- For information on graduate studies at the NAU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, please contact our Graduate Coordinator.
- For information on applying to any of the programs listed here, please visit the Graduate College web page.
- For information on required courses, please see our Course Descriptions and/or consult the NAU Academic Catalog.
Each of the graduate programs described here requires at least 32 credits of coursework and the completion of a research thesis.
M.S. Chemistry - Emphasis in Environmental Chemistry
The impact of humankind on the environment affects everyone on the planet. Chemistry can positively contribute to global environmental health through the analysis of environmental toxicants that may affect human health and the generation of data that is used to manage natural resources. This M.S. degree is designed for students who are interested in examination of natural systems through the use of chemical techniques and instrumentation. Coursework focuses on analytical and environmental chemistry, and research opportunities focus on the identification and analysis of trace chemical substances in soil, water and air.
Learning Objectives
- demonstrate knowledge of basic and advanced chemical principles;
- develop skills necessary to collect, interpret and critically analyze chemical data from laboratory experiments and the scientific literature;
- demonstrate efficiency in oral and written presentation of scientific concepts;
- be able to describe common anthropogenic sources of atmospheric, soil and water pollutants;
- understand the transport, fate and global impact of environmental pollutants;
- master the basic measurement instrumentation and techniques used in spectroscopy, separations, and chemical analysis.
Coursework
- CHM 595 (1-3 units)
- CHM 698 (4 units)
- CHM 520 (3 units)
- CHM 620 (3 units)
- 2-6 units of CHM 685
- 2-6 units of CHM 699, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis
- 12 units of elective courses chosen with your advisor's and committee's approval
Research
For information on specific research projects, please visit the web pages of our faculty involved in environmental chemistry.M.S. Chemistry - Emphasis in Carcinogenisis & Cancer Chemotherapy (top)
Cancer is currently the leading cause of death in people under age 85 the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly half of all men and a little over one third of all women in the US will develop cancer during their lifetimes. This M.S. degree is designed for students who are interested in learning about cancer, and its causes and treatments, from a chemical perspective. Courses focus on the areas of biochemistry, toxicology and cancer biology, and research opportunities span from environmental and metal-induced carcinogenesis to protein biochemistry, drug discovery and drug development.
Learning Objectives
- demonstrate knowledge of basic and advanced chemical principles;
- develop skills necessary to collect, interpret and critically analyze chemical data from laboratory experiments and the scientific literature;
- demonstrate efficiency in oral and written presentation of scientific concepts;
- be able to describe the processes by which cancer occurs, and is prevented, diagnosed and treated;
- understand the toxic mechanisms of chemical and physical toxins and toxicants on organs, cells, and biological molecules and will be able to related those mechanisms to cancer and other diseases; and
- recognize and understand the biochemical molecules and pathways that control cellular metabolism and that underlie human diseases.
Coursework
- CHM 595 (1-3 units)
- CHM 698 (4 units)
- CHM 560 (3 units)
- CHM 565 (3 units)
- CHM 566 (3 units)
- 2-6 units of CHM 685
- 9 units of courses chosen with your advisor's and committee's approval.
- 2-6 units of CHM 699, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis
Research
For information on specific research projects, please visit the web pages of our faculty involved in cancer-related research.M.S. Chemistry - Emphasis in Bioorganic & Biomedical Chemistry (top)
Drugs, medicines, and medical devices help people to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Chemistry and chemical processes contribute to understanding the molecular basis of disease, as well as to drug discovery, synthesis, and testing. This M.S. degree is designed for students who are interested in the principles of organic chemistry and biochemistry that serve as a foundation for the medical sciences. Research opportunities include organic and organometallic synthesis and drug discovery, analysis of protein/protein, drug/protein, and drug/nucleic acid interactions, and development of biosensors.
Learning Objectives
- demonstrate knowledge of basic and advanced chemical principles;
- develop skills necessary to collect, interpret and critically analyze chemical data from laboratory experiments and the scientific literature;
- demonstrate efficiency in oral and written presentation of scientific concepts;
- understand principles of mechanistic and synthetic organic chemistry;
- understand the physical chemistry underlying reaction mechanisms;
- will recognize and understand the biochemical molecules and pathways that control cellular metabolism and that underlie human diseases;
- will understand the basic principles of drug design.
Coursework
- CHM 595 (1-3 units)
- CHM 698 (4 units)
- CHM 530 (3 units)
- CHM 535 (3 units)
- CHM 560 (3 units)
- CHM 630 (3 units)
- 2-6 units of CHM 685
- 6 units of courses chosen with your advisor's and committee's approval
- 2-6 units of CHM 699, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis