Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Chemistry

CHEM 5110. Seminar in Chemistry.

This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to engage with current researchers in chemistry and biochemistry. Over the semester, students become regular participants in the department’s seminar program, attending talks delivered by visiting scientists who are actively shaping the field. For chemistry majors, they present their own research proposal stepping into the role of speaker rather than audience. This experience allows them to practice public speaking, respond to questions and provide justification for methodological choices, and receive formative feedback. Graduate students may repeat Seminar in Chemistry twice for a total of three semester hour credits.

CHEM 5195. Professional Development of Graduate Assistants.

This course is the first part of a two-course, comprehensive professional training for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Graduate Instructional Assistants (GIAs). The curriculum is designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for effective instruction, classroom management, and compliance with institutional and federal guidelines. Core components of the course include advanced pedagogy, active learning methodologies, mentoring strategies, and professional communication. Participants will receive in-depth instruction on laboratory safety, including accident prevention, hazardous material management, chemical hygiene protocols, and emergency preparedness.

CHEM 5199B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduates engaged in thesis research and writing in chemistry or biochemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a thesis advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the thesis, such as data collection, analysis, preparation of written dissertation chapters, and oral defense of the thesis. Candidates may participate in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment may be needed for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress until the thesis is submitted for binding.

CHEM 5285. Laboratory Development Practice.

This course prepares future educators pursuing 8–12 Chemistry or 8–12 Physical Science certification to design and facilitate safe, effective, and engaging laboratory experiences. Through discussing, reflecting on, and applying pedagogical theory, future teachers learn to cultivate student engagement in both laboratory and classroom settings. The course challenges future teachers to design interactive demonstrations and adapt traditional laboratory experiments to foster critical thinking and safe, inquiry‑based learning of scientific concepts. Practical skills such as managing chemical storerooms, ordering supplies, ensuring proper chemical disposal, and maintaining safety in 8–12 laboratory settings are developed through hands‑on projects and interactive case‑based scenarios.

CHEM 5295. Professional Development of Graduate Assistants.

This course is the second part of a two-course, comprehensive professional training for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Graduate Instructional Assistants (GIAs). The course modules will introduce policies and responsibilities associated with instructional roles, including FERPA, and Title IX, the Texas State University Honor Code, and procedures for addressing academic and behavioral concerns. Topics covered will include comprehensive training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), emphasizing data integrity, plagiarism prevention, and ethical decision-making within academic and research environments.

CHEM 5299B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduates engaged in thesis research and writing in chemistry or biochemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a thesis advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the thesis, such as data collection, analysis, preparation of written dissertation chapters, and oral defense of the thesis. Candidates may participate in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment may be needed for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress until the thesis is submitted for binding.

CHEM 5310. Medicinal Chemistry.

This course surveys modern approaches to drug discovery and mechanisms of drug action with a primary focus on the molecular structures and properties of therapeutic agents. Students will examine the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and structure-activity relationships (SAR) as they relate to lead discovery and optimization. Methodology includes the comparative analysis of drug discovery case studies in the chemotherapy of cancer, microbial infections, and cardiovascular diseases. Through this comprehensive curriculum, students will be equipped with a foundational understanding of medicinal design and the biochemical evaluation of drugs necessary for advanced research or professional careers in the biomedical fields.

CHEM 5311. Natural Products, Anti-Infective, and Anti-Cancer Agents.

This course surveys the major classes of secondary metabolites, focusing on their classification, nomenclature, biosynthesis, and structural elucidation. Students examine the chemical principles governing the utilization of natural products as primary leads in the development of modern antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Methodology includes the analysis of metabolic pathways and the application of advanced organic and biochemical techniques to the chemistry‑biology interface. Through this curriculum, students will be equipped with the analytical expertise required for sophisticated research in natural product‑based drug discovery and the evaluation of naturally derived bioactive molecules within the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.

CHEM 5312. Organometallic Chemistry.

This course describes organometallic chemistry — the chemistry of the metal–carbon bond. The course will focus primarily on how different combinations of transition metal and organic ligand afford different coordination geometries and reactivities in synthetic and biological organometallics. Students learn by tackling assignments and in-class problems, the latter affording them a detailed set of notes covering structure, reactions and catalysis. Overall, students will learn about research at the intersection of organic and inorganic chemistry, thereby having a holistic, uncompartmentalized understanding of molecular species.

CHEM 5313. Principles and Applications of Mass Spectrometry.

This course describes the physical principles underpinning mass spectrometers – from ion sources to analyzers and detectors – and how these enable a broad range of measurements. The different instrument architectures will be introduced in terms of electromagnetism and the paths analytes take, and evaluated in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and what samples are applicable. Students will participate in a series of lectures and hands-on experiments and become familiar with the theory and practical aspects of mass spectrometry.

