Master of Science in Chemistry and Chemical Biology - Polymer

The M.S. program consists of 30 credit hours of coursework. In favorable circumstances, it is possible that the program might be completed over a single academic year though most applicants require more time in the program. As the academic backgrounds and personal/professional goals of each student will differ, we anticipate significant diversity in the programs of study in the M.S. degree and therefore do not prescribe a rigid set of courses as prerequisites or requirements though we would ordinarily anticipate that the majority of the credits are taken in chemistry and related subjects at suitably high levels. Your program of study will be adapted to your individual interests and needs in consultation with the M.S. Graduate Program Director, and will likely include coursework selected from across Cornell's campus.

The M.S. program is designed for those who wish to obtain further education in the field of chemical sciences broadly understood, and to develop their ability for critical inquiry, independent research, and teaching. Research-degree students are expected to give evidence of mature purpose by initiating and pursuing their own programs, as such the award of the MS degree is contingent upon the completion of a master's research project documented through the preparation of an archive document presented to the student's special committee and to the Graduate School. In the fall of the first year, it is expected that each student will be enrolled in Chem 5110, which provides an introduction to the vast world of tools and opportunities for chemical research, found in both our department and across the campus.

Polymer chemistry research at Cornell is geared to a fundamental understanding of polymer systems ranging from fully biological to synthetic macromolecules. Our extensive experimental studies, coupled with theoretical work on the polymer conformation of such complex biomolecules as proteins, shed light on the actions and properties of macromolecules and broaden our understanding of new synthetic systems. In studies of polymer synthesis we have designed a broad spectrum of new polymeric materials, both organic and inorganic, with unique architectures significant for emerging technologies. New experimental techniques and sophisticated instrumentation teach us about phenomena occurring at polymer surfaces and interfaces and how polymers diffuse or fracture. These advances in the understanding of polymer systems, their bonding, and their dynamics signal a fascinating future for polymer studies at Cornell.