MS Chemistry

Overview

The Department of Chemistry aspires to establish itself as an internationally recognised and globally competitive centre for graduate teaching and research. The Department has initiated and maintained internationally recognised research Programmes in a wide variety of chemical disciplines for the last few years that include nanoscience and nanotechnology, materials chemistry, catalysis, drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. The faculty consists of an outstanding group of scientists who are committed to pursuing and maintaining excellence in research. The graduate Programme (MS and PhD) in Chemistry is an exciting opportunity for students to take advantage of the Department’s conducive and thriving research environment to contribute effectively in the development of science. The Department’s mission is to produce outstanding graduates who can excel and become future leaders in academia and industry.

Research Opportunities

The Department of Chemistry at LUMS is comprised of a diverse group of research-active faculty members. In addition to the traditional areas of chemical sciences, they work on interdisciplinary research projects interfacing chemistry with various fields, including Biology, Medicine, Physics, Environmental and Material Science and Engineering. The faculty research groups are actively working to develop world-class research Programmes in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Macromolecular Chemistry, Green Synthesis/Catalysis, Renewable Energy Technologies, Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry, Healthcare and Environmental Remediation.

Chemistry teaching and research labs are well equipped with the state-of-the-art experimental facilities and equipment. There is a good collection of supplies and equipment including spectroscopic, structural and materials characterization tools. These tools include field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with advanced detectors, EDS and e-beam lithography, NMR (23 MHz), GC-MS, TGA-DTA, DSC, LC-MS, HPLC, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), XRD, Zetasizer Nano – ZSP, Multi-label Plate reader, FT-IR spectrometer with diamond ATR attachment, FT-IR spectrometer for thin films analysis, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, spin coaters, microwave synthesizer (CEM), refrigerated/non-refrigerated micro-centrifuges, high-temperature furnaces, photo-reactors, pellet press machine, high-temperature autoclave with steel/teflon reactor, impedance analyzer with climate chamber attachment, potentiostat with cyclic voltammeter, contact angle measuring equipment, magnetic susceptibility balance goniometer and more.

The Chemistry faculty has developed very effective and fruitful research collaborations with prominent national and international research groups in USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia. These collaborations are very helpful in keeping the faculty abreast with the latest developments in the field and to use advanced technology platforms and high-tech equipment that are currently not available anywhere in Pakistan. So far, these collaborations have been very effective in getting highly competitive international research grants and in publishing high quality research articles in prestigious international journals.

* The medium of instruction at LUMS is English for all degree programmes offered. Assessments are accepted in English only.

Structure

MS Chemistry students must complete 30 credit hours, with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, as per the course plan below. We strongly encourage all students to opt for the “MS Chemistry by research” and complete 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of MS Thesis I and MS Thesis II as a part of their Degree Programme. However, students may opt for the “MS Chemistry by coursework” and complete all 30 credit hours by coursework only.

Course Plan

  Year 1 Year 2
Fall Semester Spring Semester FALL SEMESTER SPRING SEMESTER
Core Courses CHEM 521: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I: 3 CH
CHEM 531: (Advanced Organic Chemistry I: 3 CH		 CHEM 511: (Advanced Physical Chemistry I: 3 CH
CHEM 503: Experimental Methods in Chemical Research: 3 CH		 *CHEM 509A MS Thesis I: 3 CH *CHEM 509B MS Thesis II: 3 CH
Elective Courses Elective 1 (3 CH)
Elective 4 (3 CH)		 Elective 2 (3 CH)
Elective 3 (3 CH)		  

 

*MS Thesis I and MS Thesis II are core courses for “MS Chemistry by research” Degree Programme.

Core courses

18 credit hours for MS by research

12 credit hours for MS by coursework

Elective courses

2 credit hours for MS by research

18 credit hours for MS by coursework

Important Dates

MS (Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Mathematics / Physics / Biology / Chemistry)

ActivityDate
Online Application Deadline (PST)
15 Apr 2020
05:00 pm
Deadline to submit supporting documents
16 Apr 2020
Online Application Deadline (PST) -- LUMS UG Continuing Students
15 Apr 2020
05:00 pm
Deadline to submit supporting documents - LUMS UG Continuing Students
16 Apr 2020
Admission decisions
01 Jul 2020 to 31 Jul 2020
Notes: 

The University reserves the right to change dates and deadlines for admissions. Please keep informed of any changes by visiting www.lums.edu.pk periodically as well as the LUMS online application site.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Fall 2020 Admissions

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria in order to be considered for admission to the Graduate Programme.

The Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) offers MS Programme in Chemistry of two years’ duration.

Admission is purely merit-based and rests solely on the following criteria:

  1. Academic record;
  2. Performance in the Admission Tests;
  3. Completed and submitted application form and supporting documents by the stipulated deadline;
  4. Interview Performance (if called)

Note:

This is the minimum criteria that applicants need to fulfil in order to be eligible to apply. Fulfilment of this criteria does not guarantee admission to LUMS.

Academic Requirements for Fall 2020 Admissions

A minimum of 16 years of education is required for applying to the MS Programme in Chemistry.

Applicants are expected to have obtained their Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree from the National or Foreign institutions that are accredited or recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan. Applicants who have obtained their degrees from institutions that are not listed with the HEC, Pakistan, will be required to obtain an Equivalence Certificate from the HEC. For further information, please visit: www.hec.gov.pk.

As a minimum academic performance, all applicants must have a CGPA of at least 2.4 (on a scale of 4) or at least 60% marks in all university-level degrees (i.e. 4 years Bachelor’s degree or 2 years BSc. degree and 2 years MSc. degree).

Applicants applying to the MS Programme in Chemistry must have their Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree in any one of the following areas:

  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Materials Science or Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Other closely related discipline

Note:

Applicants completing their last degree by June 30, 2020 are also eligible to apply for MS Programme if they are meeting all minimum admission requirements at the time of submission of application.

Please note applicants need to provide the final official transcript by June 30, 2020 or they will not be considered for admission in MS Programme.

Admission Eligibility Criteria for LUMS SBASSE Continuing Students

BS - MS Programme

LUMS BS students graduating in 2020 from SBASSE with a Subject CGPA (SCGPA) of ≥ 3.0 in their BS degree are eligible to apply.

Following are the application categories:

  1. SBASSE students who have obtained a Subject CGPA (SCGPA) of ≥ 3.0 in their BS degree are exempted from the LUMS Graduate Admissions Test (LGAT) and LUMS SBASSE Subject Test.
    The application submission deadline for this category of students is April 15, 2020. Please note that the exemption from the LGAT and LUMS Subject test will only be granted if the SCGPA ≥ 3.0 requirement is met at the time of application submission.
    Please visit the following link to apply for this Programme: https://admissions.lums.edu.pk
  2. SBASSE students who have obtained a Subject CGPA (SCGPA) of ≥ 3.0 (at the time of application submission) in their BS degree applying across departments will be required to take the SBASSE Subject Test in the subject they want to pursue their MS in.
    The application submission deadline for this category of students is April 15, 2020. The LUMS Graduate Admissions Test (LGAT) is waived off for this category of students but they must successfully register for LUMS SBASSE Subject Test through LUMS Online admission system on or before April 15, 2020.

​Please note that the exemption from the LGAT will only be granted if the SCGPA ≥ 3.0 requirement is met at the time of application submission.

Note:

SBASSE students with a SCGPA of < 3.0 must take LGAT and SBASSE Subject Tests. They are expected to apply through the regular admission process. The application submission deadline for this category of students is April 15, 2020.

Please visit the following link to apply https://admissions.lums.edu.pk.

Admission Test Requirement for Fall 2020 Admissions

a. Local Applicants

Applicants to the MS Programme in Chemistry are required to take following two (2) admissions tests in order to be considered for Fall 2020 admission:
  1. LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT); and
  2. LUMS SBASSE Subject Test in Chemistry

Please visit the following link to apply https://admissions.lums.edu.pk.

Exemption for applicants who have taken Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Tests

  • Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examination GRE (General) (through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) USA) during the last two (2) years (i.e. after April 15, 2018) and obtained an aggregate score of 300 in the quantitative and verbal sections may choose not to take the LGAT.
  • Applicants who have taken the GRE Subject Test in Chemistry (through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) USA) during the last two (2) years (i.e. after April 15, 2018) and obtained a score at the 60th percentile or above may choose not to take the SBASSE Subject Test in Chemistry.

b. International Applicants

Applicants residing outside Pakistan are required to take following two (2) admissions tests in order to be considered for Fall 2020 admission:
  1. GRE - General Test; and
  2. GRE - Subject Test in Chemistry

For GRE registration, please visit www.ets.org.

