2017-18 General Catalog

Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
230 Physical Sciences Building
(831) 459-4125
http://chemistry.ucsc.edu

Faculty | Course Descriptions

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Program Description

Chemistry is central to modern science and, ultimately, most phenomena in biology, medicine, materials, engineering, geology, and the environmental sciences can be described in terms of the chemical and physical behavior of atoms and molecules. Because of the wide appeal and utility of chemistry, UCSC offers comprehensive lower-division courses in introductory and organic chemistry, differing in emphasis and style, to meet diverse needs. Students should also note the numerous upper-division course offerings and select those most suitable to their academic interests. The curriculum in chemistry exposes the student to the principal areas of modern chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, materials, analytical, and biochemistry. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who plan to graduate with a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree, as well as those who wish to pursue an advanced degree. The UCSC chemistry B.A. or B.S. graduate is well prepared to pursue a career in chemistry or related field.

Research in chemistry at UCSC is closely interwoven with graduate and undergraduate education. The chemistry and biochemistry research program is active at the graduate level, and faculty also encourage undergraduates to become involved in research. Research leads to academic credit in Chemistry 195A-B-C, Senior Research; or in Chemistry 199, Independent Study. There are also opportunities for interdisciplinary research combining chemistry with a wide range of sciences, for example, physics, geology, oceanography, biology, computer science, microbiology and environmental toxicology. At UCSC, it is not uncommon for students to see their own original work published in research journals.

Chemistry and biochemistry faculty and approximately 90 graduate students and 15-20 postdoctoral fellows are housed in the Physical Sciences Building near the Science Library. The department maintains and constantly expands cutting-edge facilities that enable scientists to carry out their research such as the Chemical Screening Center, Macromolecular Structure Function Core Facility, Mass Spectrometry, NMR Facility, and X-Ray Laboratory.

The Science and Engineering Library has an excellent collection of current journals and reference works, as well as access to earlier volumes of all the major journals. Additional source material can be readily and rapidly obtained on interlibrary loan.

A degree in chemistry opens the door to a wide variety of academic careers. Some UCSC graduates are working as industry researchers in electronic materials, biotechnology, medicinal chemistry, or laser technology. Others have entered government service as research chemists in the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, or law enforcement crime laboratories. Fields such as patent law, commercial development, and scientific writing are open to graduates. Many chemistry majors go on to university graduate programs across the nation to prepare for careers in academic or industry. The degree in chemistry also provides a strong disciplinary background in preparation for a career in the important and much needed area of science teaching in high school. A major in chemistry is also an excellent beginning for one of the many opportunities in the health sciences.

The UCSC Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers both B.S. and B.A. degree programs. The B.S. degree should be the choice if a student is interested in getting a job in industry immediately after receiving his or her college degree. The B.S. program also provides a good background for graduate work in chemistry. The B.A. program has fewer requirements and should be considered by students who wish to take more science courses outside of chemistry to enter an interdisciplinary area. Examples might be chemical oceanography, geochemistry, chemical physics, environmental chemistry, and health sciences. The B.A. might also be a good choice for students who wish to become high school teachers. For either degree, the courses stress the fundamentals of chemistry and allow students to pursue independent research.

A minor in chemistry is also offered for those who wish to have a strong complementary program in chemistry while majoring in another area of study.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes summarize the most important knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that students are expected to develop over the course of their studies.

The program learning outcomes clearly communicate the faculty’s expectations to students, provide a framework for faculty evaluation of the curriculum based on empirical data, and help improve and measure the impact of implemented changes.

