Graduate
Student
Handbook
UNCW
Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry
Robert J. Kieber
Graduate Coordinator
Table of Contents
Subject
Page number
Introduction
Degree requirements
General Requirements for the Master of Science Degree
Requirements for the Master of Science in Chemistry Degree
Course descriptions
Course Load
Directed Individual Study (CHM 591)
Adding and Dropping Courses
Withdrawal from a Course
Course Waiver
Degree Time Limit
Grade of “I” (Incomplete
Grading and Retention
Appeals
Retention
Preregistration and Registration
Re-enrollment
Health Insurance
Graduate Seminar Policy
Graduate Advisor and Graduate Committee
Role of the Faculty Advisor
The Graduate Committee
Thesis Prospectus-CHM 501
Literature Review
Experimental Plan
The Comprehensive Examination
The Thesis
Admission to Candidacy
Defense of Thesis
Graduation
Research and Travel Awards
Typical Schedule for a Two Year Program
Chemistry Department office information (copy card, door access, fax,
ID, mail, parking, travel, telephone, supplies)
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Introduction
This handbook is intended to supplement, not displace, policies and practices described in
the UNCW Graduate Catalogue. The UNCW University Graduate Catalogue for the year of
enrollment is the final authority.
Chemistry Department Mission statement
The mission of the UNCW Department of Chemistry is aligned with the mission
of the University and the College of Arts and Sciences. The Department of Chemistry is
committed to providing exemplary programs incorporating modern technologies that lead to the
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science degrees in chemistry. The
Department of Chemistry is devoted to the development and recognition of outstanding teaching,
learning, research and creative accomplishments, professional service by faculty and students,
and faculty and staff development. Recognizing the unique coastal environment in which it
resides, the Department of Chemistry encourages instruction and research in the areas of marine
and environmental sciences.
Facilities
The chemistry department at UNCW is housed in Dobo Hall where there are
approximately 50,000 square feet of laboratory space for chemistry. Each faculty member has an
individual research laboratory (eight benches and four fume hoods in total) and a common area
with desks for graduate students. In addition, we have a large instrument laboratory, clean room,
environmental chambers, and two cold rooms.
The chemistry department also has space for several faculty members at the new Center
for Marine Science facility along the intracoastal waterway on Masonboro Sound south of
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The new facility has 70,000 square feet of indoor research
space and a 900 ft pier capable of accommodating a 75ft. research vessel as well as a host of
other smaller vessels. A flowing seawater facility provides scientists with raw, filtered and
treated seawater for a host of research applications. Also included at the Center are a fully
equipped diving locker as well as a machine shop, and other logistical support services.
Goals of the Master of Science in Chemistry Program
The Department of Chemistry offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science
degree in chemistry. The objectives of this program are to give students who have an
undergraduate foundation in chemistry the opportunity to engage in advanced course work, in–
depth study, and independent research, in order to acquire the skills of assimilating known
information and generating new knowledge. These problem–solving skills will provide the
foundation for future contributions by graduates in various areas of chemistry, whether they seek
employment directly or choose to undertake further graduate study elsewhere.
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Specific Goals
1. To offer a diverse curriculum including courses that provide a solid foundation in the core
areas of chemistry and special topics courses that draw on the special research expertise of the
faculty.
2. To provide students with advanced understanding of the theory that underlies the design,
operation, and use of modern chemical instrumentation in order to increase their opportunities
for employment or continuing graduate study.
3. To enhance faculty research efforts by collaboration with graduate students. This is achieved
by collaborative research efforts with faculty supervisors, and co-authorship of graduate students
and faculty on professional publications, presentations, and other scientific efforts (e.g., software
development).
Program Requirements
Admission Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in chemistry are required to
submit the following to the Graduate School:
1.
2.
3.
4.
An official application for graduate admission
Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, analytical)
Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields
An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination is expected. A bachelor's
degree with a concentration in chemistry from an accredited college or university in this country,
or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four–year program, is required for admission,
along with a "B" average or better in chemistry courses. Admission decisions are based upon
several factors, and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the
established criteria in one of the areas may be considered for admission.
Degree Requirements
Programs leading to the Master of Science degree require a minimum of 30 semester hours of
graduate study. Up to eight credit hours of graduate courses in other natural and mathematical
sciences may be approved by the student’s advisory committee. A maximum of six semester
hours of credit may be transferred from another accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer
work must be equivalent to a "B" or better, and courses must be acceptable to the student’s
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advisory committee. A minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate study must be completed in
residence.
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Each student must successfully complete a written and oral comprehensive exam.
Each student must demonstrate computer proficiency.
Each student must submit a thesis reporting the results of an original research project that
has been approved by the student’s advisory committee. An oral defense of the thesis is
required. Each student will present a seminar on his or her research project.
The program must be completed within five years of the date of first registration for
graduate study.
Academic Program and Policies
Required Courses
All graduate students must take:
CHM 501 Introduction to Chemical Research (2)
CHM 595 Graduate Seminar (2)
CHM 599 Thesis (3-6)
and at least three of the following core courses:
CHM 516 Advanced Organic Chemistry (3)
CHM 521 Advanced Physical Chemistry (3)
CHM 536 Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3)
CHM 546 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CHM 568 Advanced Biochemistry (3)
The five core graduate-only courses are offered each year: Advanced Inorganic
Chemistry (CHM 546), Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHM 516) and Advanced Biochemistry
(CHM 568) are taught each fall whereas Advanced Physical Chemistry (CHM 521) and
Advanced Analytical Chemistry (CHM 536) are taught each spring semester. Each graduate
student must take three of these courses to meet degree requirements. Each core course builds
on material in the undergraduate curriculum which enables students to think more deeply about
fundamental chemical concepts. In addition to core courses, some of the upper level
undergraduate courses are offered at the graduate level (cross listed as 400/500). In these cases,
instructors require graduate students to perform additional work beyond that required of the
undergraduate students.
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Course Descriptions
CHM 501. Introduction to Chemical Research (2) Scientific proposal and manuscript
preparation. Communication techniques. Experimental design and data analysis. Computer
applications. Library use. Laboratory safety. Two hours each week.
CHM 512. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (2) Prerequisite: Two semesters of
organic chemistry. Interpretation and acquisition of proton and carbon, one and two dimensional
NMR spectra. Molecular structure elucidation of organic molecules using NMR spectroscopy.
One hour of lecture and two hours of lab per week.
CHM 516. Advanced Organic Chemistry (3) Prerequisite: Two semesters of organic
chemistry. Study of contemporary synthetic organic chemistry. Topics may include chiral
synthetic methods, natural products synthesis, bioorganic chemistry, relationships between
structure and reactivity and the role of reactive intermediates, with emphasis placed on examples
from the recent literature.
CHM 517. (417) Medicinal Chemistry (3) Prerequisite: Two semesters of organic chemistry.
Systematic study of the chemistry and biological activity of hormones, vitamins, drugs affecting
the nervous system, and other miscellaneous agents.
CHM 521. Advanced Physical Chemistry (3) Prerequisite: CHM 520 (420) or equivalent. The
study of quantum statistical mechanical basis of thermodynamics, including the behavior of
solids and liquids. Kinetics of chemical reactions, particularly the microscopic picture of
chemical reactions based on quantum statistical mechanics.
CHM 525 (424) Computational Chemistry (3) Prerequisite: Physical chemistry. Theory and
practice of computational chemistry, including molecular mechanics, semi-empirical and ab
initio molecular orbital theory, density functional theory, and molecular dynamics. Two lecture
and two computer lab hours each week.
CHM 536. Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3) Prerequisite: Organic chemistry. Application
of modern analytical methods to chemical problems. Emphasis upon chemical information,
structural and quantitative, obtainable from these techniques. Topics may include modern
spectroscopic, chromatographic, electrochemical or bioanalytical techniques.
CHM 545. (445) Inorganic Chemistry (3) Prerequisite: Physical chemistry and quantitative
analysis, or equivalent. Study of periodic relationships: crystal lattice theory; transition metals
and ions; crystal field theory; organometallic structures and reactions; and reaction mechanisms.
CHM 546. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3) Prerequisite: CHM 545 or equivalent. Study of
contemporary inorganic chemistry. Topics may include organometallic or bioinorganic
chemistry and/or group theoretical treatment of current topics in inorganic chemistry.
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CHM 567. (467) Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation (2) Prerequisite or
corequisite: CHM 566 or equivalent. Theory and practice of advanced biochemical techniques.
Topics may include buffer and reagent preparation, protein assay, protein purification,
electrophoresis, enzyme kinetics, vesicle construction, DNA isolation, and molecular
visualization and modeling. Four hours each week.
CHM 568. Advanced Biochemistry (3) Prerequisite: CHM 365 or equivalent and CHM 321.
Topics may include protein structure, stability, and visualization, enzyme kinetics and
mechanisms including enzyme activators, inhibitors, and inactivators, ligand recognition and
binding, and enzyme regulation.
CHM 574. Aquatic Chemistry (3) Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. The chemistry of
aqueous solutions, including use of activity coefficients, acid-base and buffer concepts, gas
solubility, results of carbon dioxide dissolution, trace metal speciation, oxidation-reduction
processes, photochemistry and mineral solubility. Concepts will be applied to laboratory
solutions and natural waters.
CHM 575. Chemical Oceanography (3) Prerequisite: General chemistry. An oceanography
course is recommended. Sources, distribution, forms of occurrence, and reactions of chemical
species in seawater. Estuarine reactions, air–seawater and sediment–seawater reactions, and
human impact on the oceans.
