MSc in Applied Chemistry - Khalifa University

The MSc in Applied Chemistry is awarded to candidates who successfully complete the academic courses and research thesis requirements of the program. The program is intended for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other related specialization. The program’s typical length is four semesters, with the first three semesters requiring the completion of a combination of course work and thesis work, and the final semester only requiring thesis work and writing. The program is designed to give candidates an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of chemistry and develop research expertise and skills in instrumentation and methodology that will prepare them for careers in applied chemistry or to pursue a doctorate degree.

Program Objectives

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Applied Chemistry, the graduates will:

Be able to apply advanced concepts of fundamental and applied chemistry to the formulation and solution of complex problems in the oil and gas and related industries;
Develop and potentially publish the results of their research in peer-reviewed journals;
Have sufficient experience to successfully begin a PhD program in applied chemistry in a recognized university; and
Be equipped with the knowledge and skills in applied chemistry to meet requirements of appropriate job opportunities at chemical companies.

Graduation Requirements

In order to complete the requirements of the program, candidates must:

Complete a minimum of 21 credit hours of coursework including:

12 credit hours of core (or compulsory) courses
9 credit hours of elective courses
Zero credit hours of Seminar in Research Methods

Successfully complete and defend a research project thesis (9 credit hours)

Core courses and technical electives are listed in the table below. One elective course can be selected from other relevant graduate programs. Selection of elective courses should be made in consultation with the research supervisor and requires written approval from the Department Chair or designee.

Core (compulsory) courses	Credit hours
CHEM 625 Applied Organic Chemistry & Instrumental Analysis	3
CHEM 655 Petroleum Production & Process Chemistry	3
CHEM 668 Corrosion Science & Advanced Physical Chemistry	3
CHEM 570 Polymers & Nanomaterials Chemistry	3
Seminar in Research Methods	0
CHEM 699 Master of Science Thesis	9
Technical electives (9 credits)	Credit Hours
CHEM 620 Computational Chemistry	3
CHEM 623 Applied Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHEM 630 Advanced Industrial Catalysis	3
CHEM 640 Advanced Organometallics & Applications	3
CHEM 650 Spectrochemical Studies	3
CHEM 660 Environmental Science & Water Technology	3
CHEM 665 Fuels & Alternative Energy Sources	3
CHEM 666 Construction Chemicals & Green Chemicals	3

Master of Science Thesis (minimum 9 credits)

The Master of Science Thesis work is a faculty-directed, independent study of a suitable applied problem, subject or research topic. The topic of research is to be selected in consultation with a student’s research advisor subject to approval by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. The designated research advisor provides guidance to the student in the execution of the thesis. A co-advisor may also be appointed, if needed.

The following table illustrates a typical study sequence that starts in the fall semester. Thesis research will be initiated in the first year but completed primarily in the second year of the program due to the majority of the course work being completed in the first year.In addition to completing these courses, candidates must write and successfully defend a Master of Science Thesis.

Term	Courses
Fall Semester 1	CHEM 670 Polymers & Nanomaterials Chemistry CHEM 668 Corrosion Science & Advanced Physical Chemistry CHEM 695 Graduate Seminar I COMM 601 Technical and Scientific Writing Elective (1) Elective Course 1
Spring Semester 1	CHEM 625 Applied Organic Chemistry & Instrumental Analysis CHEM 695 Graduate Seminar II CHEM 699 Master of Science Thesis Electives (2) Elective Course 2
Fall Semester 2	CHEM 655 Petroleum Production & Process Chemistry CHEM 699 Master of Science Thesis Elective (1) Elective Course 3
Spring Semester 2	CHEM 699 Master of Science Thesis

Master of Science Thesis

The Master of Science Thesis work is a faculty-directed, independent study of a suitable applied problem, subject or research topic. The topic of research is to be selected in consultation with a student’s research advisor subject to approval by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. The designated research advisor provides guidance to the student in the execution of the thesis. A co-advisor may also be appointed, if needed.

Students must consult with their respective advisors on the courses that they will enroll in, the required pre-requisites, and the thesis topic selection. Full-time graduate students must register for 9 to 12 credits, including thesis credits, during a regular semester (Fall and Spring) and a maximum of 6 credits during a Summer term. In the case of part-time students, the credit load is normally 6 credits during a regular semester as well as the summer term.

Students can only register for thesis credits after successfully completing a minimum of 9 credits of the core courses of the master’s program they are enrolled in. It is to be noted that the minimum pass grade for graduate courses is a “C” letter grade. Students should consult the Graduate Catalog to learn about the graduate programs, the grading system, graduation requirements, and other pertinent matters.