Students graduating with a B.S. or B.A. in chemistry or a B.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology should be able to:

1. demonstrate mastery of a broad set of chemical knowledge concerning the fundamentals in the basic areas of the discipline (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry);

2. solve area-specific problems by identifying the essential parts of a problem, formulating a strategy for solving the problem, applying appropriate techniques to arrive at a solution, test the correctness of the solution, and interpret their results;

3. use modern library search tools (such as SciFinder, PubMed, or Web of Science) to locate and retrieve scientific information about a topic, chemical, chemical technique, or an issue relating to chemistry, going beyond textbooks, common handbooks and general online resources, such as Wikipedia;

4. know and follow the proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals;

5. understand the objective of their chemical experiments, properly carry out the experiments, and appropriately record and analyze the results;

6. use computers in data acquisition and processing, and use available software as a tool in data analysis;

7. use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments;

8. communicate the concepts and results of their laboratory experiments through effective writing and/or oral communication using the discipline standards for reporting and citation; and

9. collaborate effectively as part of a team to solve problems, debate different points of view, and interact productively with a diverse group of team members.

High School Preparation

Prospective chemistry majors are encouraged to get a solid foundation in high school mathematics; familiarity with algebra, logarithms, trigonometry, and analytic geometry is particularly recommended. Students taking chemistry at UCSC begin with Chemistry 1A or 1B, both of which require a strong background in high school chemistry.

Prerequisites

Prior to enrollment in the general chemistry sequence, CHEM 1A, CHEM 1B, and CHEM 1C, students are encouraged to take the Chemistry Assessment Examination.  For information about the assessment, visit the Chemistry Self-Assessment website at http://www.chemistry.ucsc.edu/.

Letter Grade Policy

For all students entering UCSC in fall 2014 and later, all courses used to satisfy degree requirements in any of the chemistry and biochemistry majors, must be taken for a letter grade.

Major Qualification Policy

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry has a qualification policy that applies to the following majors:

Chemistry BS

Chemistry BS with Biochemistry concentration

Chemistry BS with Environmental Chemistry concentration

Chemistry BA

To declare any of the above majors, students must complete the following six qualification courses, or their equivalents, with a grade of C (2.0) or better with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or greater:

CHEM 1A, General Chemistry

CHEM 1B, General Chemistry

CHEM 1C, General Chemistry

MATH 22, Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables

And one of the following calculus sequences:

MATH 11A and 11B, Calculus with Applications

MATH 19A and 19B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

When determining qualification to declare the major:

• All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

• For courses required to qualify for the major that have been satisfied with AP credit based on an AP examination score of 5 (for Chemistry 1A), and an AP Calculus BC examination score of 4 or 5 (for Mathematics 11A or 19A), students may substitute a grade of A for each course when calculating their cumulative GPA.

• Students with two or more grades of NP, C-, D+, D, D-, or F in courses required to qualify for the major are not eligible to declare.

Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare the major may appeal this decision by submitting a letter to the department chair within 15 days from the date the notification was mailed. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the department will notify the studentand the college of the decision. For more information about the appeal process see the Appeal Process website at http://www.chemistry.ucsc.edu/.

Transfer Students

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department welcomes applications from community college students who are prepared to enter as junior-level chemistry majors. To be considered for admission to UCSC as any of the chemistry majors, transfer students must pass equivalents of the following courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher:

• CHEM 1A, General Chemistry

• CHEM 1B, General Chemistry

• CHEM 1C, General Chemistry

• MATH 11A, Calculus with Applications

• MATH 11A and 11B, Calculus with Application, or MATH 19A and 19B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

• MATH 22, Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables

For more information on qualifying for the major as a transfer applicant, visit: http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/chemistry/transfer-students/transfer-admissions.html.

In addition to the required transfer admissions courses, we strongly recommend that all transfer students complete equivalents of the following preparatory courses prior to transfer:

• CHEM 8A/L, Organic Chemistry with Lab

• CHEM 8B/M, Organic Chemistry with Lab

• PHYS 6A/L, Introductory Physics I with Lab

• PHYS 6B/M, Introductory Physics II with Lab

• PHYS 6C/N, Introductory Physics III with Lab

• MATH 21, Linear Algebra, or MATH 24, Differential Equations

Students who complete only the minimal introductory coursework prior to transfer may take longer to complete their degree.  More information in regards to transfer pathways for chemistry at the University of California may be found here: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer/preparation-paths/chemistry-majors/index.html.

