MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY

Study Duration
Minimum 2 semesters (1 year)
Maximum 4 semesters (2 years)

Intake
Intake – 2 times a year (March & October)
*subjected to UKM academic calendar

Starting Semester 2, 2024/2025 Academic Session

STPD6024 Research Methodology
This course provides guidance in planning, implementing and succeed in a scientific research. Students are introduced to the science philosophy and ethics necessary to be adopted by researchers. Students are given exposure to determine and manage risks in scientific research. Apart from that, issues and rules related to research such as intellectual property, copyright, plagiarism etc. will be discussed. Subsequently, students are guided to plan their research and prepare a research proposal. For this, students are trained with techniques in information search both manually and on-line, identifying issues and research objectives, planning research and experimental design within their period of study. Students are required to prepare their research proposal according to the format and making sure that it is free from plagiarism by introduction of plagiarism checker system. Students are given the opportunity to present their proposal in a seminar and defend them. Students will be evaluated based on written and oral presentation of the research proposal, and final examination.

STKK6523 Spectroscopy in Organic Chemistry
This course is introduced to strengthen the students’ knowledge and skill in structural determination and stereochemistry of organic compounds. The theory and application of modern spectroscopic methods for this particular aim will be discussed, including ultraviolet, infrared, one and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectrometry. In addition, a step-by-step approach in structural elucidation of organic compounds that involves abstraction and interpretation of ultraviolet, infrared, one and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectral data will be discussed in detail. Besides focusing on the structural elucidation exercises based on the spectroscopic data, hands-on application of the instrument will also be executed during one slot of practical work. The importance of spectroscopic and physical data in the stereochemical determination of organic compounds will also be covered.

STKK6353 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
This course will expose students to all aspects of basic inorganic reaction mechanisms, namely the process of bond formation and cleavage, electron transfer, the nature of intermediates, medium and other effects, in inorganic and organometallic redox and substitution reactions, including those which underlie critical catalytic, environmental, biological and industrial processes. Besides that, examples of specific structures and functions of metal/metal ions and metal complexes in human life will also be discussed. This course will also cover the catalysis processes of inorganic and organometallic complexes.

STKK6153 Advanced Physical Chemistry
Changes: internal energy changes, direction of system changes. Second law: entropy and third law. Free energy of system: general thermodynamic equation, characteristics of free energy, chemical potential. Phase boundary, phase stability, phase transition, liquid surface. Phase diagram: three-component system. State of matter: gas, solid and liguid, physical and chemical process, ideal and real gases, concentration and activity, pressure and fugacity, energy concept, first , second and third thermodinamic laws, physical and chemical equilibriums, electrolyte and non-electrolyte, conductive number, conductivity, galvanic cell, concentration cell and battery. Discussion on the engineering aspect of chemical reactions involving homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, and mechanism derivation based on the kinetics data is explored. The type and properties of chemical reactors are introduced.

STKK6713 Principles of Analytical Instrument Design
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of designing and utilizing analytical instruments for scientific research and industrial applications. This course covers fundamental concepts in instrument design, including detectors, sensors, and data acquisition systems, emphasizing the selection of measurement techniques, signal processing methods, and calibration procedures. Various analytical techniques, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and electrochemical methods, are explored in terms of their instrument design implications. Students are exposed to instrument validation, quality control, and regulatory compliance, preparing them for careers in research, development, and quality assurance across scientific and industrial sectors. Overall, this course equips students with essential skills for designing, optimizing, and maintaining analytical instruments to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

STKK6722 Chemical Managment System
This course emphasizes a comprehensive discussion of the components of the management of the chemical industry. These management components involve history, legislation, and practice procedures adopted in Malaysia. Among them are The Occupational Safety and Health Act (Act 514) and its Regulations, Environmental Quality Act (Act 127), ISO 1042 Laboratory Safety Practice Procedures, ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System, ISO 14000 Environmental Management System, Safety Management System and Occupational Health ISO 45001. This course also introduces continuous management system improvement procedures using the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) cycle model. This course also discusses hazard identification methods, risk assessment, and appropriate hazard control measures.

STKK6513 Organic Synthesis
Reaction leading towards forming carbon-carbon bonds, a summary of reactions especially involving functional group interconversions, was discussed. Synthetic methods emphasise discovery, development and use of chemical reaction in synthesis; limitations and scope of the reactions in question. Multi-step synthesis as templates for various synthetic approaches and strategies using organometallic compounds will be discussed. Organometallic reactions such as Grignard reaction, Kharasch reaction and Gilman reaction also will be discussed.

STKK6213 Advanced Electrochemistry
This advanced course in electrochemistry offers a thorough exploration of electrochemical techniques and their wide-ranging real-world uses. By encompassing the fundamental principles as well as the latest breakthroughs in the field, it aims to foster a deep understanding of electrochemical science among students. The course commences with a comprehensive introduction to the historical context and core principles of electrochemistry, shedding light on concepts such as redox reactions, electron transfers, and the interfaces between electrodes and solutions. It delves into the various electrode types, including working, reference, counter electrodes, and microelectrodes, emphasizing methods to enhance electrode performance. Subsequently, students delve into the intricacies of essential electrochemical techniques like Cyclic Voltammetry, Differential Pulse Voltammetry, Chronoamperometry, and Potentiometry. Furthermore, the course delves into Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and its practical applications, particularly in material characterization and corrosion studies. It goes on to explore advanced electrochemical applications, encompassing sensors, electrosynthesis, fuel cells, batteries, advanced oxidation processes, corrosion prevention and coating strategies. Students will engage in hands-on case studies , culminating in comprehensive assessments that prepare them for advanced research and practical applications in various domains, including sensor technology, energy storage, environmental preservation and material science.

STKK6113 Quantum Chemistry
This course introduces and discusses the basic principles in quantum theory; topics include wave-particle duality principle, uncertainty principle, Schrödinger equation, normalization and quantization, the born interpretation of the wave function, operators, eigenvalues and eigen functions, probability and expectation values. The application of wave function in solving the particle in a box and motion in two dimensions for translational motion; the energy levels and the wave functions for vibrational motion; and rotation in two and three dimensions, and spin for rotational motion will be included in discussion. In the second part of this course, the material covers the following topics: atomic spectra, structure of H atom, ionization energy, molecular structure, molecular orbital theory, bonding and antibonding orbitals, linear combinations of atomic orbitals (LCAO) theory, Huckel molecular orbital theory.

STKK6273 Computational Chemistry
The field of computational chemistry encompasses the development and application of numerical methods for studying chemical systems. The successful investigation of problems in chemistry using computational chemistry requires both an understanding of the nature of the chemistry being studied and an understanding of the computational methods employed. Students will learn computational chemistry literacy and perform standard computational chemistry tasks such as geometry optimizations, molecular structure, rotation-vibration spectrum, and chemical adsorption and dissociation through this course. Emphasis will be placed on practical understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, and ranges of applicability of different computational software. This knowledge will allow for the critical evaluation of the validity and accuracy of results and of the conclusions derived from the computational chemistry modelling of particular chemical problems.

STKK6253 Introduction to Biological Chemistry
Chemical Biology is a subject emphasizing the study of understanding the chemical principles of biological function. Students will discuss structures and reactivity, chemical mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, the chemistry of signalling, biosynthesis, and metabolic pathways. This course is also designed to provide a forum to discuss current issues and technology developments in chemical biology.

STKK6233 Advanced Oleochemistry
This course is an advanced chemistry course in the fields of oil and fats and oleochemical. The palm oil and oleochemical industries are among the largest industries in Malaysia as the world’s largest producers of palm oil and oleochemical materials. The course prefix will focus on oil and fat chemistry principles such as the structures and the chemical naming of triacylglycerol, fatty acids, and the issues involved. The analysis of physicochemical characterization is also introduced, such as iodine value, peroxide value, saponification value, acid value and cloud point. The course will also expose students to chemical reactions, such as hydrolysis, methanolysis, and glycerolysis. In addition, students will be introduced to chemical processes at the industry level, such as crude oil extraction, oil purifying until the production process of oleochemical. At the advanced level, this course will introduce chemical modification reactions such as epoxidation, esterification and etherification to modify oil structures and oleochemical materials to a new compound that can be used in industry biolubricant, polymer, surfactants, emulsifiers, antibacterial and many more. In addition, this course will focus on the chemical and enzymatic modifications used at the research and industry level. The process of polymerization is also introduced in this course to serve current industry demand. Students have an opportunity to join industry visits to oil processing refineries and oleochemical. This course offers exposure to graduate students, especially for students interested in researching oil, fats, and oleochemicals

STKK6373 Characterisation of Inorganic Compounds
Characterisation of inorganic compounds is the course that discusses theoretical and practical aspects of characterisation techniques for inorganic compounds. This course covers analytical instrumental techniques, including data generation, acquisition, processing, and interpretation and related applications. A range of techniques will be considered, with the emphasis being placed on specific analyses, including colour and melting point of the compounds, elemental analysis, crystallography analysis, atomic and molecular spectroscopic analysis, mass spectrometry, magnetism analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy as well as diffraction analysis. Apart from that, related applications in the current research and industries will also be discussed.