CHM 576. (PHY 576) Chemical and Physical Analysis of Seawater (3) Prerequisite:
Permission of instructor. Study of modern chemical and physical measurements of seawater
including salinity, alkalinity, pH nutrients, and dissolved oxygen. Several class periods may also
be devoted to working aboard an oceanographic research vessel while at sea.
CHM 579/MSC 579. Role of the Oceans in Human Health (3) Prerequisite: CHM 212, BiO
110, or consent of instructor. Discovery, structure, and biological activity of marine bioactive
compounds, chemotaxonomy, pharmaceutical leads, marine biotoxins, structure, mode of action,
regulation and monitoring, the producing organisms, how (biosynthesis) and why these
compounds are made. Two lectures per week.
CHM 585. Industrial and Polymer Chemistry (3) Prerequisites: Physical chemistry and two
semesters of organic chemistry. Properties, synthesis, and reactions of major industrial
chemicals; synthetic plastics, polyesters, polyamides, and rubbers; soaps and detergents;
petrochemicals; paints and pigments; dyes; explosives; pulp and paper; pharmaceutical and
nuclear industries; mechanism of polymerization; copolymerization; physical and chemical
properties of polymers; polymer characterization; advances in polymer technology.
CHM 590. Special Topics (1–3) Study of a topic or technique in chemistry not covered in
regular courses. May be repeated for credit.
CHM 591. Directed Individual Study (1–6) Directed Independent Study.
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CHM 595. Graduate Seminar (1) Discussion by students, faculty, and guest lecturers of
research ideas and/or research results. May be repeated two times for credit
CHM 599. Thesis (3–6) Laboratory research for thesis and thesis preparation.
NOTE: Students should complete all, or at least most, of their course work during their
first year.
Course Load
Graduate Regular Term
Full–time status requires a minimum enrollment of nine credit hours. However, a
graduate student may also be considered full–time when enrolled for less than nine hours if the
student: 1) holds a full (20 hour) teaching or research assistantship and is enrolled in five or more
hours, 2) holds a partial (less than 20 hours) teaching or research assistantship and is enrolled for
seven or more hours, 3) is enrolled for one to three hours of research (BIO 698), thesis (599)
or dissertation (BIO 699) work, 4) is enrolled in GRC 600 (continuous enrollment), 5) is
enrolled in PSY 598 (Internship), or 6) is enrolled in NSGL 594 (Clinical Practicum) or NSG
595 (Education Residency). Half–time status begins with at least four and a half (4.5) credit
hours. A student may not enroll beyond two terms of continuous enrollment (GRC 600).
Summer counts as one regular term.
Graduate Summer Term
A graduate student in good standing, who is pre-registered for the following fall
semester, is not required to enroll during the summer to maintain status as a graduate student and
retain privileges for access to campus facilities. Full–time status, however, requires a minimum
enrollment of four credit hours. A student may also be considered full–time when enrolled for
less than four hours if the student: 1) holds a full (20 hour) teaching or research assistantship and
is enrolled in two or more hours, 2) holds a partial (less than 20 hours) teaching or research
assistantship and is enrolled for three or more hours, 3) is enrolled for one to three hours of
research (BIO 698), thesis (599) or dissertation (BIO 699) work, 4) is enrolled in GRC 600
(continuous enrollment), 5) is enrolled in PSY 598 (Internship), or 6) is enrolled in NSGL 594
(Clinical Practicum) or NSG 595 (Education Residency). One to three hours of thesis work may
also qualify the student as half–time if approved in writing by the graduate dean. A student may
not enroll beyond two terms of continuous enrollment (GRC 600). Summer counts as one regular
term.
Directed Individual Study (CHM 591)
All Directed Individual Study courses must have approval of the instructor, program
director, and dean. You may accomplish this by completing a Directed Individual Study form
supplied by the Graduate School. The chemistry departmental office also has a supply of these
forms.
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Adding and Dropping Courses
Courses may be added or dropped only in the official drop/add period, which is noted in
the current Schedule of Classes (http://www.uncw.edu/scheduleinfo).
Withdrawal from a Course
A student is allowed to withdraw from the university or from individual courses through
the first week of the semester without having a grade entered on the academic record. From the
second week through the twelfth week of the semester, any student who withdraws will receive
a grade of W. A grade of W will not affect the student’s grade point average. Beginning with the
thirteenth week of the semester, a grade of F will be assigned for each course withdrawal.
To withdraw from an individual class or classes, the student must report to the Graduate
School before or on the last day for withdrawal as indicated in the university calendar of events.
To withdraw from all classes, the student must process an official withdrawal form through the
Graduate School. If the student is unable to appear in person to withdraw, written notice must be
sent to the Graduate School.
