CHEM - Chemistry and Biochemistry

An integrated study of general chemistry. Covers a range of topics including the atomic structure of matter; molecules; chemical reactions; acids and bases; gases; and equilibria in the gas and liquid phase. Students are expected to use algebra to solve problems. General Chemistry is articulated in a full-year series. Partial transfer credit is not allowed for the A,B,C series.

An integrated study of general chemistry. Coverage includes quantum mechanics; the hydrogen atom; many-electron atoms and chemical periodicity; elementary covalent bonding; transition metals; and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite(s): Strong high-school level chemistry is strongly recommended; taking the online chemistry self-assessment examination is strongly recommended. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1M is recommended. General Chemistry is articulated in a full-year series. Partial transfer credit is not allowed for the A,B,C series.

An integrated study of general chemistry. Coverage includes thermodynamics; oxidation-reduction and electrochemistry; liquids and solids; intermolecular forces and solutions, including colligative properties; and nuclear chemistry. General Chemistry is articulated in a full-year series. Partial transfer credit is not allowed for the A,B,C series.

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in CHEM 1B and CHEM 1C and important experimental techniques.

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in CHEM 1B and CHEM 1C, respectively, and important experimental techniques.

CHEM 3A is the first course in UCSC's three-quarter introductory chemistry series. Topics in this quarter include atomic theory and structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, molecules and their structure, intramolecular forces, and chemical reactions and stoichiometry. Course consists of in-person lecture and a secondary active learning discussion section. In addition to the lecture, students are required to enroll and attend one discussion section.

The second course in UCSC's three-quarter introductory chemistry series. Topics in this quarter include chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, solution pH, buffers and chemical kinetics. Course consists of in-person lecture and a secondary active learning discussion section. In addition to the lecture, students are required to enroll and attend one discussion section.

Focusing on science skills building with an emphasis on the general chemistry lab setting, course provides an introduction to important concepts and practices related to lab safety, fundamental experimental techniques, chemical handling, waste disposal, data collection/analysis, scientific writing/communication, and small-group collaboration. Coursework includes in-person experiments/lab time as well asynchronous work to be completed in Canvas and WebAssign.

The third course in UCSC’s three-quarter introductory chemistry series. Topics in this quarter include the first and second laws of thermodynamics, redox reactions, electrochemistry, phase changes, and physical properties of solutions. Course consists of in-person lecture and a secondary active learning discussion section. In addition to the lecture, students are required to enroll and attend one discussion section.

The second in the general chemistry series, course focuses on science skills building with an emphasis on the general chemistry lab setting. Provides an introduction to important concepts and practices related to lab safety, fundamental experimental techniques, chemical handling, waste disposal, data collection/analysis, scientific writing/communication, and small-group collaboration. Coursework includes in-person lab experiments/work as well as asynchronous assignments to be completed in Canvas and Webassign.

The first course of the two-quarter accelerated general chemistry series intended for students with a strong high school chemistry background. Coverage includes atomic structure and periodicity, general concepts of chemical bonding, covalent bonding, chemical equilibria and acid-base equilibria. To enroll in CHEM 4A, students must complete an ALEKS prep module. To access this module, find a link in the "Class Notes" section of CHEM 4A in the schedule of classes. Students cannot enroll in CHEM 4A after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in CHEM 3A.

Focuses on science skills building with an emphasis on the general chemistry lab setting. Provides an introduction to important concepts and practices related to lab safety, fundamental experimental techniques, chemical handling, waste disposal, data collection/analysis, scientific writing/communication, and small-group collaboration. Course work includes in-person lab experiments/work as well as asynchronous work completed in Canvas and Webassign. This course taken with CHEM 4BL provides an advanced alternative to the CHEM 3BL/CHEM 3CL series.

The second course of the two-quarter accelerated general chemistry series. Coverage includes thermodynamics; kinetics, oxidation-reduction, and electrochemistry; liquids and solids; intermolecular forces and solutions, including colligative properties; and nuclear chemistry.

Focuses on science skills building with an emphasis on the general chemistry lab setting,. Provides an introduction to important concepts and practices related to lab safety, fundamental experimental techniques, chemical handling, waste disposal, data collection/analysis, scientific writing/communication, and small-group collaboration. Coursework includes in-person lab experiments/work as well as asynchronous work completed in Canvas and Webassign. This course taken with CHEM 4AL provides an advanced alternative to the CHEM 3BL/CHEM 3CL series.

Introduces organic chemistry, with an emphasis on bonding and reactivity of organic compounds.

Introduction to organic chemistry, with an emphasis on reactivity and synthesis of organic compounds.