Students planning to transfer to UCSC as a chemistry major from a California community college should reference assist.org to determine which courses are equivalent to these required courses.

California community college students who are prepared for their major and achieve a certain GPA may be eligible for a transfer admissions guarantee (TAG); for more information visit: http://admissions.ucsc.edu/apply/transfer-students/tag.html.

Requirements for the Chemistry B.A. Degree

The requirements for the bachelor of arts in chemistry have been kept to a minimum so that students may tailor their program to their own purposes, for example, to pursue a double major, to study areas of the humanities or social sciences, to complete major requirements late in their college career, or to concentrate on a specific branch of chemistry. The minimum requirements (including prerequisites) constitute 54 percent of a student’s total undergraduate program; consequently, there is ample time to explore and discover other interests within the university. To plan wisely, students are advised to refer to each course description for a detailed listing of prerequisites. Students who decide they want a professional career in chemistry are advised to meet with the chemistry undergraduate faculty adviser.

Lower-Division Requirements

General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N

Calculus: Mathematics 11A, 11B, and 22; or Mathematics 19A, 19B, and 22

Physics: Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, and 5C/N; or Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 8A/L and 8B/M

Upper-Division Requirements

Intermediate Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 110/L

Inorganic Chemistry: Chemistry 151A/L

Physical Chemistry: Chemistry 163A, 163B, and 164

One of the following laboratory courses:

Chemistry 146A, Advanced Laboratory in Organic Chemistry

Chemistry 146B, Advanced Laboratory in Inorganic Chemistry

Chemistry 146C, Advanced Laboratory in Physical Chemistry

Students currently conducting senior thesis research are strongly encouraged to choose an advanced laboratory in the Chemistry 146 series that is outside their research area.

Elective(s)

At least one from the following:

Chemistry 103, Biochemistry

Chemistry 143, Organic Chemical Structure and Reactions

Chemistry 151B, Chemistry of Main Element Groups

Chemistry 156C, Materials Chemistry

Chemistry 163C, Kinetic Theory and Reaction Kinetics, Statistical Mechanics, Spectroscopic Applications

Chemistry 169, Chemistry and Biology of Drug Design and Discovery

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100B, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100C, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 101, Sources and Fates of Pollutants

Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 102, Cellular and Organismal Toxicology

Ocean Sciences 120, Aquatic Chemistry: Principles and Applications

Ocean Sciences 220, Chemical Oceanography

Physics 180, Biophysics

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement. The DC Requirement for the bachelor of arts degree in chemistry is satisfied by completing Chemistry 151L, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, and either Chemistry 146A, 146B, or 146C.

Chemistry Major B.A. Planner

This is the ideal academic plan for chemistry B.A. majors. If needed, the plan can be arranged differently.

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 19A or 11A CHEM 1A	MATH 19B or 11B CHEM 1B/M	CHEM 1C/N
2nd Year	CHEM 8A/L PHYS 6A/L	CHEM 8B/M MATH 22	CHEM 110/L PHYS 6B/M
3rd Year	CHEM 163A PHYS 6C/N	CHEM 163B CHEM 164	CHEM Elective
4th Year	Senior Essay or CHEM 146 Lab	CHEM 151A/L	Senior Essay or CHEM 146 Lab

Requirements for the Chemistry B.S. Degree

The bachelor of science major program is designed for students who intend to pursue a professional career in chemistry. It is rigorous and broadly based. The course requirements for the B.S. major are as follows; please refer to each course description for a detailed listing of prerequisites.

Lower-Division Requirements

General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N

Calculus: Mathematics 11A, 11B, and 22; or Mathematics 19A, 19B, and 22

Advanced Mathematics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 10, or Mathematics 21, or Mathematics 24

Physics: Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, and 5C/N; or Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 8A/L and 8B/M

Upper-Division Requirements

Intermediate Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 110/L

Inorganic Chemistry: Chemistry 151A/L

Biochemistry: Chemistry 103

Physical Chemistry: Chemistry 163A, 163B, 163C, and 164

One of the following laboratory courses:

Chemistry 146A, Advanced Laboratory in Organic Chemistry

Chemistry 146B, Advanced Laboratory in Inorganic Chemistry

Chemistry 146C, Advanced Laboratory in Physical Chemistry

Students currently conducting senior thesis research are strongly encouraged to choose an advanced laboratory in the Chemistry 146 series that is outside their research area.

