M.S.  PROGRAM       ver   09/01/05


The department strongly recommends that new graduate students explore research opportunities and then select a permanent major advisor by the middle of their second quarter at OSU. Students starting in the Fall term should therefore decide on a research program by early February.

M.S. programs may be formed either with, or without, a thesis. Non-thesis programs may include a research project. There are also similar M.A. programs, which have an additional foreign language requirement. Consult the Graduate Catalog and the Graduate School web page  for more information on degree requirements.

M.S. students may declare a major and a minor, the minor is optional. If a minor is listed, the graduate school has several rules concerning the labels for the areas and your committee make-up. Within the chemistry department, the labels can be "chemistry" or any area of specialization in the graduate catalog, for example "nuclear chemistry" or "inorganic chemistry". A student might denote "nuclear chemistry" as the major and "chemistry" as the minor area.

When choosing committee members, if a minor area is chosen in another department, then the minor professor must be from that same department. If a minor is in chemistry, then the minor professor will be from chemistry. The minor professor approves the courses in the minor area, which may be a combination of chemistry and other courses. If the minor professor is from another department, the minor can be denoted "integrated" if the program contains courses from more than one department. If the minor professor is in chemistry, the label "integrated" cannot be used. If all the courses are in chemistry, the division of the courses between major and minor areas is arbitrary.

A limited number of credit hours from one M.S. degree can be used on another M.S. program. Using M.S. coursework on a Ph.D. program in another department requires approval of the second department. M.S. coursework can be used for the Ph.D. program within the same department.

M.S. degree students must file a study program with the graduate school before completing 18 hours of graduate credit. The study program (available on Grad School website) should be submitted and approved before the end of the second term of residence. 

Some additional rules for M.S. students:

•         A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at OSU after admission as a graduate student.

•         If both the major and minor are chemistry, an area of concentration within chemistry must be identified for either the major or the minor. 

•        All work, courses, research, and exams must be completed within seven years.

M.S. with thesis –

Your program committee must contain at least 4 faculty members. You should discuss the appropriate composition with your major professor. It must include:

•         Your major professor,

•         A minor professor (only if a minor is declared)

•         A graduate council representative selected from a list provided bt the graduate school

•         An additional faculty member from chemistry. 

Your program of study should include

•         6 to 12 credits in CH 503 (thesis).

•        Up to 6 credits of blanket-numbered courses such as seminar (CH 507)

•        At least 27 credits from regular courses

•         A total of 45 credits

M.S., non-thesis option – coursework with research project –

 Your program committee must contain at least 3 faculty members. You should discuss the appropriate composition with your major professor. It must include

•         Your major professor, 

•         A minor professor (only if a minor is declared)

•         An additional faculty member from chemistry.

 Your program of study should include

•         3 to 6 credits of CH 501 (research) or CH 505 (reading and conference).These research credits must be labeled "in lieu of thesis". These are sometimes called "project credits" or "research paper" credits.

•         Up to 6 credits for blanket number courses such as CH 507 (seminar)

•         At least 33 credits from regular courses

•         A total of 45 credits

Preliminary oral exams are not required for M.S. students, but all M.S. students must pass a final oral exam. This exam is given by the program committee and evaluates your ability to defend the work and conclusions in your thesis (for M.S. with thesis degrees), or to evaluate your knowledge in the major and minor areas of specialization. Schedule and notify committee and major department of date, time and place of exam. Submit an Event Scheduling Form to the Graduate School at least 1 week prior to your final exam.

If a student begins a Ph.D. program and later changes to an M.S. instead, up to 6 previously earned thesis credits (CH603) can be converted to research credits (CH501) in lieu of thesis. The form for requesting this conversion is available at the graduate school.

Within the chemistry department, students are associated with a particular division through their major professor. The division, the student's major professor, and/or the program committee may include additional degree requirements. For example, a division may require that the student fulfill all course requirements for the "thesis" option. If research is involved, the committee may require the submission and defense of a report or other manuscript.

Recommended courses by divisions

Analytical:  CH 660, 661, 662, 696. Present one graded (P/N) research seminar (CH507) (1 cr)

Inorganic:  CH 511, 512 and any 2 of the following: 513, 614, 616.

Nuclear:  CH 518 and any 2 of the following: 519, 676, 677, 590

Organic:  CH 630, 631, 632, 535. Present one divisional seminar (register for 2 credits)

Physical:  CH 550, 651, 553 and at least 2 other graduate-level courses in physical chemistry or physics.

Ph.D. PROGRAM - ver 09/01/05

The department strongly recommends that new graduate students explore research opportunities and then select a permanent major advisor by the middle of their second quarter at OSU. Students starting in the Fall term should therefore decide on a research program by early February.