Should extenuating circumstances warrant, the grade of F assigned for course withdrawal
may be changed to a W. This determination will be made by the Graduate School. It is the
student’s responsibility to initiate the appeal. The decision of the dean is final and must be
rendered prior to the end of the semester in which the withdrawal occurred.
Course Waiver or Substitution
A student may request a waiver of a required course if a good reason exists. You may
also request a substitution of a course for another degree requirement. These requests must be
approved by the chemistry graduate committee, the student’s faculty advisor and the dean of the
Graduate School.
Degree Time Limit
A graduate student has five calendar years (masters) or six calendar years (Ph.D.) to
complete his or her degree program. The period begins with the student’s first term of work after
formal admission to a degree–granting program. Work completed as a non–degree student does
not initiate the five–year period for completing a degree program.
Courses taken more than five calendar years prior to the admission of a student into a
degree program at UNCW normally are not accepted for credit toward fulfilling the requirements
of the student’s degree program. In some cases, however, with approval of the student’s advisory
committee and department/unit chair, a student may petition the Graduate School to accept for
credit work that is more than five years old.
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Grade of “I” (Incomplete)
An incomplete grade may be given if the course instructor determines that exceptional
circumstances warrant extending the time for the student to complete the course work. The
instructor may set the maximum allowable period for completion of the course work, but in no
case will the extension exceed one year. If the time allowed is to be less than one year, this
information should be transmitted in writing to the student, with a copy to the Graduate School.
If, within 12 months, a change of grade has not been submitted by the instructor, the incomplete
automatically becomes an F.
Grading and Retention
Three grades of C, one grade of F, or one grade of U (thesis) results in dismissal from the
graduate program. Further, if a student falls below a 3.0 GPA at any time, he or she goes on
academic probation and has either three subsequent courses or nine hours to bring the GPA up to
at least a 3.0. In addition, a student must have at least a 3.0 GPA in order to begin any program
specific comprehensive examination and/or thesis work.
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
F
S
U
I
W
Grade Point
4.00 qp Excellence
3.67 qp
3.33 qp
3.00 qp Completely satisfactory
2.67 qp
2.33 qp
2.00 qp Minimally acceptable
0 qp Failure
Satisfactory progress (thesis)
Unsatisfactory progress (thesis)
Work incomplete
Withdraw passing
*Earned grade points = quality points
The grade point ratio is determined by dividing the accumulated number of grade points earned
(quality points) by the accumulated number of quality hours.
Appeals
Any student who protests a course grade shall first attempt to resolve the matter with the
instructor involved. Failing to reach a satisfactory resolution, the student may appeal the grade in
accordance with the procedures outlined below. Such appeals must be made not later than the
last day of the next regular semester.
The student shall present the appeal in writing to the dean of the college or school within
which the protested grade was awarded. By conferring with the student and the instructor, the
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dean will seek resolution by mutual agreement. Failing such resolution, the dean will transmit the
written appeal to the Graduate School. The dean of the Graduate School will convene the Grade
Appeals Committee.
The Grade Appeals Committee will consist of the graduate dean as chairperson and five
members of the graduate faculty appointed by the graduate dean. If the committee affirms the
instructor’s decision, the graduate dean will notify in writing the faculty member, the student,
and the appropriate dean. If the committee supports the student’s appeal, it shall prescribe the
method by which the student will be reevaluated. If the reevaluation results in a grade change,
the established Course Grade Change procedure will be followed. The grade resulting from the
reevaluation is final and may not be appealed further.
Retention
Graduate students in good standing (maintaining satisfactory grades and making
substantial progress toward the completion of their degree) may be continuously eligible to
enroll for a period up to five (5) years of the date of their first registration for graduate study at
UNC Wilmington. Under exceptional circumstances, students may address an appeal to the dean
of the Graduate School for an extension of time up to one year.
Three grades of “C” or one grade of “F” results in your dismissal from the graduate
program. Further, if you fall below a 3.0 GPA any time, you are placed on academic probation
and have three subsequent courses to bring your GPA up to at least 3.0. In addition, you must
have at least 3.0 GPA to begin any program-specific comprehensive examination and/or thesis
work.
You must have no less than a 3.0 GPA on all graduate-level courses. Grades of A, B, C,
F, S and W are permanent grades and can be changed only by the dean of the Graduate School in
cases of arithmetical or clerical error or because of a protest of grade.
Preregistration and Registration
Registration PIN numbers are available from the graduate coordinator or from your thesis
advisor a few days before registration. You should seek registration advice from your thesis
advisor before registering. To assure a seat in the classes you wish to take, you should take
advantage of the preregistration process available to you following your first term in residence.
Re-enrollment
Should you have a break in enrollment of either a fall or spring semester (not summer),
you must file a re-enrollment form with the dean of the Graduate School. The re-enrollment
form is available in the Graduate Office.