Elective(s)

At least two from the following list:

Chemistry 122, Principles of Instrument Analysis*

Chemistry 143, Organic Chemical Structure and Reactions

Chemistry 151B, Chemistry of the Main Element Groups

Chemistry 156C, Materials Chemistry

Chemistry 169, Chemistry and Biology of Drug Design and Discovery

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100B, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100C, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 101, Sources and Fates of Pollutants

Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 102, Cellular and Organismal Toxicology

Ocean Sciences 120, Aquatic Chemistry: Principles and Applications

Ocean Sciences 220, Chemical Oceanography

Physics 180, Biophysics

*To receive certification from the American Chemical Society, you must complete Chemistry 122; see additional information below.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement. The DC Requirement for the bachelor of science degree in chemistry is satisfied by completing Chemistry 151L, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, and either Chemistry 146A, 146B, or 146C.

Chemistry Major B.S. Planner

This is the ideal academic plan for those pursuing the chemistry B.S. major. If needed, this plan can be arranged differently.

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 11 or 19A CHEM 1A	MATH 11B or 19B CHEM 1B/M	CHEM 1C/N MATH 21
2nd Year	CHEM 8A/L PHYS 6A/L	CHEM 8B/M MATH 22	CHEM 110/L PHYS 6B/M
3rd Year	CHEM 163A PHYS 6C/N	CHEM 163B CHEM 164	CHEM 163C
4th Year	CHEM Elective	CHEM 103 CHEM 151A/L	CHEM Elective CHEM 146

Chemistry B.S. Degree with Biochemistry Concentration

The biochemistry concentration is designed for students who intend to pursue a career in biochemistry or in a related field such as biotechnology, and it provides an exceptionally rigorous chemistry emphasis.

Lower-Division Requirements

General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, 1C/N

Calculus: Mathematics 11A, 11B, and 22; or Mathematics 19A, 19B, and 22

Advanced Mathematics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 10, or Mathematics 21, or Mathematics 24

Introductory Biology: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (BIOL) 20A, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (BIOE) 20B

Physics: Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, and 5C/N; or Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 8A/L and 8B/M

Upper-Division Requirements

Intermediate Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 110/L

Inorganic Chemistry: Chemistry 151A/L

Biochemistry: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A-B-C and 110L

Physical Chemistry: Chemistry 163A, 163B, and 163C

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement. The DC Requirement in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration is satisfied by completing Chemistry 151L, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 110L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory.

Chemistry Major B.S. with Biochemistry Concentration Planner

This is the most general academic plan for this major. If needed, the plan can be rearranged.

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 11 or 19A CHEM 1A	MATH 11B or 19B CHEM 1B/M	BIOL 20A CHEM 1C/N
2nd Year	CHEM 8A/L BIOE 20B	CHEM 8B/M MATH 22	CHEM 110/L MATH 21
3rd Year	BIOC 100A PHYS 6A/L	BIOC 100B PHYS 6B/M	BIOC 100C PHYS 6C/N
4th Year	CHEM 163A	CHEM 163B CHEM 151A/L	CHEM 163C BIOC 110L

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S.

See the biochemistry and molecular biology program description and major requirements.

Chemistry B.S. Degree with Environmental Chemistry Concentration

A concentration within the biology, chemistry and biochemistry, and Earth sciences disciplines, collectively identified as the environmental sciences program, is offered. Students will develop a core competence suitable for pursuing graduate work in the environmental chemistry area or in graduate environmental sciences programs.