Your program committee must contain at least 5 faculty members. You should discuss the appropriate composition with your major professor. It must include

•         Your major professor,

•         A graduate council representative selected from a list provided bt the graduate school

•         At least one faculty member from within your major research area and one not in this area.

•         At least two committee members must be chemistry faculty.

A minor is not required, but if you do declare one, consult the graduate school for additional rules on choosing committee members.

 The purpose of your initial program committee meeting is to approve your coursework (as listed on the program sheet) and research plans for the coming years. You are responsible for convening a program meeting and filing a study program with the graduate school between May 1 and May 15 or before the end of your 3rd term at OSU.

Your program of study must include at least 108 graduate credits consisting of:

•         At least 27 credits from regular courses

•         Meeting divisional requirements for seminars – see SEMINARS below

•         At least one quarter of CH 607-5 (Teaching Seminar) if you will ever hold a graduate teaching assistantship.

•         The remainder of credits may be thesis (CH603)
 
Written preliminary (cumulative) exams are given by the organic and analytical chemistry divisions.  Exams may cover course content as well as information from seminars, reading, and individual study. You must pass these written exams before scheduling your oral preliminary exam.

The oral preliminary examination is normally taken during the third year of graduate study. Before scheduling this exam, you should have completed most, but not necessarily all, of your planned coursework. You must schedule this exam with the graduate school. Download and bring a copy of the "Program Meeting Checklist" to the meeting. The exam may include a presentation of your progress on thesis research, research proposals (generally on topics pre-approved by the major professor or the committee), and/or general questions about your area of chemistry. Your doctoral committee may decide on the exact exam format.

Ph.D. students can sometimes obtain a simultaneous non-thesis M.S. degree. The M.S. oral exam must be scheduled through the grad school and may be scheduled on the same day or very near your Ph.D. preliminary oral exam. The coursework for the M.S. degree must be completed prior to this meeting. Note that you must apply for permission to do a concurrent degree using the change of degree/major form from the Grad School website.

After submitting your thesis, you must take a final oral examination and thesis defense. Schedule this exam with the graduate school as a 2-hr meeting at least one week in advance. This exam is given by the doctoral committee and will evaluate your ability to defend the work and conclusions contained in your thesis. You cannot schedule both the preliminary oral exam and the final thesis defense during the same academic term.

Specific minimum requirements by division:

Analytical:
•         Core analytical courses - CH 660, 661, 662, and 696  (currently 14 cr)
•         Three graded (P/N) seminars (CH 607) (3 cr). Teaching seminar may be counted as one of these seminars and the other two seminars must be research seminars presented to the department.  During all terms in residence, students are expected to attend all seminars presented by other analytical students and other appropriate seminars presented by faculty and outside speakers.
•         Elective courses approved by students research director and committee

Bioanalytical and related courses:

• BB 590 Biochemistry (3 cr)
• BB 591 Biochemistry (3 cr)
• BB 592 Biochemistry (3 cr)
• BB 654 Proteins (3 cr)
• CH 524 Bioanalytical chemistry (3 cr)

Environmental chemistry and related courses
• ATS 513 Atmospheric Chemistry (3 cr)
• CH 691 Environmental Chemistry of Organic Substances (3 cr)
• CH 692 Environmental Transformations of Organic Compounds (3 cr)
• CE 514 Groundwater Hydraulics (3 cr)
• ENV 531 Fate and Transport of Chemicals in Environmental Systems (4 cr)
• ENV 532 Aquatic Chemistry (4 cr)
• ENV 541 Microbial Processes In Environmental Systems (4 cr)
• OC 665 Aquatic chemistry (4 cr)
• TOX 590 Environmental Forensic Chemistry (3 cr)

Additional Elective Courses and Other Information for Analytical Graduate Students 

Inorganic:
•   CH 511, 512, 513 (register for 4 credits for each of these), and 614, 616.
•    Seminars: Present one divisional seminar. Attend PAIN seminars presented by other students or faculty during all terms in residence.
 •   For terms when you do not give a seminar, register for 1 credit CH 607-Seminar, P/N grading. For terms when you do give a seminar, register for 1 credit CH 607-Seminar/Presentation with P/N grading

Nuclear Chemistry:
•   CH 518.
•    Present at least one seminar in either physics or chemistry.
•    Discuss other requirements with your major advisor.

 Organic:
•   CH 535, 630, 631, 632, 636, 637, 638
•    A total of 27 credit hours of graded courses.
•    Present two graded seminars. A detailed written report is also required for each seminar. There are no restrictions on topics except that it cannot be directly related to the student's research project.
•    For quarters when you do not give a seminar, do not register for this seminar. For the quarter(s) when you give seminars, register for CH 633-Hypothesis, Evidence, and Argument in Organic Chemistry for 2 credits with A-F grading.