CHEM 5320. Computational Chemistry.

This course involves observing the different computational models of chemical behavior ranging from small molecules to proteins. Students will learn contemporary molecular modeling techniques and software used to model chemical and/or biochemical behavior in various physical chemical conditions. In addition, students will learn the application of molecular modeling techniques to examples of scientific applications, including but not limited to drug discovery and materials research. By the end of this course, students will be prepared to use computational models for generating scientific hypotheses for their research experiments. This course is the graduate level for CHEM 4350 and has additional objectives that challenge graduate students to generate molecular models at an advanced level.

CHEM 5321. Advanced Organic Chemistry.

This course examines advanced organic chemistry through the lens of reaction mechanisms rather than the traditional classification by functional groups. Students explore the fundamental pathways underlying reactions of structurally disparate compounds, including polar reactions under acidic and basic conditions, pericyclic processes, and free-radical chemistry. Methodology centers on an active-learning, non-lecture format where students develop proficiency in applying curved-arrow notation to propose mechanistic pathways through guided board-work and collaborative participation. Through this structured approach, students will develop a deep mechanistic intuition and the analytical proficiency required to predict and justify complex chemical transformations in advanced research environments.

CHEM 5330. Physical Chemistry.

This course explores the fundamental principles of physical chemistry and their applications across various chemical disciplines. Key topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, and atomic structure. Students will examine both theoretical foundations and the practical application of physical chemistry models to experimental data. A central emphasis is placed on leveraging scientific programming to analyze and interpret experimental datasets. Through interactive demonstrations and problem sets, students will bridge the gap between theory and experiment, gaining hands-on experience using computational tools to numerically solve complex chemical problems.

CHEM 5333. Spectroscopy.

This course introduces a range of spectroscopic methods involving radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. Through interactive lectures, written and oral assignments, and in‑class and homework problems, students examine the physical principles and practical considerations of Mössbauer, X‑ray, ultraviolet‑visible, infrared, Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Emphasis is placed on understanding how each technique probes molecular structure and dynamics. By the end of the course, students will be able to select appropriate spectroscopic methods to characterize unknown organic or inorganic materials, interpret resulting data, and use spectroscopic evidence to propose plausible chemical structures.

CHEM 5341. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry.

This course covers fundamental bonding concepts based on symmetry and group theory, the vibrational and electronic structure of inorganic compounds, and metal complex chemistry. Topics examined include the relationship between the electronic structure of metal complexes and their thermodynamic and kinetic properties. The course provides opportunities for students to develop proficiency in the naming and geometries of coordination complexes, including organometallic complexes. In addition, ligand exchange and coupling reactions will be studied as an introduction to catalysis. With this knowledge, spectroscopic data may be correlated with the properties of metal complexes.

CHEM 5342. Bioinorganic Chemistry.

This course describes natural and artificial metalloproteins ― from secondary structures to atomistic views of how cofactors catalyze reactions and transport species. Complementing lectures, students will also use contemporary protein visualization tools and research the primary literature and structural repositories. Topics covered in the course include dioxygen transport and activation, electron-transfer, dinitrogen and hydrogen activation, photosystem and oxygen evolution, zinc-containing proteins, carbon dioxide reduction, and modern advancements in the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Overall, students will develop foundational knowledge in metalloenzyme structure, function, and reaction mechanisms.

CHEM 5351. Polymer Chemistry.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to polymer chemistry, including polymer synthesis, characterization, and applications. Students study key polymerization reactions, molecular weight and distribution, structure–property relationships, and fundamental analytical techniques such as gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Emphasis is placed on understanding how chemical structure influences polymer properties and material performance. Graduate‑level engagement includes exposure to controlled polymerizations, functional polymers, and emerging applications. The course develops a foundational and practical understanding of polymer science relevant to modern chemical and materials research.

CHEM 5353. Polymer Properties and Characterization.

This course examines how the structure of polymeric (soft) materials—described by molecular weight, chemical makeup, and morphology—controls their thermal, mechanical, and rheological behavior. Students will learn methods for defining and measuring molecular weight and its limitations, along with thermal analysis techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, and microscopy will be used to relate molecular and supramolecular structure to material properties. Mechanical and flow behaviors, including tensile strength, viscosity, and viscoelasticity, will be discussed in the specific context of polymers as soft materials, distinguishing them from other classes of materials. Prerequisite: CHEM 5351 with a grade of "C" or better.

CHEM 5355. Physical Chemistry of Polymers.

This course is an advanced examination of how polymer molecular structure determines bulk properties and behavior. It covers polymer thermodynamics, chain conformation, solution behavior, and phase transitions, then connects these ideas to viscoelasticity and flow in melts and solutions through polymer chain dynamics. Polymer morphology is treated via crystallization, glass transition, and self-organization in bulk materials. The course also develops Flory-Huggins Theory to explain polymer miscibility, phase separation, and solvent–polymer interactions from a thermodynamic perspective.

