Chemistry (Department of)

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu/.

Overview

The Chemistry Department at UC Berkeley provides the opportunity for an undergraduate student to obtain a thorough fundamental knowledge of all fields of chemistry. There are lecture courses in the general areas of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, plus many more specialized courses including analytical, nuclear, and biophysical chemistry and chemical biology. Laboratory experience is provided in inorganic and organic synthesis, analytical methods, physical chemical measurements, spectroscopy, biochemical engineering, and chemical methods in nuclear technology. Independent and original work is stressed in the laboratories and modern equipment is available to carry out the work. The equipment and techniques available to the undergraduate students include nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, visible, ultraviolet, and infra-red spectrometers, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, high-vacuum, high-pressure, and low-temperature equipment, gas chromatography, and others. Many of these instruments are interfaced directly to computers; in other cases, data analysis and graphics displays are accomplished using the College of Chemistry Computer Facility. In addition, special arrangements can be made to use many specialized research techniques available on the campus.

More important than the formal lecture and laboratory courses is the intellectual environment provided by the department. There is a student commons room that makes it convenient for students to learn from one another. The Chemistry Library has an excellent collection of books, journals, and reference materials. Graduate student instructors who are themselves graduate students working toward PhD degrees are further sources of scientific information and help. Faculty members are available as academic advisers and hold office hours for consultation about their courses. They are also willing to discuss chemistry, science, career opportunities, and even philosophy. The best way to take full advantage of the scientific opportunities available in the department is to join a research group. This can be done through courses for advanced undergraduates or simply as an employee.

Undergraduate Programs

Chemistry : BA (offered through the College of Letters and Science)
Chemistry : BS (offered through the College of Chemistry)
Chemistry : Minor
Chemical Biology : BS

Graduate Program

Chemistry : PhD

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Courses

Chemistry

CHEM 1A General Chemistry 3 Units

Stoichiometry of chemical reactions, quantum mechanical description of atoms, the elements and periodic table, chemical bonding, real and ideal gases, thermochemistry, introduction to thermodynamics and equilibrium, acid-base and solubility equilibria, introduction to oxidation-reduction reactions, introduction to chemical kinetics.

CHEM 1AD General Chemistry (Digital) 3 Units

An interactive general chemistry course that uses modern digital technology, offered in a smaller classroom setting to facilitate student participation and foster an engaging learning environment. Topics cover the Chemistry 1A curriculum, ranging from quantum mechanics and interactions of atoms and molecules to properties and equilibria of bulk materials. The course involves a blend of classroom lectures and peer learning with substantial web-based assignments and resources including web access to lecture videos. Lecture time is also devoted to ChemQuiz peer discussions and live demos of chemical properties and processes, which students generally find to be illuminating and valuable learning experiences.

CHEM 1AL General Chemistry Laboratory 1 Unit

An experimental approach to chemical sciences with emphasis on developing fundamental, reproducible laboratory technique and a goal of understanding and achieving precision and accuracy in laboratory experiments. Proper use of laboratory equipment and standard wet chemical methods are practiced. Areas of investigations include chemical equilibria, spectroscopy, nanotechnology, green chemistry, and thermochemistry. Concurrent enrollment in 1A is recommended.

CHEM 1B General Chemistry 4 Units

Introduction to chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, properties of the states of matter, binary mixtures, thermodynamic efficiency and the direction of chemical change, quantum mechanical description of bonding introduction to spectroscopy. Special topics: Research topics in modern chemistry and biochemistry, chemical engineering.

CHEM W1A General Chemistry 3 Units

Stoichiometry of chemical reactions, quantum mechanical description of atoms, the elements and periodic table, chemical bonding, real and ideal gases, thermochemistry, introduction to thermodynamics and equilibrium, acid-base and solubility equilibria, introduction to oxidation-reduction reactions, introduction to chemical kinetics. This course is web-based.

CHEM 3A Chemical Structure and Reactivity 3 Units

Introduction to organic chemical structures, bonding, and chemical reactivity. The organic chemistry of alkanes, alkyl halides, alcohols, alkenes, alkynes, and organometallics.

CHEM 3AL Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2 Units

Introduction to the theory and practice of methods used in the organic chemistry laboratory. An emphasis is placed on the separation and purification of organic compounds. Techniques covered will include extraction, distillation, sublimation, recrystalization, and chromatography. Detailed discussions and applications of infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy will be included.

CHEM 3B Chemical Structure and Reactivity 3 Units

Conjugation, aromatic chemistry, carbonyl compounds, carbohydrates, amines, carboxylic acids, amino acids, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acid chemistry. Ultraviolet spectroscopy and mass spectrometry will be introduced.