Laboratory experience in organic chemistry associated with CHEM 8A. Designed to introduce the student to the many techniques associated with organic chemistry while affording an opportunity to explore the concepts discussed in the lecture material. Laboratory: 4 hours, lecture: 1-1/4 hours.

Laboratory experience in organic chemistry associated with course 8B. Designed to introduce the student to the many techniques associated with organic chemistry while affording an opportunity to explore the concepts discussed in the lecture material. Laboratory: 4 hours, lecture: 1-1/4 hours.

Honors laboratory experience in organic chemistry associated with course CHEM 8B. Designed to introduce the exceptional student to many of the techniques associated with organic chemistry while taking part in an active organic chemistry research experience. Laboratory: 6 hours per week minimum. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 8A and CHEM 8L; concurrent enrollment in CHEM 8B is required. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Students must pass safety training to begin research. Students may only receive credit for one of the following: CHEM 8M or CHEM 8N. This class may only be taken as Pass/No Pass, which cannot be converted to a letter grade.

A glimpse of the science and technology of wines through critical analysis. Students gain an appreciation of the scientific method and are be exposed to data from chemistry, biology, viticulture, and enology. This analysis is extended to examine commonly accepted practices used by scientists vs. non-scientist to assess and describe wine quality. (Formerly Introduction to Wines and Wine Chemistry.)

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Introduction to biochemistry including biochemical molecules, protein structure and function, membranes, bioenergetics, and regulation of biosynthesis. Provides students with basic essentials of modern biochemistry. Students who plan to do advanced work in biochemistry and molecular biology should take the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BIOC) 100 series. Students cannot receive credit for this course after they have completed any two courses from the BIOC 100A, BIOC 100B, and BIOC 100C sequence.

Integrated study of fundamental organic chemistry, with emphasis on materials especially relevant to biological sciences.

An intermediate study of organic chemistry, including synthetic methods, reaction mechanisms, and application of synthetic chemistry techniques.

Laboratory experience in organic chemistry and associated principles. Experiments involve the preparation, purification, characterization, and identification of organic compounds, and make use of modern as well as classical techniques.

Honors laboratory experience in organic chemistry associated with CHEM 109 or CHEM 110. Designed to introduce the exceptional student to many of the techniques associated with organic chemistry while taking part in an active organic chemistry research experience. Laboratory: 6 hours per week minimum. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 8A, CHEM 8B and CHEM 8L and either CHEM 8M or CHEM 8N and and previous or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 109 or CHEM 110 is required. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Students must pass safety training to begin research. Students may only receive credit for one of the following: CHEM 110L, or CHEM 110N. This class may only be taken as Pass/No Pass, which cannot be converted to a letter grade.

A laboratory course designed to develop familiarity with techniques and instrumentation used in analytical chemistry, emphasizing determination of trace inorganic species. Primary emphasis on applications utilizing the absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation and on voltammetry. Topics include molecular UV-visible absorption and fluorescence spectrometry; atomic absorption, emission and fluorescence spectrometry; and various forms of voltammetry. Lecture: 2 hours; laboratory: 8 hours.

Introduces modern measurement science for biomolecules. DNA, proteins, and specialized metabolites and the methodologies for measuring them, both qualitative and quantitative, are covered. Techniques are presented with the basic framework and concepts, and modern applications are covered in lecture followed by a hands-on lab component. Provides students with the necessary framework to design and execute their own research-based bioanalytical experiments. Group lab reports are prepared as a "Letter" to Analytical Chemistry to report the findings from the laboratory-based experiments. Tests cover the material from the lecture prior to the test day and are not cumulative in nature, however, concepts may build on one another.

Students actively develop the skills and strategies required to become proficient problem solvers in both upper-division science classes and in scientific research. The focus is on systematic problem solving and scientific creativity. (Formerly CHEM 139A, Chemical Problem Solving I: Learning to Think Like a Scientist.)

Advanced topics such as the chemistry of terpenes, steroids, synthetic polymers, alkaloids, reactive intermediates, and reaction mechanisms are treated. Lecture: 4 hours.

Designed to introduce Junior/Senior undergraduates to the field of catalysis in organic synthesis. Course acquaints students with the chemistry, with relevant techniques of metals and metalloid chemistry, and focuses on new advancements in organoborane field. Also provides knowledge of the methods to use chemistry to address synthetic challenges in organic chemistry. Students become familiar with the concepts and approaches in the current field of chemical biology.

Exposes students to advanced laboratory techniques in organic chemistry. Designed for students without previous research background in organic chemistry. Experiments carry a research-like format and cover the areas of natural products and reaction chemistry. Modern methods of organic analysis are emphasized including chromatographic methods and organic structure determination by spectroscopy. Laboratory: 8 hours.