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Seminar Policy
Each semester the Chemistry department offers seminars by scientists and students.
These seminars are designed to provide intellectual stimulation for both students and faculty, and
you are expected to attend. Students will take CHM 595, “Graduate Seminar,” two times for
credit, normally during their first two semesters of coursework. Students are required to give
one seminar over the two semesters of enrollment.
Research Advising Information and Policies
Graduate Advisor and Graduate Committee
You must have a faculty advisor to guide your selection of courses and your progress in
research. Your advisor is determined by mutual consent. When a student is first admitted the
graduate coordinator will serve as interim advisor. Under unusual circumstances, a student may
elect to change graduate advisors. This must be accomplished with the knowledge and consent
of both the new and current graduate advisors. The student should consult the graduate
coordinator for assistance in accomplishing the change. If a student is unable to continue with the
original advisor and, after consultation with the graduate coordinator, is unable to obtain a new
advisor, the student will be ineligible to continue in the program.
Your graduate advisor will help you in selecting at least two other faculty members to
serve on the graduate committee. One of these faculty members may be from a different
academic department than your primary advisor. The faculty members of your committee, in
addition to your primary advisor, should be selected during your first semester in residence. The
graduate committee should be chosen to provide you with additional expertise in designing and
carrying out your thesis research. Any graduate faculty member at UNC Wilmington is eligible
to serve as an advisor or a committee member if he or she provides the needed expertise. Faculty
from other universities can also be invited to serve as committee members in addition to the three
UNCW faculty.
Role of the Faculty Advisor
A primary role of your faculty advisor is to help you choose a thesis topic and the design
of the research program. Your advisor will give advice on and edit your thesis. Your advisor,
therefore, must have expertise in the area of your research and usually will agree to advise only
those students wishing to pursue a research topic within his or her range of expertise.
The Graduate Committee
Your advisory committee will help you in many ways. Members will assist in putting
together your degree program and must approve your program of courses. They will also assist
you with the development of the research proposal and must approve the research project. They
will be prepared to offer you advice and counsel throughout your degree program on any aspect
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of the program. Your committee will also submit questions for the oral portion of your
comprehensive exam and will read, edit, and evaluate your thesis before final approval.
It is very important that your committee be carefully chosen and that you maintain close
contact with each member throughout your degree program. It is especially important to keep
them informed of your progress on research and the writing of your thesis. If they do not know
what is being done, they may assume that nothing is happening. In order to assure that your
committee is kept informed of your progress, it is recommended that the student’s committee be
convened at least once each semester.
The relationship between you, your advisor, and your committee should be a close
relationship. Maintain good working relations, and generally the advisor and committee will be
of great help. If the relationship becomes too distant, you will likely lose much of the
opportunity to make the most of your master’s program.
Thesis Prospectus – CHM 501
The major objective of CHM 501, taken during your first semester for full time resident
students, is to select a faculty advisor and write the prospectus which is signed by your
committee (The prospectus form can be found at the end of this manual). The prospectus is a
research plan which will promote a firm and mutual understanding between you and your
graduate committee of the expectations for your educational and research program while at
UNCW. A passing letter grade in CHM 501 will be assigned once your prospectus is completed
and signed by your committee. The prospectus should consist of a course plan of your graduate
study, introduction to your project (2-3 pages of literature review), objectives (<1 page) and
experimental plan to reach the stated objectives. Oversight of your course work and your original
research plan is the responsibility of the university faculty on your committee. Part time students
should take CHM 501 and have the prospectus completed within the first two years of the
program. The prospectus will be maintained as a part of your permanent record.
Prospectus Literature Review
A review of the pertinent primary literature concerning a specific research topic mutually
agreed upon by you and your thesis advisor should be completed for the prospectus. The review
should be considered a demonstration of your command of the primary literature of the intended
field. Computer-based searching techniques should be used for this review. Your review should
show the data gap your research will address or what new products or methods you will study.
Your review should be written in scientific style and include a literature cited section written in
the format of a major journal in your field of study.
Experimental Plan
A research proposal, written in narrative form, describing the objectives, hypotheses,
methodology, and planned data analyses should be completed for the prospectus. The objectives
of your study should be clearly stated. Hypotheses and anticipated results should be discussed,
however, the entire document should be considered conditional allowing changes because of new
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findings during the course of your research or any other circumstances beyond your control.
Your research proposal can be used to measure your progress and help develop a schedule for
accomplishments.
The Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination consists of two parts, one based on your core class work
and one whose emphasis is your research project. The written comprehensive exam is designed
to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your competence in the different disciplines
within chemistry. This exam covers material in the core courses you selected and is typically
administered in the middle of May in the first summer of residence after completion of three core
courses. This exam will be prepared and graded (pass, conditional pass or fail) by the instructors
of the core courses. If a student does not pass a section of the exam, the student will be given an
opportunity to retake that section of the exam again at a time specified by the relevant instructor.
