Chemistry and Biochemistry
2018-19 General Catalog
Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
230 Physical Sciences Building
(831) 459-4125
https://www.chemistry.ucsc.edu/
Program Description
Chemistry is central to modern science. 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 highly 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, biology, physics, geology, ocean sciences, microbiology and environmental toxicology. At UCSC, it is not uncommon for students to become co-authors of original work published in research journals.
Chemistry and biochemistry faculty and approximately 100 graduate students and 15-20 postdoctoral fellows are housed in the Physical Sciences Building near the Science and Engineering 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 Facility.
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. Many of these are subscribed to online. 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, pharmacy, or laser technology. Others have entered government service as research chemists in the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, DOD, DOE 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 academia, government, 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, or 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:
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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);
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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;
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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;
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know and follow the proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals;
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understand the objective of their chemical experiments, properly carry out the experiments, and appropriately record and analyze the results;
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use computers in data acquisition and processing, and use available software as a tool in data analysis;
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use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments;
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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
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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 should have a solid foundation in high school mathematics; familiarity with algebra, logarithms, trigonometry, and analytic geometry is particularly required. 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.
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 or minor, must be taken for a letter grade.
Major Qualification Policy
The Department of Chemistry and 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, each with a grade of C (2.0) or better with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or greater:
Chemistry 1A, General Chemistry
Chemistry 1B, General Chemistry
Chemistry 1C, General Chemistry
Mathematics 11A and 11B, Calculus with Applications or Mathematics 19A and 19B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
Mathematics 22, Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables
When determining qualification to declare the major:
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All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
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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.
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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 student and the college of the decision. For more information about the appeal process see the Appeal Process information at the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department website.
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:
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Chemistry 1A, General Chemistry
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Chemistry 1B, General Chemistry
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Chemistry 1C, General Chemistry
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Mathematics 11A and 11B, Calculus with Application, or Mathematics 19A and 19B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
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Mathematics 22, Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables
For more information on qualifying for the major as a transfer applicant, see the Transfer Students webpage.
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:
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Chemistry 8A/L, Organic Chemistry with Laboratory
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Chemistry 8B/M, Organic Chemistry with Laboratory
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Physics 6A/L, Introductory Physics I with Laboratory
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Physics 6B/M, Introductory Physics II with Laboratory
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Physics 6C/N, Introductory Physics III with Laboratory
- Mathematics 21, Linear Algebra, or Mathematics 24, Differential Equations (Chemistry B.S. only)
Students who complete only the minimal introductory coursework prior to transfer may take longer to complete their degree. For more information about transfer pathways for chemistry, see the University of California website.
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, see the TAG website.
Requirements for the Chemistry B.A. Degree
The requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) 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 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 and 11B, or Mathematics 19A and 19B
Multivariable Calculus: Mathematics 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 122, Principle of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry 143, Organic Chemical Structure and Reactions
Chemistry 151B, Chemistry of Main Element Groups
Chemistry 156C, Materials Chemistry or 268 Solid State and 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 121, Aqueous Geochemistry
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 one of 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 (frosh) |
MATH 19A or 11A | MATH 19B or 11B | CHEM 1C/N |
| CHEM 1A | CHEM 1B/M | ||
| 2nd (soph) |
CHEM 8A/L | CHEM 8B/M | CHEM 110/L |
| PHYS 6A/L | MATH 22 | PHYS 6B/M | |
| 3rd (junior) |
CHEM 163A | CHEM 163B | CHEM elective |
| PHYS 6C/N | CHEM 164 | ||
| 4th (senior) |
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 (B.S.) 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 and 11B, or Mathematics 19A and 19B
Multivariable Calculus: Mathematics 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 or 268, Solid State and Materials Chemistry
Chemistry 169, Chemistry and Biology of Drug Design and Discovery
Chemistry 171, Chemical Biology
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 121, Aqueous Geochemistry
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.
** Students who plan to do advanced work in biochemistry and molecular biology should take the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BIOC) 100 series. Completing the series will fulfill the requirement of Chemistry 103 (Biochemistry) plus fulfill one elective.