CHEM 3BL Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2 Units

The synthesis and purification of organic compounds will be explored. Natural product chemistry will be introduced. Advanced spectroscopic methods including infrared, ultraviolet, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry will be used to analyze products prepared and/or isolated. Qualitative analysis of organic compounds will be covered.

CHEM N3AL Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2 Units

Introduction to the theory and practice of methods used in the organic chemistry laboratory. An emphasis is placed on the separation and purification of organic compounds. Techniques covered will include extraction, distillation, sublimation, recrystalization, and chromatography. Detailed discussions and applications of infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy will be included.

CHEM 4A General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis 4 Units

This series is intended for majors in physical and biological sciences and in engineering. It presents the foundation principles of chemistry, including stoichiometry, ideal and real gases, acid-base and solubility equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermochemistry, entropy, nuclear chemistry and radioactivity, the atoms and elements, the periodic table, quantum theory, chemical bonding, molecular structure, chemical kinetics, and descriptive chemistry. Examples and applications will be drawn from diverse areas of special interest such as atmospheric, environmental, materials, polymer and computational chemistry, and biochemistry. Laboratory emphasizes quantitative work. Equivalent to 1A-1B plus 15 as prerequisite for further courses in chemistry.

CHEM 4B General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis 4 Units

Series is intended for majors in physical and biological sciences and engineering. It presents the foundation principles of chemistry, including stoichiometry, ideal and real gases, acid-base and solubility equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermochemistry, entropy, nuclear chemistry and radioactivity, the atoms and elements, the periodic table, quantum theory, chemical bonding, molecular structure, chemical kinetics, and descriptive chemistry. Examples and applications are drawn from diverse areas of special interest such as atmospheric, environmental, materials, polymer and computational chemistry, and biochemistry. Laboratory emphasizes quantitative work. Equivalent to 1A-1B plus 15 as prerequisite for future chemistry courses.

CHEM 15 Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 3 Units

An introduction to analytical and bioanalytical chemistry including background in statistical analysis of data, acid-base equilibria, electrochemical, spectrometric, and chromatographic methods of analysis and some advanced topics in bioanalytical chemistry such as micro-fluidics, bioassay techniques, and enzymatic biosensors.

CHEM 24 Freshman Seminar 1 Unit

The Freshman Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics may vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 15 freshmen.

CHEM 49 Supplementary Work in Lower Division Chemistry 1 - 4 Units

Students with partial credit in lower division chemistry courses may, with consent of instructor, complete the credit under this heading.

CHEM 96 Introduction to Research and Study in the College of Chemistry 1 Unit

Introduces freshmen to research activities and programs of study in the College of Chemistry. Includes lectures by faculty, an introduction to college library and computer facilities, the opportunity to meet alumni and advanced undergraduates in an informal atmosphere, and discussion of college and campus resources.

CHEM 98 Supervised Group Study 1 - 4 Units

Group study of selected topics.

CHEM 98W Directed Group Study 1 Unit

Topics vary with instructor. Enrollment restrictions apply.

CHEM 100 Communicating Chemistry 2 Units

For undergraduate and graduate students interested in improving their ability to communicate their scientific knowledge by teaching chemistry in elementary schools. The course will combine instruction in inquiry-based chemistry teaching methods and learning pedagogy with 10 weeks of supervised teaching experience in a local school classroom. Thus, students will practice communicating scientific knowledge and receive mentoring on how to improve their presentations. Approximately three hours per week, including time spent in school classrooms.

CHEM 103 Inorganic Chemistry in Living Systems 3 Units

The basic principles of metal ions and coordination chemistry applied to the study of biological systems.

CHEM 104A Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 Units

The chemistry of metals and nonmetals including the application of physical chemical principles.

CHEM 104B Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 Units

The chemistry of metals and nonmetals including the application of physical chemical principles.

CHEM 105 Instrumental Methods in Analytical Chemistry 4 Units

Principles, instrumentation and analytical applications of atomic spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, separations, electrochemistry and micro-characterization. Discussion of instrument design and capabilities as well as real-world problem solving with an emphasis on bioanalytical, environmental, and forensic applications. Hands-on laboratory work using modern instrumentation, emphasizing independent projects involving real-life samples and problem solving.

CHEM 108 Inorganic Synthesis and Reactions 4 Units

The preparation of inorganic compounds using vacuum line, air-and moisture-exclusion, electrochemical, high-pressure, and other synthetic techniques. Kinetic and mechanistic studies of inorganic compounds.