GRE scores must be reported to LUMS officially from the testing agency. The college code for reporting GRE (General) and GRE Subject Test scores to LUMS is 0679.

Note:

  • LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) is comprised of Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical sections.
  • The LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) and the SBASSE Subject Test in Chemistry for Fall 2020 will be announced later.
  • LGAT and SBASSE Subject Test Scores will be valid only for One (1) academic year.
  • The LGAT and SBASSE Subject Test scores will be used for application evaluation, hence will not be disclosed to applicants.

Subject Test Guidelines:

Please visit the following link; Subject Test Guidelines

Supporting Documents Requirement for Fall 2020 Admissions

Applicants must complete and submit their online application form on or before April 15, 2020; 5:00 pm (PST). The application form can be accessed online at http://admissions.lums.edu.pk. In addition, all applicants are required to submit all supporting documents to the LUMS Admissions Office on or before April 16, 2020.

Waiving Recommendation Letters.

The applicants need to provide the names and contact details of referees and LUMS Admissions Office will contact them while processing admission applications.

Application Processing & LUMS Test Registration fee (if applicable)

  • The application processing fee of  Rs.1200 (SBASSE MS/PhD Programmes).
  • LGAT & LUMS SBASSE Subject Test Registration Fee of Rs. 1000 (SBASSE MS/PhD Programmes).
  • The application processing fee of $81 for International applicants (SBASSE MS/PhD Programmes).
  • The application processing and LGAT & LUMS SBASSE Subject Test Registration Fee of $89 for International applicants (SBASSE MS/PhD Programmes).

Payment Procedure

After the successful submission of the online application form through the LUMS Online account on or before the application submission deadline, applicants will be able to print a system generated Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration (if applicable) Fee payment voucher.  For further details regarding Fee payment options Click here

Proof of Payment

A stamped copy of the payment voucher or a confirmation email of an online banking transaction constitutes proof of payment. Applicants are required to send a copy of payment proof along with all other required supporting documents as ONE package on or before the stipulated deadline.

Applicants must print and paste the “Mailing label” on the envelope before sending it to the LUMS Office of Admissions. Applications or documents received after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.
 

Interview Performance

Shortlisted applicants may be called for an interview.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements for MS Programme?

Please visit the following link for the minimum eligibility criteria; https://admission.lums.edu.pk/graduate-programmes

Do you require any test for admission to the MS Programme?

Please visit the following link for admission test details; https://admission.lums.edu.pk/testing

How can I submit the application processing and test fee (if applicable)?

After the successful submission of the online application form you will be able to print a system generated Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration (if applicable) Fee payment voucher. Please print the fee voucher for making payments at Allied Bank Branches throughout Pakistan. The voucher can be paid:

  • In cash by presenting the payment voucher along with the requisite amount at any Allied Bank branch throughout Pakistan.

By which date should applicants expect their Test Registration Cards to be delivered?

Test Registration Cards and instructions will be posted to the applicants' secure online application account and an email message will alert applicants that the Test Registration Card has been posted. It will be posted on applicants' online account one week before the test date.

I have submitted my online application & all required documents on time but I am unable to view my Test Registration Card?

If an applicant is unable to view his/her Test Registration Card despite completing all the requirements then he/she can write to us at helpdeskao@lums.edu.pk.

I have not yet received any confirmation email after the submission of my online application. What should I do?

You should recheck the completion and proper submission of your online application.

Is it possible to apply after the deadline?

Applications submitted after the deadlines are not accepted.

How do I inform about a change in the online application?

It is highly recommended to fill out the application form carefully. No changes can be made after the submission of online application. In sheer need an applicant can send the updated information to helpdeskao@lums.edu.pk with the specific header "Change in Application Form".

I have received my transcripts for Bachelor's/Master's but I do not have the degree. What should I do?

You should submit all your transcripts latest by the document submission deadline. Copy of your degree can be submitted later.