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 (B.S.) degree in chemistry is satisfied by completing Chemistry 151L, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, and one of 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 (frosh) |
MATH 11 or 19A | MATH 11B or 19B | CHEM 1C/N |
| CHEM 1A | CHEM 1B/M | MATH 21 | |
| 2nd (soph) |
CHEM 8A/L | CHEM 8B/M | CHEM 110/L |
| PHYS 6A/L | MATH 22 | PHYS 6B/M | |
| 3rd (junior) |
CHEM 163A | CHEM 163B | CHEM 163C |
| PHYS 6C/N | CHEM 164 | ||
| 4th (senior)* |
CHEM elective | CHEM elective | CHEM 103 |
| CHEM 146** | CHEM 151A/L | CHEM 146** |
** Chemistry 146A is offered in fall quarter; Chemistry 146B or C is offered in spring.
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 and 11B, or Mathematics 19A and 19B
Multivariable Calculus: Mathematics 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 (frosh) |
MATH 11 or 19A | MATH 11B or 19B | BIOL 20A |
| CHEM 1A | CHEM 1B/M | CHEM 1C/N | |
| 2nd (soph) |
CHEM 8A/L |
CHEM 8B/M |
CHEM 110/L |
| BIOE 20B |
MATH 22 |
MATH 21 | |
| 3rd (junior) |
BIOC 100A | BIOC 100B | BIOC 100C |
| PHYS 6A/L | PHYS 6B/M | PHYS 6C/N | |
| 4th (senior)* |
CHEM 163A | CHEM 163B | CHEM 163C |
| CHEM 151A/L | BIOC 110L |
*Chemistry 194, Senior Essay or Thesis: The Senior Essay; or Chemistry 195 A-B-C, Senior Thesis, should be completed to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement.
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 and 11B, or Mathematics 19A and 19B
Multivariable Calculus: Mathematics 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) or Ocean Sciences 121
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 one of 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 (frosh) |
MATH 11A or 19A | MATH 11B or 19B | CHEM 1C/N |
| CHEM 1A | CHEM 1B/M | BIOL 20A | |
| 2nd (soph) |
CHEM 8A/L | CHEM 8B/M | PHYS 6B/M |
| PHYS 6A/L | ENVS 25 | CHEM 110/L | |
| EART 5/L | MATH 22 | ||
| 3rd (junior) |
CHEM 163A | CHEM 163B | BIOE 20B |
| PHYS 6C/N | EART 110B/M | ||
| CHEM 164 | |||
| 4th (senior)* |
METX 101 | CHEM 151A/L | CHEM 103 |
| CHEM 122 | OCEA 220 | CHEM 146B or 146C |
*Chemistry 194, Senior Essay or Thesis: The Senior Essay; or Chemistry 195 A-B-C, Senior Thesis, should be completed to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement.
Requirements for the Minor
The course requirements for the minor are the same as for the B.A. degree with the following exceptions:
- The exclusion of Chemistry 146A, 146B, 146C, 151A/151L, and 164
- Two chemistry upper-division electives versus one required for the B.A. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry may approve appropriate substitutions for one of the upper-division electives from other departments to satisfy this requirement as long as the credits are not used to satisfy minimum credits of any another major.
- 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.
Chemistry 199, Independent Study Course, 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 formal research paper to the faculty sponsor for review and a revision process. 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 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 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. Students are encouraged to apply for research funding opportunities on campus and external to the campus at the Undergraduate Research Opportunities website.
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 draft essay to the sponsor for the revision process. 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 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate faculty sponsor. 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.
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 for 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 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 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 100 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. Some research groups are interdisciplinary and are involved in two or more of these areas.
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 Chemistry and Biochemistry Department 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 or 268 for inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry; Chemistry 242 A-B-C for organic chemistry; and Chemistry 261, 262, and 263 for physical chemistry. Students select a research adviser and research committee by 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.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry invites well-known researchers from outside UC Santa Cruz to share and discuss their current research. Visiting 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. All Ph.D. and thesis M.S students are required to enroll in the Chemistry 291, Research Seminar, until they have advanced to candidacy.
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 may also be supported as graduate-student researchers.
Ph.D. Requirements
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Pass three out of four attainment examinations and meet any deficiencies as directed by spring of the first year.
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Take Chemistry 292 and 296 in fall of the first year.
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Take Chemistry 291, Research Seminar every quarter until advanced to candidacy.
- Select an adviser and nominate members of the research committee by the end of the fourth week of April of the first year. A change in membership of the research committee must be approved by the graduate director.
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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 with the approval of the committee chair. 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 adviser.
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Serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for at least three quarters in the first two years, before attempting the Ph.D. oral qualifying examination.
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Pass a total of five core and elective lecture courses (25 credits). At least four of these courses must be offered by the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and at least four must be at the graduate (200) level with the exception of Chemistry 151B for inorganic and organic students.
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By the end of the seventh 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 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. The latter must be approved by committee prior to the oral examination.
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Nominate members of the Dissertation Reading Committee (DRC).