Designed to expose students to advanced synthetic and spectroscopic techniques in inorganic chemistry. Examples include anaerobic manipulations, characterization of inorganic materials through spectral assignments and synthesis of coordination and organometallic complexes. Lecture: 1-1/4 hours; laboratory: 8 hours. Students billed a materials fee of $240.

Provides advanced laboratory experience in the areas of nanomaterial synthesis and characterization; spectroscopy; fabrication and measurements energy-conversion devices; and soft lithography techniques and instrumentation. Lecture: 1-1/4 hours; laboratory: 4 hours.

Fundamental topics of inorganic chemistry are presented at the level of the standard texts of field. Special emphasis is given to maintain breadth in the areas of metallic, nonmetallic, and biological aspects of inorganic chemistry. Lecture: 3-1/2 hours; discussion: 1-1/4 hours.

Fundamental aspects of inorganic chemistry of main group elements are discussed. The emphasis is placed on the chemistry of nontransition elements including noble gases and halogens. In addition, students are exposed to the concepts of extended structures, new materials, and solid-state chemistry. Lecture: 3-3/4 hours.

Laboratory experience in inorganic chemistry. Experiments involve the preparation, purification, and characterization of inorganic compounds. In addition, experiments are designed to illustrate fundamental principles in inorganic chemistry and are coordinated with lectures in CHEM 151A. Laboratory: 4 hours per week. Laboratory lecture: 1 1/4 hours per week.

Advanced topics in inorganic chemistry and an introduction to solid-state chemistry. Synthesis and structure of materials discussed as well as their influence on properties for modern devices and applications. Recent developments in area of material science also explored. Taught in conjunction with CHEM 256C.

Introduction to hypothesis-driven laboratory research. Students collectively design and execute a novel research project that addresses a question about macromolecular structure, function, or regulation. Working individually and in small groups, students learn aspects of experimental design, literature and public data base research, data analysis and interpretation, and scientific collaboration. Learned laboratory techniques include molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification, and biochemical assay implementation.

Introduction to hypothesis-driven laboratory research. Students collectively design and execute a novel research project that addresses a question about macromolecular structure, function, or regulation. Working individually and in small groups, students learn aspects of experimental design, literature and public data base research, data analysis and interpretation, and scientific collaboration. Learned laboratory techniques include molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification, and biochemical assay implementation.

Introduction to hypothesis-driven laboratory research. Students collectively design and execute a novel research project that addresses a question about macromolecular structure, function, or regulation. Working individually and in small groups, students learn aspects of experimental design, literature and public data base research, data analysis and interpretation, and scientific collaboration. Learned laboratory techniques include molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification, and biochemical assay implementation.

The first of a three-course research-based series for students in chemistry or biochemistry and molecular biology degree programs. This lab series introduces undergraduates to the emerging field of chemical biology. There is no laboratory guide with pre-designed experiments and results; instead, students develop a hypothesis and work toward understanding a novel system at the interface of multiple biological and chemical subdisciplines. Students gain technical skills related to these areas by designing experiments, researching primary literature, using public databases, and applying various software programs to aid in data analysis and interpretation.

The second of a three-course research-based series for students in chemistry or biochemistry and molecular biology degree programs. Introduces undergraduates to the emerging field of chemical biology. There is no laboratory guide with pre-designed experiments and results; instead, students develop a hypothesis and work toward understanding a novel system at the interface of multiple biological and chemical subdisciplines. Students gain technical skills related to these areas by designing experiments, researching primary literature, using public databases, and applying various software programs to aid in data analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 161J. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor.

The third of a three-course research-based series for students in chemistry or biochemistry and molecular biology degree programs. Introduces undergraduates to the emerging field of chemical biology. There is no laboratory guide with pre-designed experiments and results; instead, students develop a hypothesis and work toward understanding a novel system at the interface of multiple biological and chemical subdisciplines. Students gain technical skills related to these areas by designing experiments, researching primary literature, using public databases, and applying various software programs to aid in data analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 161K. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor.

A detailed introduction to quantum theory and the application of wave mechanics to problems of atomic structure, bonding in molecules, and fundamentals of spectroscopy. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOC 163A.

Fundamentals of thermodynamics and applications to chemical and biochemical equilibria. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOC 163B.

Statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, and reaction kinetics and topics in spectroscopy. (Formerly Kinetic Theory and Reaction Kinetics, Statistical Mechanics, Spectroscopic Applications.)