If a student does not pass a second time, the exam will be reviewed by the graduate committee,
and if the instructor and the graduate committee agree the work is not acceptable, the student will
be ineligible to continue in the program.
The oral comprehensive exam will be conducted by members of your thesis committee
and will take the format of a committee meeting and oral defense of your research program. This
exam must be completed by the end of the summer during which the written portion of the
comprehensive exam was taken. It is the student’s responsibility to set up the oral exam time and
location. The student will give a brief presentation of the research plan, and then committee
members will ask questions and make suggestions. The committee will assign a grade of pass,
fail or conditional pass. Conditional pass may require additional work which must be completed
by the end of the following spring semester before a passing grade will be administered. This
exam should provide an opportunity for committee members to have input into the project while
it is still in the early stages, with the goal of making the project the best possible research.
Appeal of Examination Performance
If you wish to appeal the decision of the examining committee for either the written or
the oral comprehensive exam, you should first present evidence of discrimination or violation of
due process to the graduate committee who will consult with the faculty member(s) involved in
evaluating the examination, in seeking resolution of the dispute. Failing resolution at this level,
the student may appeal to the dean of the Graduate School for review and mediation. The appeal
must include supporting information, copies of which shall be sent to the program director and
faculty member(s) involved. The format for such an appeal is described in the UNCW Graduate
Catalogue.
Thesis Requirements and Graduation
Thesis Credit
You are required to register for a minimum of three (3) credit hours of thesis. A
maximum of six (6) credit hours may be used toward your degree. You must be registered during
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any semester in which you are working on your thesis, and you must be enrolled during the
semester in which you graduate. After you have completed at least three credit hours of thesis,
and have a total of 30 credit hours you may enroll for Continuous Graduate Enrollment, GRC
600, which has lower tuition costs.
Philosophy
Although course work is important, research and the resulting thesis are the unique
experiences of graduate study. Consequently, the design of a realistic and well-defined research
project should be considered the highest priority by you and your thesis advisor. A detailed
prospectus outline helps you achieve this goal by explaining the steps in developing a review of
the pertinent literature and a written narrative of the direction the thesis will take. This
prospectus can be used by both you and your graduate committee for evaluating and overseeing
your research progress.
Research provides you with an opportunity to make a contribution to science. The writing
of the thesis is an important step in this contribution. The thesis should present your research
findings evaluated within the context of work previously done by others. It is usually a common
goal of student and advisor to publish the results of the thesis research. There are several
possible arrangements between you and your advisor concerning authorship of a manuscript to
be submitted for publication, so this should be discussed as the research progresses.
Thesis Format
Copies of “Guidelines for Thesis Preparation” are available from the Graduate School
and on the web at http://www.uncwil.edu/grad_info/grad_publications.html. All instructions
for the format of the thesis should follow these guidelines. Detailed presentations of methods
and data should be in appendices and should be sufficient to allow future students to repeat the
work or to make comparisons between your data and newly gathered information. In general,
your thesis should be in the format of an article ready for submission to an appropriate science
journal.
You should contact the Graduate School early in the thesis writing process to find out if
there are any changes in the thesis guidelines, and also when the Graduate School requires a
thesis copy for review prior to your thesis presentation. Your thesis does not fulfill the degree
requirement until it has been signed by the dean of the Graduate School. The thesis title and date
of approval must be filed in the Graduate School before the degree requirement is officially met.
Theses as Public Documents
All completed theses will be available to the public. The William Madison Randall
Library of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington will be the location where the public
may view theses.
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Admission to Candidacy
A candidate for a graduate degree is a student who has been approved for graduation at
the end of a specific semester, subject to the completion of ongoing courses and/or research as
outlined in the application for graduation. You apply for candidacy by filing an application for
graduation. Applications for graduation are obtained from the Graduate School. Semester
deadlines for submission of these applications are published annually in the university Calendar
of Events, but typically you should file your graduation application with the dean of the Graduate
School by the last day of the semester before the semester in which you intend to graduate. Your
thesis advisor and the program director must sign your graduation application. If you apply for
candidacy, but fail to meet the deadline for a particular graduation, you must notify the Graduate
School, specifying a new graduation date.
Defense of Thesis
You will be required to present your thesis results in public as a seminar, and then defend
your thesis before your committee. Your committee will take this opportunity to question you on
all phases of your research and your written thesis. The goals of this process are for you to
demonstrate your understanding of your work, and to make the resulting publication as strong as
it can be.
Your thesis seminar and defense cannot be scheduled until you have completed your
research, prepared a good draft of your thesis, have your advisor’s approval of the draft and also
Graduate School approval of the thesis draft. This draft must also be approved by your thesis
committee before the public seminar.