CHEM C110L General Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory 4 Units

Experimental techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology, designed to accompany the lectures in Molecular and Cell Biology 100B and 110.

CHEM 112A Organic Chemistry 5 Units

A study of all aspects of fundamental organic chemistry, including nomenclature, chemical and physical properties, reactions and syntheses of the major classes of organic compounds. The study includes theoretical aspects, reaction mechanisms, multistep syntheses, and the chemistry of polycyclic and heterocyclic compounds. This course is more extensive and intensive than 3A-3B and includes a greater emphasis on reaction mechanisms and multistep syntheses. 112A (F); 112B (SP)

CHEM 112B Organic Chemistry 5 Units

A study of all aspects of fundamental organic chemistry, including nomenclature, chemical and physical properties, reactions and syntheses of the major classes of organic compounds. The study includes theoretical aspects, reaction mechanisms, multistep syntheses, and the chemistry of polycyclic and heterocyclic compounds. This course is more extensive and intensive than 3A-3B and includes a greater emphasis on reaction mechanisms and multistep syntheses. 112A (F); 112B (SP)

CHEM 113 Advanced Mechanistic Organic Chemistry 3 Units

Advanced topics in mechanistic and physical organic chemistry typically including kinetics, reactive intermediates, substitution reactions, linear free energy relationships, orbital interactions and orbital symmetry control of reactions, isotope effects, and photochemistry.

CHEM 114 Advanced Synthetic Organic Chemistry 3 Units

Advanced topics in synthetic organic chemistry with a focus on selectivity. Topics include reductions, oxidations, enolate chemistry and the aldol reaction, reactions of non-stablized anions, olefination reactions, pericyclic reactions and application to the synthesis of complex structures.

CHEM 115 Organic Chemistry--Advanced Laboratory Methods 4 Units

Advanced synthetic methods, chemical and spectroscopic structural methods, designed as a preparation for experimental research.

CHEM 120A Physical Chemistry 3 Units

Kinetic, potential, and total energy of particles and forces between them; principles of quantum theory, including one-electron and many-electron atoms and its applications to chemical bonding, intermolecular interactions, and elementary spectroscopy.

CHEM 120B Physical Chemistry 3 Units

Statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, equilibrium and applications to chemical systems: states of matter, solutions and solvation, chemical kinetics, molecular dynamics, and molecular transport.

CHEM 122 Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy 3 Units

Postulates and methods of quantum mechanics and group theory applied to molecular structure and spectra.

CHEM 125 Physical Chemistry Laboratory 3 Units

Experiments in thermodynamics, kinetics, molecular structure, and general physical chemistry.

CHEM 130B Biophysical Chemistry 3 Units

The weekly one-hour discussion is for problem solving and the application of calculus in physical chemistry. Molecular structure, intermolecular forces and interactions, biomolecular spectroscopy, high-resolution structure determinations.

CHEM C130 Biophysical Chemistry: Physical Principles and the Molecules of Life 4 Units

Thermodynamic and kinetic concepts applied to understanding the chemistry and structure of biomolecules (proteins, DNA, and RNA). Molecular distributions, reaction kinetics, enzyme kinetics. Bioenergetics, energy transduction, and motor proteins. Electrochemical potential, membranes, and ion channels.

CHEM 135 Chemical Biology 3 Units

One-semester introduction to biochemistry, aimed toward chemistry and chemical biology majors.

CHEM C138 The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass 3 Units

After an introduction to the different aspects of our global energy consumption, the course will focus on the role of biomass. The course will illustrate how the global scale of energy guides the biomass research. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of the biological aspects (crop selection, harvesting, storage and distribution, and chemical composition of biomass) with the chemical aspects to convert biomass to energy. The course aims to engage students in state-of-the-art research.

CHEM 143 Nuclear Chemistry 2 Units

Radioactivity, fission, nuclear models and reactions, nuclear processes in nature. Computer methods will be introduced.

CHEM 146 Radiochemical Methods in Nuclear Technology and Forensics 3 Units

Experimental illustrations of the interrelation between chemical and nuclear science and technology and nuclear forensics; radioactive decay and counting techniques; nuclear spectroscopy; fundamental radiochemical techniques; radiochemical separations techniques; tracers; activation analysis; forensic applications of radiochemistry; fusion, fission and nuclear reactors.

CHEM 149 Supplementary Work in Upper Division Chemistry 1 - 4 Units

Students with partial credit in upper division chemistry courses may, with consent of instructor, complete the credit under this heading.