 Physical:
•   CH 553, 550, 651, 652.
•    Special topics courses should be taken when offered.
•    Present at least one divisional seminar
•    For terms when you do not give a seminar, register for 1 credit CH 607-Seminar, P/N grading  For terms when you  do give a seminar, register for 1 credit CH 607-Seminar/Presentation with A-F grading.
 •   Mathematics and physics are important adjuncts to physical chemistry and therefore the students will be expected to be adequately prepared in one or both of these areas as his/her needs dictate. Representation on his/her Doctoral Committee of one or both of the departments is desirable.

CREDIT HOURS          ver  09/01/05

In order to be eligible for a TA or RA, you must register for at least 12 credit hours during fall, winter, or spring terms, or at least 9 credits during summer session. The Chemistry Department asks you to enroll in 16 credit hours each quarter. In part, this will help avoid the loss of support in case you need to withdraw from a course. Since 3 regular courses is usually only 9-10 credits, the other credits should include seminar (CH 607) and thesis (CH 603). CH 501 is only for use by non-thesis M.S. students who have already chosen a major advisor.

 ANNUAL REPORTS        ver  09/01/05

Once each year, between May 1 and May 15, each graduate student in the department will submit a report, no more than 2 pages in length, signed by the student's major professor, stating progress toward the degree. In addition, at this time, each Ph.D. student will meet with his or her program committee to discuss progress and distribute the report to committee members. A copy of the report is also to be submitted to the Graduate Academic Committee. In the report, each student should describe the research progress over the past year and the probability of achieving the advanced degree of interest in an appropriate time. M.S. students are not required to meet with the program committee.

1.  The purpose of the policy is to assure that all students are moving in a timely fashion toward a degree. If there  are problems, with the student or perhaps the major professor, a yearly report should make this known, and the resolution to correct the problem can begin immediately.

2. There are currently three meetings that each Ph.D. candidate has with his/her program committee: the initial meeting to determine the candidate's program, the oral exam, and the final thesis exam. This policy will add only two more meetings, not five more. For M.S. students, only a report to the graduate academic committee is required each year.

3. For first-year students the appropriate response to this policy is to convene your program committee prior to May 15. Your report will then cover performance in coursework, selection of a major professor, and filing of the program with the Graduate School.

4. For 2nd year students and beyond, the report should be filed with both the graduate academic committee and your program committee. If you have already met during the year with your program committee, you do not need to do so again unless you are not making satisfactory progress toward the degree. Ph.D. students who have not met with the doctoral committee during the past year should convene a progress meeting by May 15. Attendance of the graduate-school representative at the progress meeting is not required.

SEMINARS - ver  09/01/05

Students should attend all seminars in their own division and are also encouraged to attend departmental seminars.

Physical / Analytical / Inorganic / Nuclear divisions: 

 For terms when you do not give a seminar, register for 1 credit CH 607-Seminar, P/N grading. For terms when you do give a seminar, register for 1 credit CH 607-Seminar/Presentation with either P/N grading (analytical or inorganic divisions) or A-F grading (physical/nuclear division).

Organic division:

For terms when you do not give a seminar, do not register for this seminar. For the quarter(s) when you do give seminars, register for CH 633-Hypothesis, Evidence, and Argument in Organic Chemistry for 2 credits with A-F grading.

Teaching Seminars:

New TAs should attend the two-day course given during orientation week and register for 1 credit of CH 607-5 (Teaching Seminar).

Additional seminar registration is summarized below:

ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH PERFORMANCE - ver  09/01/05

Grades below C are not accepted by the graduate school for graduate credit. A grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 is required, if your cumulative GPA drops below 3.00, you may be denied registration as a graduate student. This GPA is calculated by using all A-F graded courses after admission to the graduate degree.

The chemistry department views grades below B- as unsatisfactory performance. These grades may result in a variety of actions, including retaking the classes, restriction to the M.S. degree, or termination from the graduate program.

The department requires that graduate students continue to make satisfactory progress throughout their program, which includes forming their study program, completing their required exams, and continued research progress.

TO CHANGE STUDY PROGRAMS, DEGREES, OR ADVISORS - ver 09/01/05

If you need to change your study program, file a "Petition for Change form" with the graduate school. The document can be found online at the Graduate School web page.

 Major changes to your study and research programs, such as a change from the M.S. to Ph.D. program, or vice versa, or a change in your major advisor, require departmental approval. Begin by discussing this with your advisor or the department chair.

First-year students are typically assigned a temporary faculty advisor before selecting a research program.  Changing to a permanent  major advisor before you form a program committee does not require any formal action.

