Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences Department

Contact Information

Dr. Zhengtao Zhu
Associate Professor and Interim Department Head
Department of Chemistry, Biology and Health Sciences
Chemical and Biological Engineering/Chemistry 3314
Office Phone: 605-394-2447
E-mail: Zhengtao.Zhu@sdsmt.edu
Webpage: https://www.sdsmt.edu/CBH/

Faculty

Professors Fong, Sani, and Sinden; Associate Professors Gilley, Heglund, Kunza, Smirnova, Zhu; Assistant Professor Shchepin; Research Scientist Christofferson; Senior Lecturers Adcock, Filipova and Racz.

MS in Green and Sustainable Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences offers advanced studies leading to a MS degree in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. Green and Sustainable Chemistry is defined as the design, development and implementation of chemical products and processes that “enable scientists and engineers to protect and benefit the economy, people and the planet by finding creative and innovative ways to reduce waste, conserve energy, and discover replacements for hazardous substances.” The program provides the MS level of training for students interested in the broad area of Chemistry and/or Biology related to green and sustainability science and technology. The program provides professional preparation for green jobs in industry, national labs, federal agencies, and universities and/or careers in research, development, and management.

Research Areas

The research of the faculty in the Green and Sustainable Chemistry MS program include the broad area of science and technologies for a the greener and more sustainable future. The research topics include, but not limited to (1) green energy storage (e.g. battery), (2) green polymer chemistry and processing, (3) environmental chemistry for sustainability, and (4) green biotechnology.

Degree Options

The program offers MS degree in Green and Sustainable Chemistry with thesis, non-thesis, and accelerated options.

Accelerated MS option

Students entering the accelerated MS program must satisfy all requirements expected of traditional MS students, including writing and defending a thesis for thesis option or completing a research project for non-thesis option. The accelerated BS/MS program is governed by campus-wide policies as stated in the Graduate section of the SD Mines catalog. The following additional guidelines and policies pertain to the accelerated program within the Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences.

SD Mines students admitted to the Green and Sustainable Chemistry Accelerated MS option may apply up to 12 credits of 400/500/600 level courses taken as an undergraduate to both the BS and MS degrees.

Additional policies concerning accelerated MS degrees can be found in the requirements and policies applied to all graduate degrees by the Council of Graduate Education.

Outcomes

The program provides MS level of training for students interested in the broad area of Chemistry and/or Biology related to green and sustainability science and technology. The student outcomes are:

Students demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Students demonstrate specific knowledge as pertaining to their area of research in green and sustainable chemistry
Students understand the scientific literature in the field of green and sustainable chemistry
Students demonstrate proficiency in developing a technically sound plan to address a research problem in green and sustainable chemistry
Students demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills relevant to Green and Sustainable Chemistry

Financial support

A limited number of fellowships and assistantships are available to qualified students. All applicants are automatically considered for assistantships.

Background requirements

An appropriate bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biomedical, materials science and engineering, or related multidisciplinary discipline is required.

Admission requirements

To compete successfully for admissions, you should have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or greater. GRE scores are required, but no minimum is currently specified. For current SD Mines students, the GRE requirement may be waived. A statement of purpose and two recommendation letters are required.

Transfer credits

Policies for transferring credits from outside institutions can be found in the requirements and policies applied to all graduate degrees by the Council of Graduate Education. All transfers are subject to approval by the student’s advisor or advisory committee.