CHEM C150 Introduction to Materials Chemistry 3 Units

The application of basic chemical principles to problems in materials discovery, design, and characterization will be discussed. Topics covered will include inorganic solids, nanoscale materials, polymers, and biological materials, with specific focus on the ways in which atomic-level interactions dictate the bulk properties of matter.

CHEM C170L Biochemical Engineering Laboratory 3 Units

Laboratory techniques for the cultivation of microorganisms in batch and continuous reactions. Enzymatic conversion processes. Recovery of biological products.

CHEM C178 Polymer Science and Technology 3 Units

An interdisciplinary course on the synthesis, characterization, and properties of polymer materials. Emphasis on the molecular origin of properties of polymeric materials and technological applications. Topics include single molecule properties, polymer mixtures and solutions, melts, glasses, elastomers, and crystals. Experiments in polymer synthesis, characterization, and physical properties.

CHEM C182 Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Laboratory 3 Units

Fluid dynamics, radiative transfer, and the kinetics, spectroscopy, and measurement of atmospherically relevant species are explored through laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and field observations.

CHEM C191 Quantum Information Science and Technology 3 Units

This multidisciplinary course provides an introduction to fundamental conceptual aspects of quantum mechanics from a computational and informational theoretic perspective, as well as physical implementations and technological applications of quantum information science. Basic sections of quantum algorithms, complexity, and cryptography, will be touched upon, as well as pertinent physical realizations from nanoscale science and engineering.

CHEM 192 Individual Study for Advanced Undergraduates 1 - 3 Units

All properly qualified students who wish to pursue a problem of their own choice, through reading or nonlaboratory study, may do so if their proposed project is acceptable to the member of the staff with whom they wish to work.

CHEM H193 Senior Honors Thesis 3 Units

A senior honors thesis is written in consultation with the student’s faculty research advisor. This is a required course for students wishing to graduate with honors in Chemistry or Chemical Biology.

CHEM H194 Research for Advanced Undergraduates 2 - 4 Units

Students may pursue original research under the direction of one of the members of the staff.

CHEM 195 Special Topics 3 Units

Special topics will be offered from time to time. Examples are: photochemical air pollution, computers in chemistry.

CHEM 196 Special Laboratory Study 2 - 4 Units

Special laboratory work for advanced undergraduates.

CHEM 197 Field Study in Chemistry 1 - 4 Units

Supervised experience in off-campus organizations relevant to specific aspects and applications of chemistry. Written report required at the end of the term. Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for the bachelor's degree.

CHEM 198 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units

Group study of selected topics.

CHEM 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Enrollment is restricted by regulations listed in the .

CHEM 200 Chemistry Fundamentals 1 Unit

Review of bonding, structure, stereochemistry, conformation, thermodynamics and kinetics, and arrow-pushing formalisms.

CHEM 201 Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry 1 Unit

Review of bonding, structure, MO theory, thermodynamics, and kinetics.

CHEM 208 Structure Analysis by X-Ray Diffraction 4 Units

The theory and practice of modern, single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Groups of four students determine the crystal and molecular structure of newly synthesized materials from the College of Chemistry. The laboratory work involves the mounting of crystals and initial evaluation by X-ray diffraction film techniques, the collection of intensity data by automated diffractometer procedures, and structure analysis and refinement.

CHEM 214 Heterocyclic Chemistry 3 Units

Advanced topics in organic chemistry with a focus on the reactivity and synthesis of aromatic heterocycles. Classic and modern methods for the synthesis of indoles, pyridines, furans, pyrroles, and quinolines will be covered, as well as complex, multi-heteroatom ring systems. Applications to medicinal and bioorganic chemistry will be included where appropriate.

CHEM 220A Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics 3 Units

A rigorous presentation of classical thermodynamics followed by an introduction to statistical mechanics with the application to real systems.

CHEM 220B Statistical Mechanics 3 Units

Principles of statistical mechanics and applications to complex systems.

CHEM 221A Advanced Quantum Mechanics 3 Units

Introduction, one dimensional problems, matrix mechanics, approximation methods.

CHEM 221B Advanced Quantum Mechanics 3 Units

Time dependence, interaction of matter with radiation, scattering theory. Molecular and many-body quantum mechanics.

CHEM 222 Spectroscopy 3 Units

This course presents a survey of experimental and theoretical methods of spectroscopy, and group theory as used in modern chemical research. The course topics include experimental methods, classical and quantum descriptions of the interaction of radiation and matter. Qualitative and quantitative aspects of the subject are illustrated with examples including application of linear and nonlinear spectroscopies to the study of molecular structure and dynamics and to quantitative analysis. This course is offered jointly with 122.

