Chemistry and Biochemistry
Program Description
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers graduate study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The diverse research interests of the faculty allow the student to pursue research in any of the following areas: environmental, bioorganic, organometallic, analytical or physical chemistry in addition to chemical education. Our graduate program prides itself on close interactions with students. Faculty and staff provide a supportive and responsive environment that is not always possible in large departments. Students will also find that the department has a nationally competitive and productive research program. The graduate programs in the department are designed to prepare students for industrial, government service or academic careers. Recent Ph.D. and M.S. graduates have readily found jobs in their fields in industry, governmental laboratories and in academia.
Quality faculty instruction is also emphasized both in the department and within the University as a whole. Representative chemistry course offerings at the graduate level include organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, biosynthesis, biological chemistry, physical biochemistry, organometallics, advanced inorganic chemistry, advanced physical chemistry, applied spectroscopy, chemical separations, environmental chemistry and aquatic chemistry. We believe successful chemists must be broadly trained in the fundamental theories and techniques of chemistry. Accordingly, students are encouraged to take courses outside of their research area.
| Program |
Degree Offered |
|
Chemistry
|
M.S.; Ph.D. |
| Chemistry (Analytical/Environmental Option) |
M.S.; Ph.D. |
| Chemistry (Inorganic Option) |
M.S.; Ph.D. |
| Chemistry (Organic Option) |
M.S.; Ph.D. |
| Chemistry (Physical Option) |
M.S.; Ph.D. |
Degrees Offered
Ph.D. Chemistry
Options are offered in:
Analytical/Environmental Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Requirements:
The Ph.D. is a research degree requiring a basic understanding of chemical fundamentals, advanced expertise in a selected subdiscipline and proven ability to conceive and carry out independent research. Specific requirements include passing 3 of 5 proficiency exams, satisfactory completion of three core curriculum courses and three elective courses, passing a divisional examination, successful oral defense of the dissertation proposal and an original research proposal, acceptance by the candidate's committee of a schedule of course work (60 credits of classes, seminars, research and thesis) and a dissertation based on original research. More details are available at the department web site.
M.S. Chemistry
Options are offered in:
Analytical/Environmental Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Requirements for thesis:
Must pass 3 of 5 proficiency exams and satisfactory completion of three core curriculum courses and three elective courses. Minimum of 30 semester credits, 20 in chemistry; and acceptance of a thesis by the candidate's committee based on original research.
Requirements for independent project:
Must pass 3 of 5 proficiency exams and satisfactory completion of three core curriculum courses and three elective courses. Minimum of 36 semester credits, no less than 20 in chemistry; and acceptance of an independent project by the candidate's committee.
Admissions
1. Application Materials and Deadline
Fall - Priority will be given to complete application packets postmarked by February 15. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.
Spring - Priority will be given to complete application packets postmarked by September 15. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.
For more detailed Chemistry Admissions information click: Chemistry (MS) or Chemistry (PhD)
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry also requires:
Three letters of recommendation from persons capable of assessing your background and potential.
2. Program Guidelines for Admission
3. Assistantship Application and Deadlines
To be considered for a teaching assistantship, it is recommended that applications be postmarked by February 15 (Fall) or September 15 (Spring). Since teaching and research assistantships are highly competitive, we recommend that applications be sent to us at least several weeks prior to these dates. Available teaching assistantships are awarded on or about February 15 (Fall admission) or September 15 (Spring admission). The Graduate School application for admission is used as the application form for teaching assistantships.
4. International Students
Financial Assistance
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on this web site.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
Most entering graduate students are awarded teaching assistantships. Research assistantships are commonly available to second year students, contingent on faculty research funds. Applicants for teaching assistantships are considered on the basis of scholarship and potential for advanced study and research. Our current support package for teaching assistants includes $19,867/year salary and $3,000/year to cover unwaivable fees and medical insurance. Research assistantship stipends are often higher in pay. In addition to their salaries, teaching assistants receive a full tuition and fee waiver (in-state or out-of-state).
Students should write the chemistry department or email chemistry@umontana.edu for more information regarding teaching and research assistantships. The web site is http://www.cas.umt.edu/chemistry/.
Scholarships
A variety of supplemental scholarships are available from the department and University for outstanding students. These scholarships include, but are not limited to, the University's Bertha Morton, Besancon, EPSCoR and the department's Lola Walsh Anacker, Stanley R. Ames and Leland Yates Scholarships. Students are selected for scholarships by faculty (no application for department scholarships).
Department website
Information request form
Campus Location
Chemistry Building - Room 115
Federal Express Delivery - Street Address
32 Campus Drive #1656
Missoula, MT 59812-1656
Graduate Recruitment Coordinator
(406) 243-4022
Fax: (406) 243-4227
chemistry@umontana.edu
Graduate Recruitment Chair
Professor Chris Palmer
(406) 243-4079
christopher.palmer@umontana.edu
a divisional examination
