MSc in Chemistry and Chemical Biology - Bioinorganic in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

The Master of Science program requires completing 30 credit hours of study. While some students may finish within one academic year, most typically take longer. Given the varied educational backgrounds and career objectives of our students, we expect considerable diversity in individual study plans and avoid imposing strict course prerequisites. However, we generally expect most coursework to focus on advanced chemistry and related disciplines. Your personalized curriculum will be developed in collaboration with the M.S. Graduate Program Director, drawing from courses offered throughout Cornell University.

This program caters to individuals seeking advanced training in the chemical sciences, aiming to enhance their capabilities in critical analysis, independent research, and instruction. Research-focused students must demonstrate initiative by designing and pursuing their own projects, with the M.S. degree granted upon successful completion of a research project documented in an archival thesis submitted to both the student's committee and the Graduate School. First-year students typically enroll in Chem 5110 during fall semester, which introduces the extensive resources and research possibilities available within our department and across the university.

Bioinorganic chemistry examines the structure, functionality, mechanisms, and dynamics of biologically significant metal complexes and metalloproteins. Researchers in this field investigate the roles of biological metal sites, their operational mechanisms, and influencing factors by analyzing both small metal complexes and larger proteins. Our faculty explore cellular metal ion management, catalytic processes at metal sites, electron transfer mechanisms, and the relationship between biological metal site structures and their functions. Our investigations employ contemporary synthetic approaches, biological techniques, computational modeling, and cutting-edge analytical methods such as single-molecule spectroscopy, ultrafast spectroscopy, and synchrotron-based x-ray spectroscopy and diffraction.