Lower-Division Requirements

General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N

Introductory Biology: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (BIOL) 20A, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (BIOE) 20B

Geology: Earth Sciences 20/L, 10/L, or 5/L

Environmental Policy and Economics: Environmental Studies 25

Calculus: Mathematics 11A, 11B and 22; or 19A, 19B and 22

Physics: Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, and 5C/N; or Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 8A/L and 8B/M

Upper-Division Requirements

Environmental Toxicology: Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 101 or 102

Biochemistry: Chemistry 103

Intermediate Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 110/L

Instrumental Analysis: Chemistry 122

Inorganic Chemistry: Chemistry 151A/L

Physical Chemistry: Chemistry 163A, 163B, and 164

Earth Sciences: Earth Sciences 110B/M

Ocean Sciences: Ocean Sciences 120 or 220 (Ocean Sciences 220 must be taken for a letter grade)

One of the following laboratory courses:

Chemistry 146A, Advanced Laboratory in Organic Chemistry

Chemistry 146B, Advanced Laboratory in Inorganic Chemistry

Chemistry 146C, Advanced Laboratory in Physical Chemistry

Students currently conducting senior thesis research are strongly encouraged to choose an advanced laboratory in the Chemistry 146-series that is outside their research area.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement. The DC Requirement in chemistry with an environmental chemistry concentration is satisfied by completing Chemistry 151L, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, and either Chemistry 146A, 146B, or 146C.

Chemistry Major B.S. with Environmental Chemistry Planner

This is the most general academic plan for this major. If needed, this plan can be rearranged.

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 11A or 19A CHEM 1A	MATH 11B or 19B CHEM 1B/M	CHEM 1C/N BIOL 20A
2nd Year	CHEM 8A/L PHYS 6A/L EART 5/L	CHEM 108B/M ENVS 25 MATH 22	PHYS 8B/M CHEM 110/L
3rd Year	CHEM 163A PHYS 6C/N	CHEM 163B EART 110B/M CHEM 164	BIOE 20B
4th Year	METX 101 CHEM 122	CHEM 151A/L OCEA 220 CHEM 103	CHEM 146B or 146C

Requirements for the Minor

The course requirements for the minor, including electives, are the same as for the B.A. degree, with the exclusion of Chemistry 146A, 146B, 146C, 151A/151L, and 164. The minor has no senior comprehensive requirement.

Course Substitution/Transfer Credit Policy

At least half of the upper-division courses (numbered 100–199) required for any chemistry major must be taken through the chemistry program at UCSC, not as transfer credits from another department or institution. Transfer students are advised to contact the department undergraduate adviser before enrolling in any upper-division courses at other institutions to verify articulation. For more information on transferring courses to UCSC, please consult the Transfer Preparation website at http://www.chemistry.ucsc.edu/.

Independent Study Course CHEM 199 may not be taken more than once per quarter and may be repeated no more than three times during an undergraduate career.

Comprehensive Requirement

The comprehensive requirement is a part of all UCSC degrees. In the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, there are two options for satisfying this requirement:

Senior thesis: A senior research project based on original experimental or theoretical research (Chemistry 195A, 195B, 195C, Senior Research). At the conclusion of the project, the student submits a satisfactory formal research paper to the faculty sponsor. Students arrange for a faculty sponsor by consulting with a relevant faculty member within the chemistry and biochemistry or the biochemistry and molecular biology major programs. In some cases, faculty outside these major programs (for example, in biology, ocean sciences, microbiology and environmental toxicology, or Earth sciences) may be an appropriate sponsor. Students who select a sponsor outside the chemistry or the biochemistry and molecular biology major programs should have the title and description of the proposed thesis reviewed by the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department undergraduate faculty adviser. Students, usually working in the laboratory of the faculty sponsor, acquire experimental and/or theoretical research experience and skills in the laboratory as well as instruction in the writing of a research paper. Students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress and be in good academic standing while they take Chemistry 195 courses. Students who achieve excellence in both research and thesis may be awarded honors in the thesis upon graduation.