Approximately one month before you wish to conduct the thesis seminar and defense,
you should submit a good thesis draft (including figures and tables) to your advisor. Your
advisor will read and edit this draft and return it to you for revisions. After making the revisions,
and with approval of your advisor, you may submit this draft to the Graduate School and to other
members of your committee. Each committee member will study and edit the thesis before your
defense. The Graduate School will review the thesis within approximately three days, and if the
thesis is approved, you can then schedule your presentation and defense. Your defense of thesis
will be conducted at a date and time mutually agreeable to you and your examining committee,
including a member appointed from the Graduate School. Normally, the defense of thesis will
immediately follow your public presentation; however, under appropriate circumstances and
with prior approval of your committee, the examination date and time may be separated from the
seminar date and time. However, the public seminar must coincide with or precede the
examination before your committee
At the conclusion of the defense of thesis, the copies of your thesis containing each
member’s suggestions for changes will be returned to you. You will usually be notified that you
have passed or failed your defense of thesis after the committee has had an opportunity to
deliberate on the quality of your responses to their questions, your oral performance and the
condition of your thesis.
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If you pass the defense of thesis, you must prepare a final copy of your thesis based on
the written and oral comments provided by your committee. Should you fail the defense of
thesis, your committee will schedule a second defense after what it considers an adequate
interval for further study or for revision of your thesis, typically a period of three months.
Graduation
You may graduate in August, December, or May. If you graduate in August, your
diploma will be mailed to you about two months after graduation. Commencement exercises are
held in December or May and graduates at this time will receive your diploma at the applicable
ceremony. December and May graduates are expected to participate in the Commencement
exercises, and summer graduates are encouraged to participate in the December graduation. All
graduates participating in the Commencement exercise must order academic regalia. You will be
notified as to this schedule.
Research and Travel Awards
The Department of Chemistry will annually fund up to eight competitive awards to
graduate students for purchasing research supplies and equipment. Awards will be contingent
upon a student applying for external funds from granting agencies such as the North Carolina
Academy of Science and Sigma Xi. These awards will be important additions to a student’s
resume, provide valuable experience in writing proposals, and provide an appreciation for the
expense of conducting science. For further information and details please see your research
advisor or the graduate coordinator.
Graduate student who wish to travel to present their research findings at a scientific
meeting may apply for a $400 travel stipend from the graduate school. For application materials
and additional information please call the Graduate School or visit their web page. Once
students have sought funding from the Graduate School they may also apply for additional funds
from the Department of Chemistry. Department support will only be used to supplement the
travel grant from the Graduate School. At least 30 days prior to the meeting students must
submit a one page application which will be reviewed by the graduate committee. The student
must present the paper or poster and not simply be a co-author. For further information and
details please see your research advisor or the graduate coordinator.
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Typical Schedule for M.S. in Chemistry Students
Tasks for a 2.5 Year Plan
1st Semester
Take a full load of courses (15 hours).
Include at least one core course – CHM 516, CHM 546, CHM 568.
Take CHM 501– Find a faculty advisor, thesis committee and, with your
committee’s help, find a research direction
Work on a research prospectus and have it reviewed by your advisor
as you work on it for CHM 501.
Take CHM 595
Take additional courses from those listed below to reach 15 hours
Out-of-state students take steps to achieve in-state residency.
Start learning lab techniques and methods for
your research project
.
2nd Semester
Take a full load of courses (15 hours).
Include at least one core course – CHM 521 and/or CHM 536.
Take CHM 595
Take additional courses from those listed below to reach 15 hours
Become active in the lab.
Take written part of comprehensive exam in May covering the core courses
1st
Summer
RESEARCH TIME!
Take oral and written portion of comprehensive exam.
Out-of-state students apply for in-state residency.
Continue your thesis research full time
3rd Semester
At this point students should have completed all their course work.
The primary focus is now research.
Attend graduate seminar weekly.
Take GRC 600 graduate continuous registration (sign up with graduate school)
Submit graduation application to the Graduate School. Check deadline.
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4th Semester/2nd summer/5th semester
The primary focus is research.
Attend graduate seminar weekly
Take GRC 600 graduate continuous registration (sign up with graduate school)
Write thesis. Plan on doing several revisions based on faculty committee comments.
After your advisor approves the thesis, submit thesis draft to the Graduate School.
Give thesis copies to all committee members.
After you receive approval from the Graduate School,
schedule thesis presentation and oral defense.
Thesis presentation and oral defense.
Revise thesis. Get committee approval of revisions.
Submit revised thesis to the Graduate School. Check deadlines.
Make any necessary revisions to the thesis.
Make official thesis copies, and any extra copies desired.
Turn in official thesis copies for signature by the Graduate Dean.
Graduate! Live happily ever after.**
** Actual graduation dates may vary depending on the pace of thesis research, average graduation time 2.5 years
from initial date of enrollment.