Provides laboratory experience and data analysis in the areas of thermodynamics, kinetics, and spectroscopy. Lecture: 1.75 hours; experimental laboratory: 4 hours; computer laboratory: 2 hours.

An overview of the central elements of drug discovery, including target selection and validation; computational or virtual screening; high-throughput screening; fragment-based methods; and pharmacokinetics.

Covers methods and techniques for the field of chemical biology. Brings together methods in chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics to study the interaction of small molecules with biological systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course CHEM 271.

Dir Stu Teach

An individually supervised course with emphasis on reviewing the current scientific literature. Students are required to submit a summary and a critique of a scientific paper in the form of a senior essay. Students submit a petition to the sponsoring agency. This course may not be repeated for credit.

An individually supervised course with emphasis on independent research. Multiple-term course extending over two or three quarters; the grade and evaluation submitted for the final quarter apply to all previous quarters. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency; may not be repeated for credit. (Formerly offered as Senior Research.)

An individually supervised course with emphasis on independent research. Multiple-term course extending over two or three quarters; the grade and evaluation submitted for the final quarter apply to all previous quarters. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency; may not be repeated for credit. (Formerly offered as Senior Research.)

An individually supervised course with emphasis on independent research. Multiple-term course extending over two or three quarters; the grade and evaluation submitted for the final quarter apply to all previous quarters. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency; may not be repeated for credit. (Formerly offered as Senior Thesis.)

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. (Formerly offered as Tutorial.)

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. (Formerly offered as Tutorial.)

An introduction to the theory, principles, and practical application of biophysical methods to the study of biomolecules, especially proteins and nucleic acids. Emphasis on spectroscopic techniques. Topics include magnetic resonance, optical spectroscopy, fast reaction techniques, crystallography, and mass spectrometry.

A detailed discussion of nucleic acid and protein chemistry, ranging from the structure, thermodynamics, and folding to the relationship between structure and function, and encompassing the methods used to determine such information.

A study of enzyme kinetics, mechanisms, and factors involved in enzymic catalysis. Lecture: 3-1/2 hours.

Provides skills for the transition from academia into industrial research careers, addressing presentation skills, project prioritization, teamwork, salary-benefit expectations, intellectual property, performance reviews, Myers-Briggs profiles, and career planning. Participant teams will analyze the commercialization of a technical innovation.

Introduces the fundamentals of grant writing in biomedical research, including best practices for presentation of data and communication of research findings. Students write and peer-edit most components of the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein F31 predoctoral fellowship. Course is designed for students in their second year or later of graduate study.

The role played by transition metals in biological systems is discussed through application of the principles of coordination chemistry and inorganic spectroscopy. Topics include metalloproteins involved in oxygen binding, iron storage, biological redox reactions, and nitrogen fixation, as well as metal complexes of nucleic acids. Lecture: 4 hours.

A discussion of the application of selected topics in biophysical chemistry to contemporary problems in biochemistry and molecular biology. Lecture: 3-1/2 hours.

Covers molecular structure and bonding, strain, and non-covalent binding forces. Other topics include acid-base chemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, catalysis, organic reactions and mechanism, and quantum mechanical approaches to the analysis of organic molecules.

Presents concepts in bond formation, conformation, selectivity, and stereocontrol in modern organic synthesis. Focuses on understanding reaction mechanisms. Culminates with strategy in designing multi-step synthesis of complex targets.

Presents strategies in organic structure elucidation, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. Provides theory and practical elements of structure elucidation and modern analytical methods for organic molecules.

Explores organic free radicals. Fundamental principles in physical chemistry provide an understanding of free-radical transformations in organic synthesis, polymerization, and some examples of free radicals in biology. For students who have a firm grounding in organic chemistry.

This course is fully hands-on, highly interactive, and project-based. Students receive extensive training on the DFT program Gaussian and are then offered the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, tailored to their specific research projects. Students have the option to bring in their own molecules of interest from their research laboratories.

Advanced topics in inorganic chemistry are presented. Topics covered vary from year to year, and are announced in advance. Possible topics include A) organometallic chemistry; B) structural methods in inorganic chemistry; C) solid-state chemistry.

Advanced topics in inorganic chemistry are presented. Topics covered vary from year to year, and are announced in advance. Possible topics include A) organometallic chemistry; B) structural methods in inorganic chemistry; C) solid-state chemistry.

Advanced topics in inorganic chemistry are presented. Topics covered vary from year to year, and are announced in advance. Possible topics include A) organometallic chemistry; B) structural methods in inorganic chemistry; C) solid-state chemistry.