TENURE OF SUPPORT - ver 09/01/05

Typically, students should require 2-3 years for the M.S. degree and 4-5 years for the Ph.D. degree. TA and RA support requires satisfactory progress toward your degree. The department will not normally allow financial support for more than 6 years in the Ph.D. program (or for more than 4 years before passing the oral preliminary exam). For an M.S. degree, the time limit for support is normally 4 years. 

CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENT / MINNIMUM REGISTRATION

Unless on approved Leave of Absence, all graduate students must register continuously for a minimum of 3 graduate credits, excluding summer session, until their degree is granted.  See the complete Continuous Enrollment Policy here.  To apply for an approved Leave of Absence, use the Intent to Resume Graduate Status form (Word/Adobe).

LABORATORY SAFETY - ver 09/01/05

Contacts and comprehensive safety policy information is available on the OSU website at http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/lab.php.  Essential laboratory safety rules are posted throughout Gilbert and Gilbert Addition.  A laboratory safety workshop is offered during orientation week for incoming graduate students. Other laboratory safety workshops may be offered during the year by special arrangement. Dr. Chris Pastorek is responsible for safety issues in the department and problems may be reported to her or to the building manager.

PUBLICATION ISSUES - ver 09/01/05

Different faculty members may have different policies on publishing results, for example, on where and when to submit results, or on the number and order of the authors listed. In some cases, these decisions depend on external factors such as the source of project funding. The best time to clarify such questions is at the beginning of your research project. Discuss any concerns about publishing results directly with your major advisor. 

ACADEMIC HONESTY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES - ver 09/01/05

OSU has specific policies on academic honesty and grievance procedures, which can be found online. The chemistry department follows these policies.

STUDENT SHOP AND COURSE - ver 09/01/05

In order to use the student machine shop in Gilbert 034, you must participate in a training course to learn about the equipment and its safe operation.   In past years, this class was taught at Linn-Benton Community College.   It can also be organized with Steve Etringer (7-3638) or Steve Adams (7-2600) in Engineering, using an OSU location. Contact the Department Chair or your advisor if you are interested in using the machine shop.

GRADUATE STUDENT UNION & COLLECTIVE BARGAINING - ver 09/01/05

Some graduate assistants are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Coalition of Graduate Employees (CGE).   You will be notified in writing by this department of your bargaining unit status when you are assigned duties.  You will also receive a position description detailing your duties each term. For more information about CGE, go to http://www.peak.org/~cge/.

APPENDIX 1. SAMPLE STUDY PROGRAMS - ver 09/01/05

Typical 1st Year – Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry

Fall Term (16 Credits Total)	Winter Term (16 Credits Total)	Spring Term (16 Credits Total)
CH 630 (Adv Org I - 3 credits)	CH 631 (Adv Org II - 3 credits)	CH 632 (Adv Org III - 3 credits)
BB 590 (Biochem - 3 credits) or  CH 511 (Inorg - 4 credits)	Significant laboratory research  is expected beginning in this quarter
CH 535 (Spect - 3 Credits)
CH 607-5 (TA Seminar - 1 credit)
CH 603 (Thesis - 5-6 credits)	CH 603 (Thesis - 13 credits)	CH 603 (Thesis - 13 credits)

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Typical 1st Year – Analytical and Environmental Chemistry

Fall Term (16 Credits Total)	Winter Term (16 Credits Total)	Spring Term (16 Credits Total)
CH 661 (Separations - 3 credits)	CH 662* (Electrochem - 3 credits)	CH 660* (Spectro - 3 credits)
ST 511, BB 590 or CH 524 (3 credits)	ST 511 or ENVE 531 (3 credits)	CH 696 (Comp Interfac - 4 credits)
		CH 691 or other (3 credits)
CH 607-5 (TA Seminar - 1 credit)
CH 607-1 (Seminar - 1 credit)	CH 607-1 (Seminar - 1 credit)	CH 607-1 (Seminar - 1 credit)
CH 603 (Thesis - 8 credits)	CH 603 (Thesis - 9 credits)	CH 603 (Thesis - 5 credits)

*  = Course offered in alternate years

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Typical 1st Year – Physical Chemistry

Fall Term (16 Credits Total)	Winter Term (16 Credits Total)	Spring Term (16 Credits Total)
CH 550 (Quantum I - 3 credits)	CH 651* (Quantum II - 3 credits)	CH 652* (Quantum III - 3 credits)
	CH 545* (Materials - 3 credits) or  CH 548* (Surface - 3 credits)	CH 553* (Chem Thermo -  3 credits)
CH 607-5 (TA Seminar - 1 credit)		CH 567* (Mol Spec - 3 credits)
CH 607-1 (Seminar - 1 credit)	CH 607-1 (Seminar - 1 credit)	CH 607-1 (Seminar - 1 credit)
CH 603 (Thesis - 11 credits)	CH 603 (Thesis - 9 credits)	CH 603 (Thesis - 8-9 credits)