Typical Fall schedule
CHM 501 (2)
CHM 516 (3) Adv. Org. (core)
CHM 546 (3) Adv. Inorg. (core)
CHM 568 (3) Adv. Biochem. (core)
CHM 595 (1) Seminar
CHM 591 (2-3) DIS
CHM 599 (1-3) Thesis
CHM* XXX (3) Additional class(s) from below
Total should equal 15 credit hours
*Options for fall
CHM 575 Chem. Oceanography (3)
CHM 576 Chem. and Phys. Anal. of Seawater (3)
CHM 579 Role of Oceans in Human Health (3)
CHM 590 Heterocyclic Chem. (3)
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Typical Spring schedule
CHM 536 (3) Adv. Anal. (core)
CHM 521 (3) Adv. Phys. Chem. (core)
CHM 595 (1) Seminar
CHM 591 (2-3) DIS
CHM 599 (1-3) Thesis
CHM* XXX (3) Additional class(s) from below
Total should equal 15 credit hours
*Options for spring
CHM 512 NMR (3)
CHM 517 Medicinal Chem. (3)
CHM 525 Computational Chem. (3)
CHM 545 Inorganic Chem (3) (not core class)
CHM 574 Aquatic Chem. (3)
CHM 585 Industrial Chem. (3)
*Additional courses may be offered each semester. Check current class schedule for updated
course information. Up to 8 hours of graduate courses offered by other departments may be
approved by the student’s advisory committee. In addition no more than 12 hours of cross listed
undergraduate classes can be used towards the MS degree. See course schedule for classes listed
outside the chemistry department.
Chemistry Department Office Information
Copy Machines/Card
The copy machine is located in the work room adjoining the office (253). To make
copies for instructional purposes, you may use the department copy card (get one from
departmental secratary). This card keeps track of the number of pages copied.
Dobo Hall Door Access Requests
A request form must be completed to obtain outside door access for a student. The
student, sponsoring faculty member, and department chair must sign the form. Libbie will
process the form to activate the i.d. card.
Fax Machine
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The fax machine is located next to the student assistant’s desk in Shearon’s office. To
send a fax somewhere on campus, dial the four-digit extension. If the destination is off campus,
dial 9+ the fax number; dial 8+1+fax number for long distance faxing. If a fax is sent to you, it
will be placed in your box.
Identification Card
Student must register before applying for an ID card. The fee for the card is $10.00;
cards are made in the auxiliary services offices (in the back of the Warwick Center building).
Mail
Faculty and graduate student mail boxes are located in the work room. Only faculty,
graduate students and staff are allowed in the copy room. Outgoing mail should be placed in the
brown box under the faculty boxes. Mail goes out twice daily.
Parking Permit
Student must register before applying for a parking permit. To obtain a permit, take
proof of residence (lease, CP&L bill) and license plate # to the auxiliary services offices in
Warwick Center building.
Physical Plant
Contact someone in the chemistry office if there is a problem in the building such as
heat/air conditioning, water, etc. The secretary will notify the Physical Plant by telephone and
describe as specifically as possible the location and nature of the problem. A serviceman will be
dispatched immediately if an emergency situation exists requiring quick action to prevent loss or
damage to state property, restore disrupted essential services, or eliminate hazards to personnel
or equipment. Otherwise, the work will be scheduled appropriately. After hours or on weekends,
you may call Campus Police (3184) to forward Physical Plant repair requests.
Supplies
Office supplies are stored in the drawers and cabinets in the work room. A chart in the
work room indicates the location of supplies. If you notice we are running low on an item,
please notify the secretary so she can reorder.
Telephone
Campus calls require only the 4-digit extension. To make an off campus telephone call,
dial 9 + the number; to call long distance, dial 8 +1 + area code and the number. Long-distance
calls charged to a university telephone number are limited to calls necessary for conducting
official university business. Personal long-distance telephone calls must be processed as collect,
personal credit card, or third-party billing number calls. Employees needing assistance in
processing personal long-distance calls as required should contact Operator Services (extension
0).
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Travel
Anyone involved in official university travel must complete a travel authorization form
prior to the beginning day of travel. Additional justification or documentation prior to
authorization of travel may be required by the approving authority. All travel is subject to
availability of funds; therefore, the university reserves the right to limit the cost of travel to the
limits established prior to the trip. For detailed information regarding travel, visit the travel
department’s website.
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GRADUATE PROSPECTUS COMPLETION FORM*
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
STUDENT NAME: _________________________________
DATE PASSED: ____________
APPROVED BY:
________________________________
(Advisor or Co-Advisor)
________________________________
(Co-advisor or Committee Member)
________________________________
(Co-advisor or Committee Member)
___________________________________
(Committee Member)
*Please return the completed form to the Graduate Coordinator
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