CHEM 223A Chemical Kinetics 3 Units

Deduction of mechanisms of complex reactions. Collision and transition state theory. Potential energy surfaces. Unimolecular reaction rate theory. Molecular beam scattering studies.

CHEM C230 Protein Chemistry, Enzymology, and Bio-organic Chemistry 2 Units

The topics covered will be chosen from the following: protein structure; protein-protein interactions; enzyme kinetics and mechanism; enzyme design. Intended for graduate students in chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular and cell biology.

CHEM C234 Green Chemistry: An Interdisciplonary Approach to Sustainability 3 Units

Meeting the challenge of global sustainability will require interdisciplinary approaches to research and education, as well as the integration of this new knowledge into society, policymaking, and business. Green Chemistry is an intellectual framework created to meet these challenges and guide technological development. It encourages the design and production of safer and more sustainable chemicals and products.

CHEM C236 Energy Solutions: Carbon Capture and Sequestration 3 Units

After a brief overview of the chemistry of carbon dioxide in the land, ocean, and atmosphere, the course will survey the capture and sequestration of CO2 from anthropogenic sources. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of materials synthesis and unit operation design, including the chemistry and engineering aspects of sequestration. The course primarily addresses scientific and engineering challenges and aims to engage students in state-of-the-art research in global energy challenges.

CHEM C238 The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass 3 Units

After an introduction to the different aspects of our global energy consumption, the course will focus on the role of biomass. The course will illustrate how the global scale of energy guides the biomass research. Emphasis will be places on the integration of the biological aspects (crop selection, harvesting, storage, and distribution, and chemical composition of biomass) with the chemical aspects to convert biomass to energy. The course aims to engage students in state-of-art research.

CHEM 243 Advanced Nuclear Structure and Reactions 3 Units

Selected topics on nuclear structure and nuclear reactions.

CHEM 250A Introduction to Bonding Theory 1 Unit

An introduction to group theory, symmetry, and representations as applied to chemical bonding.

CHEM 250B Inorganic Spectroscopy 1 Unit

The theory of vibrational analysis and spectroscopy as applied to inorganic compounds.

CHEM 251A Coordination Chemistry I 1 Unit

Structure and bonding, synthesis, and reactions of the d-transition metals and their compounds.

CHEM 251B Coordination Chemistry II 1 Unit

Synthesis, structure analysis, and reactivity patterns in terms of symmetry orbitals.

CHEM 252A Organometallic Chemistry I 1 Unit

An introduction to organometallics, focusing on structure, bonding, and reactivity.

CHEM 252B Organometallic Chemistry II 1 Unit

Applications of organometallic compounds in synthesis with an emphasis on catalysis.

CHEM 253A Materials Chemistry I 1 Unit

Introduction to the descriptive crystal chemistry and electronic band structures of extended solids.

CHEM 253B Materials Chemistry II 1 Unit

General solid state synthesis and characterization techniques as well as a survey of important physical phenomena including optical, electrical, and magnetic properties.

CHEM 253C Materials Chemistry III 1 Unit

Introduction to surface catalysis, organic solids, and nanoscience. Thermodynamics and kinetics of solid state diffusion and reaction will be covered.

CHEM 254 Bioinorganic Chemistry 1 Unit

A survey of the roles of metals in biology, taught as a tutorial involving class presentations.

CHEM 260 Reaction Mechanisms 2 Units

Advanced methods for studying organic reaction mechanisms. Topics include kinetic isotope effects, behavior of reactive intermediates, chain reactions, concerted reactions, molecular orbital theory and aromaticity, solvent and substituent effects, linear free energy relationships, photochemistry.

CHEM 261A Organic Reactions I 1 Unit

Features of the reactions that comprise the vocabulary of synthetic organic chemistry.

CHEM 261B Organic Reaction II 1 Unit

More reactions that are useful to the practice of synthetic organic chemistry.

CHEM 261C Organic Reactions III 1 Unit

This course will consider further reactions with an emphasis on pericyclic reactions such as cycloadditions, electrocyclizations, and sigmatropic rearrangements.

CHEM 262 Metals in Organic Synthesis 1 Unit

Transition metal-mediated reactions occupy a central role in asymmetric catalysis and the synthesis of complex molecules. This course will describe the general principles of transition metal reactivity, coordination chemistry, and stereoselection. This module will also emphasize useful methods for the analysis of these reactions.

CHEM 263A Synthetic Design I 1 Unit

This course will describe the application of modern reactions to the total synthesis of complex target molecules. Natural products, such as alkaloids, terpenes, or polypropionates, as well as theoretically interesting "non-natural" molecules will be covered.