Senior essay: An essay based on literature research (Chemistry 194, Senior Essay). Students find a faculty sponsor and agree in advance on an appropriate topic of interest and a format, the student submits a satisfactory essay on the topic. Students arrange for a faculty sponsor by consulting with a relevant faculty member within the chemistry and biochemistry major program. In some cases, faculty outside these major programs (for example, in biology, ocean sciences, microbiology and environmental toxicology, or Earth sciences) may be an appropriate sponsor. Students who select a sponsor outside the chemistry and biochemistry major program should have the title and description of the proposed essay reviewed by the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department undergraduate faculty adviser. Students acquire experience and skills in scientific literature research as well as in the writing of a research paper.

Advising

The chemistry and biochemistry adviser provides counsel to undergraduate majors. Students are encouraged to seek out advising and assistance in planning their academic career to ensure completion of their major in a timely manner. For assistance with advising, please refer to the Chemistry and Biochemistry advising website at http://www.chemistry.ucsc.edu/.

Materials Fee

Chemistry students should be aware of the materials fee required for some courses. The fee is billed to the student’s account for specific laboratory materials purchased by the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department through the university. Fees generally range from $18 to $75 per course. Students may incur additional expense purchasing individual supplies.

Program for Students of the Health Sciences

Students intending to enter medical, dental, or another health science professional school can satisfy entrance requirements with a major program in chemistry supplemented with further courses, especially in biology, as specified by the admissions requirements of the school where they intend to apply. Students are urged to contact the Career Center for assistance with the application process.

American Chemical Society Certification

The American Chemical Society (ACS) recognizes certain undergraduate programs, including those of UCSC, to be of such quality as to entitle graduates to become ACS members immediately upon graduation. Graduates must be individually certified to the ACS by the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department chair if they have satisfactorily completed an approved program of study. ACS certification standards are rigorous; a graduate who has met them carries a distinction that is well recognized in the profession. Broadly speaking, ACS certification requirements are satisfied by completing Chemistry 122 as an elective and graduating with a Chemistry B.S. (biochemistry concentration excluded). A year of study in a major modern foreign language is recommended. More information is available from the Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate adviser.

Honors in the Major

Honors in the Chemistry major requires a 3.5 or higher GPA in all chemistry courses; highest honors requires a 3.8 or higher GPA in all chemistry courses for the major.  Students may also receive honors for a senior research thesis.

Graduate Programs

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers three graduate degrees: the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), a thesis master of science (M.S.), and a coursework M.S. The Ph.D. and thesis M.S. programs are designed to help students develop into independent scholars while pursuing the excitement of scientific research in a personal, supportive environment. Both the Ph.D. and the research M.S. programs prepare students for careers in academia, industry, government laboratories, and other settings requiring an advanced education in chemistry and related disciplines. The coursework M.S. does not require research and is suited to future teachers and others wishing to update or broaden their chemical expertise. Approximately 90 graduate students are currently enrolled in the graduate program.

Within the Ph.D. program students have the flexibility to design a course of study focused on personal research interests, and at the same time are expected to maintain the high intellectual standards associated with the doctoral degree. Research options include biochemistry, physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, physical-organic chemistry, and bioorganic chemistry.

Collaborative research efforts are encouraged, both intra- and inter-departmentally. The interdisciplinary Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering emphasizes bioinformatics, nanotechnology, and computational approaches to chemistry. Biochemists join geneticists, computer scientists, and biologists in the Center for the Molecular Biology of RNA. The Program in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering fosters interdisciplinary research between the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Departments of Molecular, Cell and Development Biology; Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology; and Biomolecular Science and Engineering.

Before beginning coursework, Ph.D. students take attainment examinations to confirm their level of preparation in four areas: organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry. First-year students take Chemistry 292 and 296 and enroll in core courses and electives related to their specialization. Graduate instruction is based on a two-year cycle of three core courses and two elective courses. Core courses are Chemistry 200A, B, and C for biochemistry and biophysical chemistry; Chemistry 151B, 234 and one of the 256 series for inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry; Chemistry 242A, 242B, 242C for organic chemistry; and Chemistry 261, 262, and 263 for physical chemistry. Students select a research adviser and research committee between April 1 and May 1 of the first year. The Ph.D. candidate's research committee meets formally with the student to evaluate research progress at least once a year. Students are expected to finish all Ph.D. requirements in five to six years.