Course in chemical crystallography focuses on the needs of small-molecule, single-crystal diffraction studies. Includes diffraction theory, space-group analysis, data collection, structure solution, and refinement. Practical component: use of diffraction equipment and solution/refinement software.

The basic theory of time-dependent processes is covered at an advanced level. The interaction of electromagnetic radiation and matter is described using both semiclassical and quantum field formulations. A variety of modern spectroscopic techniques are discussed both in terms of the basic processes and their use in the elucidation of chemical structure and dynamics.

Theory and concepts of statistical mechanics with applications to ideal gases, condensed systems, phase transition, and non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Lecture: 3-1/2 hours.

A rigorous introductory course: the Schrödinger equation, operator formalism, matrix mechanics, angular momentum, and spin. Perturbation and other approximate methods. Applications to atomic and molecular problems. Lecture: 3-1/2 hours.

Introduction of quantum mechanical simulations of materials at the atomistic level. This includes introduction of solid-state electronic structure formulated with density functional theory and plane-wave basis, calculations of spectroscopic and transport properties for solids and condensed phases from first-principles. Basic calculations of electronic structure, lattice dynamics with phonon dispersion and dielectric properties, treatment of electron correlation for open-shell systems with linear and non-linear magnetism. Advanced topics include calculations of excited-state spectroscopy with many-body interaction, ab-initio molecular dynamics, Wannier function and topological properties, and electron-phonon coupling for superconductivity and carrier transport. 

A detailed introduction of the use of computer simulation methods in physical and biophysical chemistry. Includes review of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, and Monte-Carlo methods. Applications to liquid structure, reaction dynamics, and protein dynamics.

Topics include synthesis of solid-state materials and their characterization using experimental techniques: XRD, TEM spectroscopy, NMR, and their applications in technologies. Emphasis on new materials, e.g., polymer, biopolymers, nanomaterials, organic/inorganic composites, ceramics, superconductors, electronic, magnetic, and opto-electronic materials.

Designed to introduce basic principles and applications of electrochemistry to students at upper undergraduate and lower graduate levels in various fields including analytical, physical, and materials chemistry.

Methods and techniques for the field of chemical biology. Brings together methods in chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics to study the interaction of small molecules with biological systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and CHEM 171.

Lecture and lab course introducing graduate students to mass spectrometry. Begins with the basic framework and concepts in mass spectrometry to break down modern instrumentation to build toward utilizing modern biomedical applications of the technology. Course focuses on biological molecules (amino acids to proteins). Interpretation of organic mass spectra is only be briefly covered. Provides students with the necessary framework to design and execute their own research-based mass spectrometry experiments. Two weeks are dedicated to hands-on experiments using modern mass spectrometers and preparing short technical notes based on the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry (JASMS) to report findings from laboratory base experiments.

Weekly meetings devoted to study of synthetic organic chemistry and controlled polymer design for applications in nanotechnology. Topics drawn from current literature and research interests of participants.

Weekly meetings devoted to biological inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. Topics are drawn from current literature. Papers and reviews are discussed, and participants give short seminars on their research interests.

Weekly meetings devoted to materials and inorganic research. Topics are drawn from current literature. Papers and reviews are discussed. Participants also give short seminars on topics of their research interests.

Weekly meetings devoted to the study of asymmetric and/or enantio-selective synthesis of optically active organic compounds of biological and medicinal significance. Topics drawn from the current literature and the research interests of the participants.

Weekly meetings devoted to the study of synthetic organic chemistry. Topics drawn from the current literature and the research interests of the participants.

A detailed study of molecular mechanisms of light energy conversion and light-signal transduction processes in biological systems. Student participation in critical discussion of current literature examples are emphasized. Two-hour lecture and two-hour seminar weekly.

Weekly meetings devoted to the study of natural products. Topics drawn from the current literature and research interests of the participants.

Weekly meetings devoted to inorganic and bioinorganic research. Topics are drawn from current literature. Papers and reviews are discussed. Participants also give short seminars on topics of their research interests.

A weekly chemistry and biochemistry seminar series covering recent developments and current research, led by experts from other institutions, as well as local speakers. Open to chemistry and biochemistry graduate students.

University-level pedagogy in chemistry; examines the role of preparation, assessment, and feedback in teaching chemistry discussion and laboratory sections. Effective classroom techniques and organizational strategies discussed; oral presentations analyzed critically. Required of entering chemistry graduate students.

A topic will be studied with faculty tutorial assistance to satisfy a need for the student when a regular course is not available. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

A topic will be studied with faculty tutorial assistance to satisfy a need for the student when a regular course is not available. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Thesis Research

Thesis Research

Thesis Research