STKK6293 Agricultural Chemistry
The course content of Agricultural Chemistry covers a few main topics such as the elemental composition of the soil, ion equilibrium in soil, soil acidity, insecticide, fungicide, nematocide, herbicide, plant growth and productivity regulator, formulation of agricultural chemicals, dan chemical residues in soil.

STKK6123 Advanced Polymer Chemistry
Polymer chemistry is a multidisciplinary science that deals with the chemical synthesis and chemical properties of polymers. This polymer chemistry course covers the synthetic techniques in everyday use in academic and industrial laboratories for making a wide variety of polymers. The challenges and latest developments in producing established thermoplastics and elastomers from renewable sources to obtain sustainable polymeric materials are discussed.  Synthetic reactions on formed polymers are also presented as tools to modify the polymer properties. Emphasis is placed on how the various synthetic methods control structural features such as molecular weight, branching, cross-linking, and crystallinity. This course covers essential polymerization reactions, focusing on their reaction mechanisms and kinetic aspects. The most common polymerizations include step-growth polymerization and chain polymerization (radical, ion, and coordination polymerization). These include more advanced polymerization techniques such as copolymerization, controlled radical polymerization, heterogeneous polymerization and ring-opening polymerization. Polymerization principles of bulk, solution, suspension, emulsion, and interface polymerization are discussed and compared. Each method presentation will cover the entire spectrum, from the theoretical understanding of detailed experimental procedures to examples of functional materials prepared by the specific method. Aside from theory, the course also focuses on calculations and predictions of important parameters and outcomes of polymerizations, including the degree of polymerization, average molecular weight, average functionality, gel point, rate constants, copolymerization composition etc.

STKK6373 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Advanced analytical chemistry covers theoretical and practical aspects of analytical instrumental techniques, including data generation, acquisition, processing, interpretation, instrumentation and state-of-the-art applications. A range of techniques will be considered with emphasis on atomic and molecular spectroscopic analysis, chromatographic analysis, mass spectrometry, and advanced thermal analysis techniques. This course also covers data handling, statistical treatment of analytical data and evaluation of analytical data with chemometric methods. Data collection technology which includes a big data approach to analytical chemistry will be discussed.

STKK6974 Research Project I
This course introduces students to basic of research. Students are required to carry out information search systematically. Students will have to understand in detail the content of literature search carried out. Students are also required to prepare a research proposal that includes literature review, research problems, research methods and expected research results. Students have to present a research proposal at the end of the semester.

STKK6989 Research Project II
Dissertation is a continuation of Research Project I, where students in this semester must produce a dissertation using data from the research project. Research conducted exposes students to approaches, techniques, observation and data analysis as well as research solutions. Research outcomes should be written according to the UKM style writing format (The UKM Style Guide). Assessment is based on dissertation writing and oral presentation. In addition, the monitoring of the development and the frequency of meeting with supervisors was also evaluated.

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with minimum CGPA 2.50 or equivalent, from any institutions of higher learning  recognized by the UKM Senate; or
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with minimum CGPA 2.00 – 2.49 or equivalent, with minimum of 5 years working experience or research project in relevant field. Proof of the working experience of a foreign candidate should be acknowledge by the embassy of the respective country; or
• Fulfill Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL A) for local candidates only:
  • should be more than 30 years of age in the year of application; and
  • possess at least STPM or diploma in relevant field or other equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of Malaysia and approved by the UKM Senate; and
  • possess a certificate of MQA APEL with MQF Level 7
• An international student shall obtain minimum results of either
  • TOEFL iBT score 46 or
  • IELTS band 5.5 or
  • PTE score 51 or
  • CEFR band B2 or
  • MUET band 4 or
  • Higher Education English Test (HEET) score 7 or
  • An international student who comes from a country where English is the official language, or who has obtained academic qualifications from any institution of higher learning that uses English as the medium of instruction may be exempted from the requirement for HEET / TOEFL / IELTS)

1. Chemist
2. Research Officer
3. Lecturer