 Ph.D. students who have not advanced to candidacy and M.S. students enroll in a weekly seminar (Chemistry 291). Speakers from other universities and government or industrial research labs expose students to advances at the frontiers of chemical research, offering the opportunity for personal contact with leading scientists.

Teaching assistantships provide both financial support and the opportunity to put into practice the required pedagogical training offered in Chemistry 296 (presentation techniques, discussion strategies, laboratory teaching skills, laboratory safety procedures, and time management). Doctoral students are also supported as graduate-student researchers.

Ph.D. Requirements

• Pass three out of four attainment examinations and meet any deficiencies as directed by spring of the first year.

• Take Chemistry 292 and 296 in fall of the first year.

• Take Chemistry 291, Research Seminar every quarter until advanced to candidacy.

• Select an adviser and nominate members of the research committee by May 1 of the first year. Dissertation research begins in summer of the first year.

• Biochemistry, inorganic and physical chemistry students present a second-year seminar on a topic of current interest in published research outside the candidate's own research area. Organic chemistry students will present a research proposal within the candidates own research area with the understanding that their actual PhD research may be different and will be subject to the approval of their PI.

• Serve as a teaching assistant (TA) during at least three quarters in the first two years, before attempting the Ph.D. oral qualifying examination.

• Pass a total of five core and elective lecture courses (25 credits). At least four of these courses must be offered by the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and at least four must be at the graduate (200) level

• By the end of the 7th Quarter (typically fall of the third year), pass the Ph.D. oral qualifying examination before an examining committee consisting of three research committee members plus one outside member approved by the graduate dean. The Ph.D. candidate presents (a) a summary of current research results and possible future directions, and (b) an original research proposal on a chemistry or biochemistry topic unrelated or partially related to the candidate's current thesis research.

• Nominate members of the Dissertation Reading Committee (DRC).

• After advancing to candidacy, submit a research prospectus (outline of dissertation chapters) and meet with the DRC to review research progress annually.

• Submit written dissertation based on original research (further details and instructions on this stage may be found in the graduate student handbook)

• Present dissertation seminar.

The average time to degree is five and one-quarter years. Ph.D. candidates are expected to complete research and write the dissertation within nine quarters after advancing to candidacy following a successful Ph.D. oral qualifying examination. Financial support is not available after 18 quarters in the graduate program.

For both Ph.D. and M.S. students, the standard course load is three courses per quarter, or a total of 15 credits per quarter.

M.S. Requirements: Research Thesis Path

• Pass three out of four attainment examinations in the first year.

• Take Chemistry 292.

• Take Chemistry 296 if working as teaching assistant (TA) at any time.

• Take Chemistry 291 each quarter.

• Select an adviser and nominate members of the research committee by May 1 in the first year.

• Pass at least five chemistry and biochemistry lecture courses, of which at least three must be graduate (200) level or 151B.

• Conduct original laboratory research.

• Capstone requirement: write a thesis based on original research.

M.S. Requirements: Coursework Path

• Pass three out of four attainment examinations in the first year.
• Take Chemistry 296 if working as teaching assistant (TA) at any time.
• Take nine courses offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry as described below.
  • At least seven lecture courses in three of the four sub-disciplines: organic, inorganic, physical chemistry and biochemistry. At least four must be graduate level (200 or above); up to three may be upper division undergraduate level (100-199), excluding courses used to meet the attainment requirement (103, 143, 151A, 163ABC)
  • Two seminars (Chem 291, 292 or 296) or independent study (297A) or additional lecture courses. Chem 291 may be repeated.
• Capstone requirement: present a seminar on a topic of current interest in published research.

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Revised: 09/01/17