CHEM 263B Synthetic Design II 1 Unit

The principles of retrosynthetic analysis will be laid down and the chemistry of protecting groups will be discussed. Special attention will be given to the automated synthesis of biopolymers such as carbohydrates, peptides, and proteins, as well as nucleic acids.

CHEM 265 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Theory and Application 1 Unit

The theory behind practical nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a survey of its applications to chemical research.

CHEM 268 Mass Spectrometry 2 Units

Principles, instrumentation, and application in mass spectrometry, including ionization methods, mass analyzers, spectral interpretation, multidimensional methods (GC/MS, HPLC/MS, MS/MS), with emphasis on small organic molcules and bioanalytical applications (proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, noncovalent complexes); this will include the opportunity to be trained and checked out on several open-access mass spectrometers.

CHEM 270A Advanced Biophysical Chemistry I 1 Unit

Underlying principles and applications of methods for biophysical analysis of biological macromolecules.

CHEM 270B Advanced Biophysical Chemistry II 1 Unit

More applications of methods for biophysical analysis of biological macromolecules.

CHEM C271A Chemical Biology I - Structure, Synthesis and Function of Biomolecules 1 Unit

This course will present the structure of proteins, nucleic acids, and oligosaccharides from the perspective of organic chemistry. Modern methods for the synthesis and purification of these molecules will also be presented.

CHEM C271B Chemical Biology II - Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms 1 Unit

This course will focus on the principles of enzyme catalysis. The course will begin with an introduction of the general concepts of enzyme catalysis which will be followed by detailed examples that will examine the chemistry behind the reactions and the three-dimensional structures that carry out the transformations.

CHEM C271C Chemical Biology III - Contemporary Topics in Chemical Biology 1 Unit

This course will build on the principles discussed in Chemical Biology I and II. The focus will consist of case studies where rigorous chemical approaches have been brought to bear on biological questions. Potential subject areas will include signal transduction, photosynthesis, immunology, virology, and cancer. For each topic, the appropriate bioanalytical techniques will be emphasized.

CHEM 272A Bio X-Ray I 1 Unit

Theory and application of X-ray crystallography to biomacromolecules.

CHEM 273A Bio NMR I 1 Unit

Fundamentals of multidimensional NMR spectroscopy (including use of the density matrix for analysis of spin response to pulse sequences) and applications of multidimensional NMR in probing structure, interactions, and dynamics of biological molecules will be described.

CHEM 273B Bio NMR II 1 Unit

Triple resonance methods for determination of protein and nucleic acid resonance assignments, and for generation of structural restraints (distances, angles, H-bonds, etc.). Methods for calculating biomolecular structures from NMR data and the quality of such structures will be discussed.

CHEM 295 Special Topics 1 - 3 Units

Lecture series on topics of current interest. Recently offered topics: Natural products synthesis, molecular dynamics, statistical mechanics, molecular spectroscopy, structural biophysics, organic polymers, electronic structure of molecules and bio-organic chemistry.

CHEM 298 Seminars for Graduate Students 1 - 3 Units

In addition to the weekly Graduate Research Conference and weekly seminars on topics of interest in biophysical, organic, physical, nuclear, and inorganic chemistry, there are group seminars on specific fields of research. Seminars will be announced at the beginning of each semester.

CHEM 299 Research for Graduate Students 1 - 9 Units

The facilities of the laboratory are available at all times to graduate students pursuing original investigations toward an advanced degree at this University. Such work is ordinarily in collaboration with a member of the staff.

CHEM 300 Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry 2 Units

Discussion, curriculum development, class observation, and practice teaching in chemistry.

CHEM 301 Pre-High School Chemistry Classroom Immersion 1 Unit

Provides training and opportunity for graduate students to make presentations in local public schools. Training ensures that presenters are aware of scientific information mandated by the State of California for particular grade levels, and that presentations are intellectually stimulating, relevant to the classroom students' interests, and age-appropriate. Time commitment an average of two to three hours/week, but actual time spent is concentrated during preparation and classroom delivery of presentations, which are coordinated between teachers' needs and volunteers' availability.

CHEM 301A Undergraduate Lab Instruction 2 Units

Tutoring of students in 1AL and 1B laboratory. Students attend one hour of the regular GSI preparatory meeting and hold one office hour per week to answer questions about laboratory assignments.

CHEM 301B Undergraduate Chemistry Instruction 2 Units

Tutoring of students in 1A-1B. Students attend a weekly meeting on tutoring methods at the Student Learning Center and attend 1A-1B lectures.