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After advancing to candidacy, submit a research prospectus (outline of dissertation chapters) and meet with the DRC to review research progress annually.
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Submit written dissertation based on original research to the DRC for tentative approval at least one month before presenting a dissertation seminar (further details and instructions on this stage may be found in the graduate student handbook).
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Present and defend the dissertation seminar.
- Submit the written dissertation to the Division of Graduate Studies.
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
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Pass three out of four attainment examinations in the first year.
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Take Chemistry 292.
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Take Chemistry 296 if working as teaching assistant (TA) at any time.
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Take Chemistry 291 each quarter.
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Select an adviser and nominate members of the research committee by May 1 in the first year.
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Pass at least five chemistry and biochemistry lecture courses, of which at least three must be graduate (200) level or 151B.
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Conduct original laboratory research.
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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 (Chemistry 291, 292 or 296) or independent study (297A) or additional lecture courses. Chemistry 291 may be repeated.
- Capstone requirement: present a seminar on a topic of current interest in published research.
Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry participates in the graduate Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering (PBSE) through its administration of the Chemical Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics (CB3) training track. Sixty-one faculty members, who come primarily from the Departments of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology; Biomolecular Engineering; Chemistry and Biochemistry; and Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology offer an unusual breadth of expertise and exceptional opportunities in interdisciplinary graduate research training. When students apply to the PBSE they indicate interest in one of four training tracks:
- Biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics (BMEB)
- Chemical biology, biochemistry and biophysics (CB3)
- Microbial biology and pathogenesis (MICRO)
- Molecular, cell and developmental biology (MCD)
The Ph.D. track in chemical biology, biochemistry and biophysics (CB3) provides students with the opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research at the interface between biology and chemistry. The training program emphasizes analysis of molecular structure and mechanism as well as the use of organic chemistry to address biological questions. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged and supported by a diverse group of faculty.
After successful completion of all of the Ph.D. requirements, students in this track will be awarded a Ph.D. degree in chemistry from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
CB3 first-year students participate in three, seven-week laboratory rotations, while undertaking rigorous coursework that emphasizes critical evaluation of scientific models and experimental results. The program provides the flexibility to craft an individual curriculum that specifically suits the needs of the student's research interests. Second-year students take oral qualifying examinations and initiate independent research projects that ultimately lead to their dissertation. Advanced graduate students work under the direct supervision of faculty members in a highly interactive, collaborative research environment. All students participate in a variety of seminars, advanced special-topics courses, and research group meetings designed to provide continuing learning opportunities.
Ph.D. Requirements–CB3 Track
Required Coursework
- Chemistry 200A, Advanced Biochemistry, Biophysical Methods (fall)
- Chemistry 296, Teaching Chemistry (fall)
- Biology: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 200B, Advanced Molecular Biology (winter)
- Chemistry 200B, Advanced Biochemistry, Protein Structure and Function (winter)
- Biology: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 289, Practice of Science (second year)
In addition to these courses, CB3 Ph.D. students are required to take at least three additional graduate-level lecture courses by the end of the third year. A list of approved elective courses is available on the PBSE-CB3 website.
Students also enroll in Chemistry 291 (weekly research seminars) until they advance to candidacy.
Laboratory Rotations
First-year students do three, seven-week rotations during fall and winter quarters in the laboratory of three PBSE-affiliated faculty members. Performance in each rotation is graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory. At the end of each rotation period, students will present on their project either with a short talk or poster presentation.
Teaching Assistant
Serve as a TA for a minimum of two quarters. Students must meet this requirement before advancing to candidacy.
Oral Qualifying Examination
Pass the Ph.D. oral qualifying examination before an examining committee by the end of the student’s sixth quarter. Students must demonstrate an expertise in the area of discipline that has been specified for the examination and be able to produce an acceptable plan for their dissertation.
Upon passing that examination, the Dissertation Reading Committee (DRC) is formed. The committee comprises the adviser plus two members of the CB3 track.
Third-Year Talk
Students present a public seminar that is based on their dissertation research in the spring quarter of their third year.
Advance to Candidacy
After successfully completing the third year talk and all other requirements have been completed, the student will advance to candidacy.
All students must meet with their dissertation advisory committee each year until completion of the thesis.
Dissertation
The final requirement for the Ph.D. degree is acceptance of the student's dissertation under the rules of the Academic Senate. A three-member dissertation advisory committee (DRC), headed by the student's research adviser, evaluates the dissertation for the department.
Students are required to give a public talk before their final submission on the principal results of their research.
Revised: 07/15/18
