May 04, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry BS/Materials Design and Innovation MS


Want to make a big impact? Start by thinking small-at the molecular level, to be precise. As a chemistry student, you’ll get a whole new perspective on everything around us as you study the composition of matter, then use your knowledge to make our lives better. How? By developing pharmaceuticals that are more effective, making sure our water is safe to drink, developing new materials for longer-lasting products … the list goes on and on.

Visit the Chemistry academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Chemistry department page for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Students may apply to the joint BS in CHE/MS in MDI after semester 4 (before Fall Junior year), but no later than the start of semester 6 (typically beginning Spring Junior year). Two letters of reference are required, and students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA throughout their coursework in order to graduate.

Undergraduate Course Requirements


One Advanced Math course (4 credits)


Graduate Course Requirements


Materials Design and Innovation Required Courses (30 credits)


  • MDI 501: Introduction to Materials Design and Informatics Credits: 3
  • MDI 502: Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships in Materials Credits: 3
  • MDI 503: Thermodynamics and Molecular Structure of Materials Credits: 3
  • MDI 504: Multivariate Statistics and Materials Informatics Credits: 3
  • MDI 505: Computational Materials Chemistry and Physics Credits: 3
  • MDI 506: Kinetics, Microstructure and Defects Credits: 3
  • MDI 507: Quantitative Methods for Materials Characterization Credits: 3
  • MDI 508: Experimental Design for Materials Development Credits: 3
  • Remaining 6 credits can be any combination of electives, MDI 700TUT Project Guidance, or MDI 701TUT Thesis

Total Credits Required for Undergraduate Major: 75


Additional Degree Requirements Included:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UBCurriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 136 credit hour total

Total Undergraduate Credits Required: 120


Total Graduate Credits Required: 30


Total Credits Required for Graduation: 136


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purpose. 

Program Distinction


A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 16


Total Credits: 18


Total Credits: 18


Second Year Spring


Total Credits: 16


Total Credits: 15


Total Credits: 17


Fourth Year Fall


  • Credits: 3
  • 300/400-level Undergraduate Elective Credits: 2
  • Credits: 1
  • MDI 501Introduction to Materials Design and Infomatics Credits: 3
  • MDI 502Quantitative Structure-Propoerty Relationships in Materials Credits: 3
  • MDI 503Thermodynamics and Molecular Structure of Materials Credits: 3
  • MDI 507Quantitative Methods for Materials Characterization Credits: 3

Total Credits: 18


Fourth Year Spring


  • MDI 504Multivariate Statistics and Materials Informatics Credits: 3
  • MDI 505Computational Materials Chemistry and Physics Credits: 3
  • MDI 506Kinetics, Microstructure and Defects Credits: 3
  • MDI 508Experimental Design for Materials Development Credits: 3

Total Credits: 12


Fifth Year Fall


  • Remaining 6 Credits can be any combination of electives, MDI 700TUT Project Guidance, or MDI 701TUT Thesis Guidance

Total Credits: 6


Total Credits Required: 136


Notes: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have met learning outcomes of both programs, which are:

  • Demonstrate acquisition of a broad set of chemical knowledge concerning the fundamentals in the four basic areas of the discipline (organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry).
  • Solve problems competently by identifying the essential parts of a problem and formulating a strategy for solving the problem. They will be able to rationally estimate the solution to a problem, apply appropriate techniques to arrive at a solution, test the correctness of the solution, and interpret their results.
  • Understand the objective of their chemical experiments, properly carry out the experiments, and appropriately record and analyze the results.
  • Use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments.
  • Know and follow the proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals.
  • Communicate the concepts and results of their laboratory experiments through effective writing skills.
  • Successfully pursue their career objectives in advanced education in professional and/or graduate schools, in a scientific career in government or industry, in a teaching career in the school systems, or in a related career following graduation.
  • Be able to use modern literature retrieval methods to obtain information about chemicals and chemistry topics.
  • Have a basic understanding of biological chemistry.
  • Have advanced laboratory skills in organic and inorganic synthesis and characterizational methods.
  • Have advanced knowledge of analytical chemistry.
  • Demonstrate professional competence, broadly defined, by assuming a role of increasing importance within an organization or business, or making progress towards an advanced degree.
  • Apply scientific and engineering principles to solve technical problems, using a wide range of skills including experimental and informatics techniques.
  • Be able to express oneself in writing and orally.
  • Interact well with a broad range of people, especially on teams. Relate well with superiors, peers, and subordinates.