CHEM 301C Chemistry 3 Lab Assistant 2 Units

Undergraduate organic lab assistants help in the teaching of the 3AL and 3BL. Each week students attend a laboratory preparation meeting for one hour, assist in the laboratory section for four hours, and help in the development of experiments for one hour.

CHEM 301D Undergraduate Chemistry Course Instruction 1 - 2 Units

Tutoring of students enrolled in an undergraduate chemistry course.

CHEM 301T Undergraduate Preparation for Teaching or Instruction in Teaching 2 Units

CHEM 301W Supervised Instruction of Chemistry Scholars 2 Units

Tutoring of students in the College of Chemistry Scholars Program who are enrolled in general or organic chemistry. Students attend a weekly meeting with instructors.

CHEM 375 Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry 2 Units

Discussion, curriculum development, class observation, and practice teaching in chemistry.

CHEM 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students 1 - 8 Units

Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser, intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. degree. May not be used for unit or residence requirements for the doctoral degree.

Faculty

Professors

Paul Alivisatos, Professor. Physical chemistry, semiconductor nanocrystals, nanoscience, nanotechnology, artificial photosynthesis, solar energy, renewable energy, sustainable energy.
Research Profile

Richard A. Andersen, Professor. Chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry.
Research Profile

John Arnold, Professor. Organometallic chemistry, organometallic catalysis, materials chemistry, coordination chemistry.
Research Profile

Robert G. Bergman, Professor. Organic and inorganic chemistry: synthesis and reaction mechanisms, organotransition metal compounds, homogeneous catalysis.
Research Profile

Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Professor. Molecular basis of cell surface interactions, eukaryotic genomes, glycosylation.
Research Profile

Kristie A Boering, Professor. Physical chemistry, climate change, atmospheric chemistry, environmental chemistry, ozone, earth and planetary science, isotopic compositions of atmospheric trace gases, stratospheric ozone, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, molecular hydrogen, methane.
Research Profile

David Chandler, Professor. Physical chemistry, chemistry, statistical mechanics, theoretical, condensed matter, molecular structure and dynamics, quantum theory of many body systems.
Research Profile

Christopher J. Chang, Professor. Chemistry, inorganic chemistry, neuroscience, bioinorganic chemistry, general physiology, organic chemistry, new chemical tools for biological imaging and proteomics, new metal complexes for energy catalysis and green chemistry, chemical biology.
Research Profile

Ronald C Cohen, Professor. Physical chemistry, water, climate, air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, ozone, nitrogen oxides, CO2, clouds.
Research Profile

Graham R Fleming, Professor. Chemistry, proteins, chemical and biological dynamics in the condensed phase, ultrafast spectroscopy, body dynamics, liquids, solutions, glasses, photosynthetic proteins, role of solvents in chemical reactions, complex electric fields, electron transfer.
Research Profile

Matt Francis, Professor. Materials chemistry, drug delivery, organic chemistry, Protein modification, artificial photosynthesis, water purification.
Research Profile

Phillip Lewis Geissler, Professor. Statistical mechanics, theoretical chemistry, microscopic behavior of complex biological and material systems, biomolecular structure and dynamics, nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy.
Research Profile

Jay T. Groves, PhD, Professor. Chemistry, physical chemistry of cell membranes, molecular organization in cell membranes, receptor-ligand binding, spatial rearrangement of receptors, ligands.
Research Profile

Charles B. Harris, Professor. Physical chemistry, surface science, theoretical chemistry, chemical dynamics, femtosecond lasers in the visible and infrared, energy transfer, relaxation, primary processes in chemical reactions in liquids, the dynamical properties of electrons.
Research Profile

John F. Hartwig, Professor. Inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, catalysis, organic chemistry.
Research Profile

Martin Head-Gordon, Professor. Theoretical chemistry, electronic structure calculations, development of novel theories and algorithms, quantum mechanics.
Research Profile

Stephen R. Leone, Professor. Physical chemistry, molecular dynamics, atomic, molecular, nanostructured materials, energy applications, attosecond physics and chemistry, radical reactions, combustion dynamics, microscopy, Optical physics, chemical physics, soft x-ray, high harmonic generation, ultrafast laser, aerosol chemistry and dynamics, neutrals imaging.
Research Profile

Jeffrey R Long, Professor. Inorganic and solid state chemistry, synthesis of inorganic clusters and solids, controlling structure, tailoring physical properties, intermetal bridges, high-spin metal-cyanide clusters, magnetic bistability.
Research Profile

Marcin M. Majda, Professor. Electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, electrode & solution interfaces, electron tunneling, bioanalytical chemistry.
Research Profile

