Oklahoma State University

1029

Chemistry Chemistry is a science devoted to the manufacture and evaluation of compounds and materials. Chemists have created new types of materials such as Teflon and have synthesized molecules for treating cancer such as derivatives of Taxol. Chemists are also involved in making measurements crucial toward determining the presence of hazardous pollutants in our environment and the safety of our food and water supplies. Chemistry is at the forefront in developing and advancing new technologies to solve problems in agriculture, medicine, electronics, energy and forensics. A student considering a career in chemistry should have a strong curiosity about the nature of how things work, good problem solving skills and most important of all—a desire to learn. Some background in mathematics and physics is beneficial as these subjects facilitate an understanding of chemistry, which is often called the Central Science because of its importance in understanding both the physical and biological sciences. For this reason alone, chemists are employed in all phases of our economy—industry, government and education (both high school and college). The Department of Chemistry offers five bachelor’s degrees: 1. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS); 2. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry—Departmental degree that requires less specialization; 3. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Secondary Teacher Certification; 4. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Pre-Health/Pre-Law concentration; 5. Bachelor of Science in Medicinal and Biophysical Chemistry Our undergraduate classes are at the cutting edge and our instructional laboratories are modern and well-equipped with the necessary instrumentation to prepare students for potential careers in fields where a background in chemistry is crucial for success (e.g., medicine, patent law, pharmacy, the environment, nanotechnology, homeland security, public safety). Undergraduate Programs • Biochemistry, BS (p. 1031) • Chemistry (Approved by the American Chemical Society), BS (p. 1033)

physical chemistry. The physical chemistry should have been based on mathematics through calculus. Admission Requirements For admission, a grade-point average of 3.00 or better is generally required. Deserving applicants with grade-point averages less than 3.00 are occasionally admitted under probationary conditions. Additional support of the application is sought in the form of three letters of recommendation. Graduate Record Examination scores are not required. Recommendations on admission to the Graduate College are made on behalf of the applicant by the departmental admission officer. Acceptance by a permanent adviser is not a prerequisite for admission to the program. Degree Requirements A more detailed description of the graduate study program in chemistry is available in a brochure supplied by the department upon request, or on the Internet at http://chemistry.okstate.edu. The requirements set forth below complement the general requirements stated in the "Graduate College (p. 1673)" section of the OSU Catalog. Attendance and

participation in the departmental colloquia are required. The Master of Science Degree

Students must complete at least 30 credit hours of graduate coursework in chemistry or related fields. Each student must present an acceptable thesis dealing with a research problem and pass a final oral examination covering it and related material. Research on the thesis problem should be started as early as possible in the graduate program. The Doctor of Philosophy Degree Work is offered which leads to the degree with a focus in analytical, biological, environmental, inorganic, materials, medicinal, nanotechnology, organic physical, polymer or theoretical chemistry or chemical education. The student must pass a qualifying examination in his or her field of specialization. An acceptable dissertation must be presented which contains a substantial original contribution to the field of chemistry. The student must pass a final oral examination covering the dissertation and related material. The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires the completion of at least 90 semester credit hours of work beyond the bachelor's degree. The course requirements are determined by the student and his/her advisory committee consistent with departmental requirements. Faculty Nicholas Materer, PhD—Professor and Chair Regents Professors: K. Darrell Berlin, PhD; Frank D. Blum, PhD (Harrison i. Bartlett Chair); Warren T. Ford, PhD (emeritus); Lionel M. Raff, PhD; Ziad El Rassi, PhD Professors: Allen W. Apblett, PhD; Richard A. Bunce, PhD; J. Paul Devlin, PhD (emeritus); John I. Gelder, PhD; Barry Lavine, PhD; Mark G. Rockley, PhD (emeritus); Sheryl Tucker, PhD; Charles S. Weinert, PhD; Jeffrey White, PhD Associate Professors: Smita Mohanty, PhD Assistant Professors: Jeannie Bolliger, PhD; Gabriel Cook, PhD; Christopher Fennell, PhD; Sadagopan Krishnan, PhD; Toby Nelson, PhD; Ronald Rahaim, PhD; Laleh Tahsini, PhD; Yolanda Vasquez, PhD; Jimmie Weaver, PhD

• Chemistry: Departmental Degree, BS (p. 1036) • Chemistry: Pre-Health/Pre-Law, BS (p. 1038) • Chemistry: Secondary Teacher Certification, BS (p. 1040) • Medicinal and Biophysical Chemistry, BS (p. 1042)

• Biochemistry (BIOC), Minor (p. 1030) • Chemistry (CHEM), Minor (p. 1035) Graduate Programs Prerequisites

Students entering this program should have at least eight semester credit hours (or the equivalent) in general, analytical, organic and