CHEM 5365. Separation Methods in Chemistry.

This course describes the separation of chemical mixtures, an important process in isolating fine and commodity chemicals alike. Students will learn principles of size-exclusion chromatography, gel electrophoresis, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Although primarily a lecture course, students will also learn by working on assignments, homework/in-class problems and an experiment. On completing this course, students will have a strong understanding of the intermolecular interactions that govern molecular separations of organics, inorganics and polymers, and be able to identify complex structures from tandem mass spectrometric data.

CHEM 5366. Quantitative Methods in Biophysical Chemistry.

This course integrates the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of fundamental biophysical methods, including spectroscopy, calorimetry, and hydrodynamics. These methods are compared in the context of both classical and contemporary research problems. Students develop quantitative skills in multiple analytical approaches used to characterize biological systems across a range of scales and levels of complexity. Emphasis is placed on understanding how physical and chemical principles govern biomolecular behavior and measurement. The course provides the foundational quantitative framework necessary to study biological macromolecules using modern biophysical techniques.

CHEM 5370. Problems in Chemistry.

This course is designed to be flexibly tailored to a particular contemporary topic of interest within the broad scope of chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or materials chemistry. Using that topic as a unifying theme, students develop skills in critical analysis of primary literature, quantitative reasoning, and molecular-level interpretation of complex systems. This course emphasizes independent inquiry, facilitating students to explore and critically evaluate modern experimental and computational approaches, and integrate concepts across disciplines to address a well-defined scientific problem. This course is open to graduate students on an individual basis by arrangement with a particular faculty member. May be repeated once with different emphasis for additional credit. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval.

CHEM 5375. Biochemistry.

This course provides a rigorous introduction to biochemistry, emphasizing the chemical environment of the cell, pH, and bioenergetic principles. The scope encompasses an in-depth analysis of structure and function of essential biomolecules – nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates – with additional focus on carbohydrate metabolism, enzyme kinetics and cellular regulation. The instructional methodology utilizes traditional lecture-based delivery as well as collaborative problem-solving to reinforce conceptual understanding. Upon completion, students will demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of molecular mechanisms and regulatory processes.

CHEM 5381. Physical Biochemistry.

This course is an introduction to the physical techniques of biochemistry with emphasis on the interpretation of experimental data obtained from electrophoresis, chromatography, immunological methods, ultracentrifugation, spectroscopy, calorimetry, and emerging techniques. Experimental data will be incorporated into the course as much as possible to show practical use and demonstrate techniques for analyzing results. Students completing the course will be able to understand many of the techniques and methods that are presented in biochemistry-based journal articles and at scientific seminars. Grades for each student will be determined by using assigned homework problem sets and in-class exams.

CHEM 5382. Enzymology.

This course examines the chemical and physical principles governing enzyme function in biological systems. Topics include enzyme structure–function relationships, active-site architecture, and the forces driving molecular recognition and catalysis. Students analyze chemical and kinetic mechanisms using thermodynamic, spectroscopic, and kinetic frameworks, with attention to experimental and computational approaches. The course also explores the roles of enzymes in metabolic pathways and cellular regulation, emphasizing integration of molecular detail with physiological context through literature analysis, problem-solving, and case-based study.

CHEM 5383. Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics.

This course gives students an understanding of the related fields of molecular biology and molecular genetics. Strong emphasis is placed on molecular biology techniques, including DNA cloning and gene expression, DNA libraries, DNA sequencing, PCR methods, Southern, Northern, and Western blotting, microarrays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and CRISPR technologies. Topics are presented in the context of how molecular approaches are used to generate new scientific knowledge. Contemporary applications of molecular methods in areas such as human genetic disease research, forensic analysis, and medical and archaeological testing are examined. Students engage with course material through lectures and analysis of primary molecular biology research articles.

CHEM 5384. Current Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

This course provides graduate students with advanced knowledge in areas related to the biochemistry and molecular biology of cancer. Topics discussed during the first half of the semester include emerging technologies like CRISPR, gene therapy, and the processes of DNA replication, DNA repair, recombination, signal transduction, and cell cycle checkpoints. Later in the semester, characteristics of cancer cells and environmental/genetic factors that have been linked to their formation are addressed. New approaches to cancer treatment are discussed. The course includes student presentations and analysis of journal articles related to carcinogenesis. Prerequisites: CHEM 5381 with a grade of "C" or better.

CHEM 5385. Metabolism.