Luciano G. Moretto, Professor. Chemistry, nuclear science, statistical and dynamical properties of nuclei, nuclear reactions, multifragmentation, thermal scaling, monovariant and bivariant regions.
Research Profile

Daniel M. Neumark, Professor. Physical chemistry, molecular structure and dynamics, spectroscopy and dynamics of transition states, radicals, and clusters, frequency and time-domain techniques, state-resolved photodissociation, photodetachment of negative ion beams.
Research Profile

Alexander Pines, Professor. Physical chemistry, magnetic resonance imaging, solid state, NMR, optics, quantum coherence, symmetry, modern pulsed magnetic resonance spectroscopy, optical pumping in condensed matter, nonlinear phenomena and chaos, relaxation and many body dynamics.
Research Profile

Richard J. Saykally, Professor. Physical chemistry, surface science, analytical chemistry, materials solid state chemistry, laser spectroscopy methods, X-ray spectroscopy, molecular astrophysics, novel forms of matter, nonlinear optical molecular imaging(NMI), water clusters.
Research Profile

Kevan M. Shokat, Professor. Chemistry, bio-organic chemistry, diabetes, protein phosphorylation, fundamental signal transduction pathways in cells and whole organisms, kinase, drug development, asthma, multiple forms of cancer, neurological disorders, drug addiction.
Research Profile

Angelica M. Stacy, PhD, Professor. Chemistry, solid states, physical and inorganic chemistry, emerging technologies, synthesis and characterization of new solid state materials with novel electronic properties, magnetic properties, development of new synthetic methodologies.
Research Profile

T. Don Tilley, Professor. Inorganic, organometallic, polymer and materials chemistry; synthetic, structural, and reactivity studies on transition metal compounds; catalysis; new chemical transformations; advanced solid state materials; renewable energy; solar fuels.
Research Profile

Dean F. Toste, Professor. Organometallic chemistry, organic, development of new synthetic methods, enantioselective catalysts, strategies for the synthesis of natural products, synthesis of complex molecules, formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds, olefins.
Research Profile

K. Peter Vollhardt, Professor. Organic and organometallic chemistry, transition metals, novel synthetic methodology, synthesis of complex natural and unnatural products, assembly of novel oligometallic arrays, phenylenes, organic magnets and conductors.
Research Profile

David E. Wemmer, Professor. Nuclear magnetic resonance, nucleic acids, biophysical chemistry: proteins, NMR spectroscopy, magnetic resonance methods, structure of proteins and DNA, conformational fluctuations, biopolymers.
Research Profile

K. Birgitta Whaley, Professor. Chemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry, cluster and nano science, quantum information and computations, quantum mechanics of clusters and advanced materials, elucidating and manipulating chemical dynamics in strongly quantum environments.
Research Profile

Evan R. Williams, Professor. Spectroscopy, molecular structure and dynamics, analytical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, structure and reactivity of biomolecules and biomolecule/water interactions, mass spectrometry, separations, protein conformation, protein and DNA sequencing.
Research Profile

Omar Yaghi, Professor.

Peidong Yang, Professor. Materials chemistry, sensors, nanostructures, energy conversion, nanowires, miniaturizing optoelectronic devices, photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, solid state lighting.
Research Profile

Assistant Professors

Tanja Cuk, PhD, Assistant Professor.

Felix R. Fischer, PhD, Assistant Professor.

Naomi S Ginsberg, Assistant Professor.

Ming Chen Hammond, Assistant Professor. Molecular biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, synthetic biology, chemical biology.
Research Profile

Thomas Maimone, Assistant Professor.

Evan W Miller, Assistant Professor.

Ke Xu, PhD, Assistant Professor.

Adjunct Faculty

Anne Baranger, Adjunct Faculty.

Lecturers

Michelle Christine Douskey, Lecturer.

Peter Marsden, Lecturer.

Steven F. Pedersen, Lecturer.

MaryAnn Robak, Lecturer.

Contact Information

Department of Chemistry

419 Latimer Hall

Phone: 510-642-5882

Fax: 510-642-9675

Visit Department Website

Department Chair

Daniel Neumark, PhD

419 Latimer Hall

Phone: 510-643-9057

chemchair@berkeley.edu

Director of Undergraduate Chemistry

Anne Baranger, PhD

Phone: 510-642-0336

abaranger@berkeley.edu

Student Affairs Officer

Lynn Keithlen

Phone: 510-642-5883

keithlin@berkeley.edu

Student Affairs Officer

Aileen Harris

Phone: 510-642-5884

aileenak@berkeley.edu

BA Program Contact

Matthew Munday

420 Latimer Hall

Phone: 510-642-3451

munday@berkeley.edu

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