Is financial aid available for MS students?

Yes, financial aid is available on need basis.

How and when do I apply for financial aid?

You should apply for financial aid while submitting your online application. The application form for the financial assistance is within the online admission application.

Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

The recommendation letters can be from a faculty member who has had a reasonable opportunity to evaluate you academically.

Are there any specific quotas in admission?

Admission in LUMS MS Programme is purely merit based and there are no quotas.

Can my admission be deferred?

In truly exceptional circumstances the Graduate Programme Committee may grant a deferral. All requests should be made in writing and will be reviewed on a case to case basis.

How will you notify me regarding a decision on my application?

Final Admission decision will be communicated through an official letter; however, you can check your application status through your online account. Regretfully, we are unable to provide information regarding your application status by telephone or e-mail.

Do you have any age limit for the admission to the MS Programme?

No, there are no age restrictions.

May I appeal my admission decision or ask to have the decision explained?

The admission process is a well deliberated and thorough process. Each year we receive a large number of outstanding applications. Unfortunately, all of them do not qualify because of the limited number of available seats. The decision regarding admission is final.

If your application is unsuccessful you will also receive a letter informing you of this. Due to the volume of applications the University receive, it is not possible to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Who is an International applicant?

A Foreign national who is not of Pakistani origin and does not have a Pakistani passport/NICOP/CNIC is eligible to apply to LUMS under its International Student Programme. Applicants holding dual nationality out of which one is Pakistani are not eligible to apply through LUMS International Student Programme.

What is the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan is an independent, autonomous, and constitutionally established institution of primary funding, overseeing, regulating, and accrediting the higher education efforts in Pakistan.
HEC is responsible for formulating higher education policy and quality assurance to meet the international standards as well as providing accrediting academic degrees, development of new institutions, and uplift of existing institutions in Pakistan.

How do I get equivalence from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?

International students can get equivalence through the following process: http://hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/Equivalence%20Degree%20Issuance.

Does LUMS offer campus accommodation to international students?

LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for International students.

What are the visa requirements for LUMS as an International applicant?

Please visit the link for visa requirements: https://international.lums.edu.pk/visa-and-travel#int-accbtn-1a.

Fees

Fee Structure for FY 2020-21

Particulars

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

 

PKR

PKR

Admission Fee (One Time Charge)

81,500

-

Tuition Fee

175,800

175,800

Semester Registration Fee

26,900

26,900

General Security (Refundable - One Time Charge)

34,400

-

Total Fee

318,600

202,700


Hostel Fee

Particulars

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

 

PKR

PKR

Hostel Fee (double occupancy)

45,000

45,000

Hostel Fee (triple occupancy)

30,000

30,000

 
Important Points

  • The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 2 Year MS Chemistry programme
  • Fees are payable by semester according to the schedule given in the Annual Fee bill.
  • Through an amendment in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 by Finance Act 2013, advance tax (under section 236 I) shall be collected @ 5% on the entire amount of fee (if Student Payable exceeds PKR 200,000 per annum excluding the amount refundable).
  • Advance tax paid on fee is adjustable at the time of filing of Income tax return. LUMS will issue Advance Tax Certificate in this regard at year-end.
  • University fees are usually announced once each year, for the following academic year. However, tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.


Refund Policy

To learn more about the University's Refund Policy, please click here.

SUBMISSION OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

We are here to help and guide you through the admissions process during this time. You can continue to monitor this page for admissions related updates. Our campus is also providing general updates and resources as needed. 

Our Campus is closed, but we're still here to help

Due to the country’s stay at home directive, LUMS campus is closed and no longer offering in-person visits. However, we're still working and available to answer your admission related questions! Feel free to email us at admissions@lums.edu.pk or contact us through Live web chat (Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST).

Unfortunately, a few of our processes are unable to be done remotely. These are detailed below.

Submitting your supporting documents

All available documents can be submitted online through the LUMS Online Admission system. In case, few documents are not available/missing then applicants can seek help/extension by writing to the Admissions Office at admissions@lums.edu.pk.

Acknowledgement for documents receiving

We may not be able to accept postal mail or courier packages at this moment. If you had documents sent through such means recently, you will receive a system generated acknowledgement email of your submitted documents within two weeks’ time. If need be, Admissions staff will also contact you for the completion of supporting documents.

