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Chemistry

College of Natural Sciences
Bilger 239
2545 McCarthy Mall
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7480
Fax: (808) 956-5908
E-mail: office@gold.chem.hawaii.edu
Web: www.chem.hawaii.edu

Faculty

*Graduate Faculty

*T. K. Hemscheidt, PhD (Chair)—organic and bioorganic chemistry, biosynthesis of natural products
*G. Andermann, PhD—physical analytical chemistry, surface chemistry, natural products material science, X-ray spectroscopy, optical properties, superconductors
*J. D. Head, PhD—theoretical chemistry, electronic structure determination of large molecules and clusters
*J. T. Jarrett, PhD—biochemistry, enzymology, structure and function of metalloenzymes
*C. M. Jensen, PhD—inorganic and organometallic chemistry, polyhydride and dihydrogen metal complexes, homogeneous catalysts, hydrogen storage materials
*R. I. Kaiser, PhD—physical chemistry, reaction dynamics, chemistry in extraterrestrial environments
*K. K. Kumashiro, PhD—physical chemistry, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance of proteins and peptides
*D. W. Muenow, PhD—physical chemistry, high-temperature chemistry, geochemistry, mass spectrometry
*O. Navarro Fernandez, PhD—organometallic chemistry, transition metal complexes and their applications in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry
*M. A. Tius, PhD—organic chemistry, synthesis of natural products
*D. A. Vicic, PhD—transition metal chemistry, selective and catalytic transformations, synthetic organometallic and inorganic chemistry, bioinorganic coordination chemistry
*P. G. Williams, PhD— organic and natural products chemistry

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

C. J. Simmons, PhD—inorganic chemistry, metal-dioxygen and Jahn-Teller copper complexes, structure determination by X-ray crystallography

Degrees Offered: BA (including minor) in chemistry, BS in chemistry, MS in chemistry, PhD in chemistry

The Academic Program

Chemistry (CHEM) stands at the crossroads between physics and biology. As biological processes are examined in ever finer detail, chemistry is increasingly called upon to provide the insights, techniques, and materials needed to understand the workings of living organisms, including ourselves. Chemistry is thus a popular major for those interested in biomedical careers. In another direction, chemistry is also essential to the search for solutions to the ecological problems created by the ever-expanding range of human activities. Chemists create new substances with new properties that find application throughout our civilization.

As a major, chemistry provides a solid foundation of scientific knowledge and experimental skills that enables one to specialize in many directions toward careers in research, teaching, business, or professional practice. Also, because virtually all constructed things we see and use in our daily lives involve chemistry, there is a huge pool of jobs for chemists in the manufacturing industries.

Undergraduate Study

BA Degree

Requirements

  • 27 credit hours in CHEM courses numbered 200 and above, including CHEM 272/272L, 273/273L, 274/274L, 333/333L, 351, and 352/352L
  • MATH 243 (Calculus III)
  • PHYS 170/170L, and 272/272L
  • Recommended languages: German, French, Russian, or Japanese

BS Degree

Requirements

  • 40 credit hours in CHEM courses numbered 200 and above, including CHEM 272/272L, 273/273L, 274/274L, 333/333L, 351, 352/352L, 422, 423 and 443
  • A minimum of 6 credits from CHEM 399, 601, 602, 622, 641, 642, 643, 651, 653, or 657, HON 493 and 494, or BIOC 441
  • MATH 243, Calculus III
  • PHYS 170/170L and 272/272L
  • Recommended electives: MATH 244 and PHYS 274
  • Recommended languages: German or French

Minor

Requirements

  • 17 credit hours in CHEM courses numbered 200 and above, including CHEM 272/272L, 273/273L, 274/274L, and 35

Graduate Study

The department offers MS and PhD research and study opportunities in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, with specialized research opportunities in geochemistry and marine-related chemistry.

Intended candidates for the MS or PhD must present the minimum undergraduate preparation in general, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry courses. Foreign applicants for the MS and the PhD must take the GRE General Test.

Graduate study in chemistry consists of course work, independent study, teaching, and research. A thesis or dissertation based on original research is the most important part of the master’s or doctoral degree respectively. Candidates for advanced degrees are required to serve as teaching assistants for a portion of their program.

Additional details concerning MS and PhD degree requirements, as well as assistantships available to prospective students, are outlined in brochures available upon request from the department.

Master’s Degree

Requirements

The candidate for the MS in chemistry (Plan A only) is granted 12 credit hours for an acceptable thesis. The remaining 18 credit hours must be selected from acceptable graduate courses in chemistry (listed in this Catalog) or from graduate offerings in mathematics and the natural sciences. Required courses are CHEM 691 or 692, and 700.

Doctoral Degree

Requirements

Doctoral candidates must complete a minimum of six semesters of graduate study of which at least three semesters must be in residence at UH Manoa. Courses are selected from acceptable graduate courses in chemistry listed in this Catalog and from graduate offerings in related disciplines as directed by the faculty. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of core material in graduate courses in their chosen areas. Each candidate must pass a comprehensive oral examination consisting of the defense of an original research proposal written by the candidate and a résumé of the candidate’s dissertation research and its current status.

The most important requirement for the PhD degree is the research project that culminates in the dissertation. Prior to beginning the second semester of study, each candidate selects one member of the chemistry graduate faculty to serve as his or her research director. The research director works with the candidate throughout his or her program and chairs the candidate’s dissertation committee.

More information about the chemistry department and its programs can be found on its website.

CHEM Courses