochemistry Concentration Required Courses (9 hours)

CHEM 6520 - Medicinal Chemistry** Credit Hours: (3)
or
CHEM 6511 - Biochemistry I Credit Hours: (3)
Select two:
CHEM 7416 - Advanced Biophysical Chemistry Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 7511 - Biological Inorganic Chemistry Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 7512 - Carbohydrates and Nucleic Acids Credit Hours: 3

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 6 semester-hours credit can be granted for graduate courses successfully completed at other regionally accredited institutions. Credit previously earned at another institution must be presented for evaluation not later than the end of the student’s second semester of enrollment.

The Advisory Committee

Upon admission to the Graduate School, the student will be advised by the Department’s Graduate Studies Committee. A student must choose a major professor before the end of the first semester following enrollment. The major professor, in consultation with the student, will recommend the faculty members to be appointed to the student’s Advisory Committee. This committee, which is appointed before the student’s First Year Conference, must be composed of at least three members, with the major professor serving as chair. Upon appointment, the committee will review the student’s progress to date and outline an appropriate program tailored to the student’s individual interests to permit fulfillment of the degree requirements. The student will be regularly evaluated by their Advisor and Advisory Committee. In the unlikely event that a student changes major professors, a new Advisory Committee must be appointed.

Thesis Option

Each student must submit a thesis acceptable to the student’s Advisory Committee. The thesis can be based on work done for CHEM 7996, for which a maximum of six credit-hours can be applied to the degree requirement.

Non-Thesis Option

If a non-thesis program is selected, a student must 1) take two additional 7/8000-level course (total of 15 hours) and 2) prepare a detailed report in the form of a review or proposal (which can be based on literature research). For the non-thesis option, a maximum of 9 hours of course work may be included in a field related to chemistry (physical or biological sciences, mathematical sciences, or engineering).

CHEM 7910 - Spec Prob In Chem Credit Hours: (1-12)
CHEM 7911 - Presentation Credit Hours: (1)
CHEM 7996 - Thesis Credit Hours: (1-6)
CHEM 7001 - Directed Research Credit Hours: (1-10)

Comprehensive Examinations

Comprehensive examinations include written documents and oral examinations. Details and procedures can be found in the Graduate Handbook.

Final Oral Examination

A final oral examination on the student’s thesis or report and related material will be administered by the student’s Advisory Committee after completion of all other requirements. This examination will be held seven or more days after the student has distributed copies of the thesis or report to the members of the Advisory Committee, which must be done at least one month before the end of the semester in which the student expects to graduate. If the final oral examination is unsatisfactory it must be repeated within one year; it may not be repeated more than once.

Retention

A student pursuing the Master’s degree program may be terminated for any of the following reasons:

Failure to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above. A student who has a cumulative grade point average below 3.0 will be placed on probation. Continuation in graduate school must be approved by the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies. Any person whose continuation is denied may appeal the decision to the University Council for Graduate Studies.
Failure to complete the degree requirements within six years of initial enrollment in the graduate program.
Failure to make satisfactory progress towards the degree in a timely fashion, as determined by the Departmental Program Retention Committee.
Failure to satisfy the Advisory Committee on the final oral examination (See Final Oral Examination Section).