This course provides an in-depth study of the biodegradation and biosynthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, with a focus on human metabolism. Students build upon principles of structure/function relationships of biomolecules to carry out bioenergetic analysis of the major metabolic pathways in human metabolism. Students apply chemical and evolutionary principles to predict the effect of different metabolic states in the whole organism, and to explain the complex homeostasis necessary for living systems. This course may be stacked with an undergraduate section of CHEM 4385.

CHEM 5386. Proteins.

This course covers advanced biochemistry topics related to proteins, including protein structure, conformational dynamics, structure–function relationships, ligand binding and catalysis, post‑translational modification and regulation, and protein–protein interactions within cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Foundational and advanced concepts from chemistry, biology, and physics are integrated and applied to classic and contemporary problems in protein biochemistry through the lenses of chemical biology, biophysics, and cell biology. Current methodologies for examining protein sequence, structure, dynamics, and function are discussed in the context of both seminal and contemporary primary literature.

CHEM 5387. Nucleic Acid Chemistry.

This course covers advanced biochemistry topics related to nucleic acids. Topics include nucleic acid structure and properties, catalytic nucleic acids, protein–nucleic acid interactions, higher‑order protein–nucleic acid complexes, nucleic acid therapeutics, and current methodologies for analyzing and manipulating nucleic acids. Contemporary findings from the primary scientific literature are integrated throughout the course. Instruction uses a variety of formats, including lectures, student presentations, and guided discussions. By the end of the course, students develop advanced conceptual understanding of nucleic acid chemistry and apply this knowledge to generate scientifically grounded hypotheses addressing specific biochemical questions. Prerequisite: CHEM 5383 with a grade of "C" or better.

CHEM 5390. Supramolecular Chemistry.

This course covers the nature of intermolecular interactions leading to molecular recognition in solution and in the solid state. Emphasis on the supramolecular features of biological systems is followed by a brief introduction to engineering molecular structures. Students will examine common biological systems such as membranes, enzymes, oxygen transport systems and replication of genetic information in terms of their supramolecular architecture and will extend these principles from nature towards explaining synthetic molecular structures. The ability to read, interpret, and critique current scientific literature relevant to the study of supramolecular chemistry is a major focus of the course. This course may be stacked with an undergraduate section of CHEM 4390.

CHEM 5391. Chemical Biology.

This course introduces the emerging field of chemical biology and the tools used in contemporary research to analyze and manipulate biological processes with small molecules. Students develop a foundation in the design and synthesis of chemical probes to interrogate biological systems of varying complexity. Emphasis is placed on implementing and interpreting chemical and biochemical assays using examples drawn from current primary literature. Topics are presented within the broader context of small‑molecule discovery and development for applications in biological research and human health. Instruction integrates lectures, literature analysis, and discussion to connect chemical principles with biological function.

CHEM 5395. Fundamentals of Research.

This course is an introduction to the rules, ethics, and professional practices of scientific research. Students completing the course will meet federal obligations for training in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) and will participate in discussions that focus on the practice of science with integrity, accuracy, efficiency, and objectivity. Students will explore career development and opportunities in chemistry and biochemistry by learning about different career pathways and identifying resources for professional growth. Students will learn how to navigate the MS degree programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry, including where to find resources, support, and information about program requirements and policies.

CHEM 5396A. Materials Chemistry.

This course examines principles of the chemistry of the synthesis, structure, and properties of materials, including nanomaterials, and inorganic, organic and hybrid materials. Key concepts covered in the course include structure and bonding in solids, material synthesis and processing, sol-gel chemistry, materials characterization methods, and electrical, electrochemical and optical properties of materials. Current topics and trends in materials chemistry and applications of materials in energy, electronics, and healthcare will be covered. Students will be equipped with a foundation for advanced coursework and/or research in the field of materials chemistry.

CHEM 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment for graduates engaged in thesis research and writing in chemistry or biochemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a thesis advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the thesis, such as data collection, analysis, and preparation of written dissertation chapters. Candidates may participate in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. No thesis credit is awarded until the thesis is completed.

CHEM 5399B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduates engaged in thesis research and writing in chemistry or biochemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a thesis advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the thesis, such as data collection, analysis, preparation of written dissertation chapters, and oral defense of the thesis. Candidates may participate in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment may be needed for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress until the thesis is submitted for binding.

CHEM 5599B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduates engaged in thesis research and writing in chemistry or biochemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a thesis advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the thesis, such as data collection, analysis, preparation of written dissertation chapters, and oral defense of the thesis. Candidates may participate in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment may be needed for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress until the thesis is submitted for binding.

CHEM 5999B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduates engaged in thesis research and writing in chemistry or biochemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a thesis advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the thesis, such as data collection, analysis, preparation of written dissertation chapters, and oral defense of the thesis. Candidates may participate in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment may be needed for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress until the thesis is submitted for binding.