Recommendation Letter Waiver

If referees can send recommendation letters by email, they can email them directly to admissions@lums.edu.pk. If this cannot be done, please provide only names and contact details of referees and we will approach them directly, if the need arises.

Please feel free to contact admissions@lums.edu.pk, if further information is needed.

Wishing you health and safety!

Admission Support

Subject Test

The chemistry graduate admission test (MS and PhD programs) will consist of about 80 multiple choice questions. A periodic table and essential information regarding physical constants and conversion factors will be provided at appropriate places. Use of calculators and mobile phones is not allowed. 

The content of the test emphasizes physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry and organic chemistry as described below.

Physical Chemistry (~30%)

  • Thermodynamics: First, second and third laws, thermochemistry, ideal and real gases and solutions, Gibbs and Helmholtz energy, chemical potential, chemical equilibria, phase equilibria, colligative properties, statistical thermodynamics.
  • Quantum Chemistry and Applications to Spectroscopy: Classical experiments, principles of quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure, molecular spectroscopy.
  • Dynamics: Experimental and theoretical chemical kinetics, solution and liquid dynamics, photochemistry.

Inorganic Chemistry (~25%)

  • General Chemistry: Periodic trends, stoichiometry, oxidation states, nuclear chemistry.
  • Ionic Substances: Lattice geometries, lattice energies, ionic radii, and radius/ratio effects.
  • Covalent Molecular Substances: Lewis diagrams, molecular point groups, VSEPR concept, valence bond description and hybridization, molecular orbital description, bond energies, covalent and van der Waals radii of the elements, intermolecular forces.
  • Metals and Semiconductors: Structure, band theory, physical and chemical consequences of band theory.
  • Acids and Bases: Bronsted-Lowry approaches, Lewis theory, solvent system approaches.
  • Chemistry of the Main Group Elements: Electronic structures, occurrences and recovery, physical and chemical properties of the elements and their compounds.
  • Chemistry of the Transition Elements: Electronic structures, occurrences and recovery, physical and chemical properties of the elements and their compounds, coordination chemistry.
  • Special Topics: Organometallics, catalysis, bioinorganic chemistry, solid state chemistry and environmental chemistry.

Analytical Chemistry (~15%)

  • Data Acquisition and Use of Statistics: Errors, statistical considerations
  • Solutions and Standardization: Concentration terms, primary standards
  • Homogeneous Equilibria: Acid-base, oxidation-reduction, complexometry
  • Heterogeneous Equilibria: Gravimetric analysis, solubility, precipitation titrations, chemical separations.
  • Instrumental Methods: Electrochemical methods, spectroscopic methods, chromatographic methods, thermal methods, calibration of instruments.     

Organic Chemistry (~30%)

  • Structure, Bonding and Nomenclature: Lewis structures, orbital hybridization, configuration and stereochemical notation, conformational analysis, systematic IUPAC nomenclature, spectroscopy (IR, 1H and 13C NMR).
  • Functional Groups: Preparation, reactions, and interconversions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, dienes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides, thiols, aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines.
  • Reaction Mechanisms: Nucleophilic displacements and additions, nucleophilic aromatic substitutions, electrophilic additions, electrophilic aromatic substitutions, eliminations, Diels-Alder and other cycloadditions.
  • Reactive Intermediates: Chemistry and nature of carbocations, carbanions, free radicals, carbenes, benzynes, enols.
  • Organometallics: Preparation and reactions of Grignard and organolithium reagents, and other modern main group and transition metal reagents and catalysts.
  • Special Topics: Resonance, molecular orbital theory, catalysis, acid-base theory, carbon acidity, aromaticity, antiaromaticity, macromolecules, lipids, amino acids, peptides, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, terpenes, asymmetric synthesis, orbital symmetry, polymers. 

The format of the questions will be similar to the GRE Chemistry Subject Test. Sample questions can be downloaded from the link:https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/practice_book_chemistry.pdf

Overview
Structure
Admission Criteria
Information on document(s) submission
Fees
Fee Structure
Important Dates
Apply Online
Admission Support
Application support
FAQs

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