Associate Professors--Gronert, Trautman
Assistant Professors--Berkman, DeWitt, Gerber, Palmer, Simonis, Wu
Lecturer--Sequin
Adjunct Professors--Banin, Dreyer, Roitman
B.S. in Biochemistry
B.S. in Chemistry
Minor in Chemistry
M.S. in Chemistry
M.S. in Chemistry: Concentration in Biochemistry
The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry is particularly well-suited for those students whose career goals involve the integration of chemistry with other fields. This program provides excellent preparation for pre-medical students and high school science teachers, as well as those who will pursue further studies in the pharmaceutical sciences, veterinary medicine, and dentistry. Additionally, the B.A. in Chemistry may be combined with a minor in engineering, business, social sciences, the humanities, or the arts to provide the student with a unique synthesis of experience applicable to careers in patent law, management, sales, marketing, chemical engineering, regulatory affairs, technical writing, scientific journalism, library science, environmental protection, and art restoration.
The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is designed for those students who wish to be particularly well qualified in the rapidly expanding fields between biology and chemistry. This strong laboratory training program provides exceptional preparation for careers in biotechnology and enjoys a favorable reputation among biotechnology companies in the Bay Area. This degree provides a strong foundation for a graduate degree in biochemistry, and it is an excellent degree choice for entry into medical or dental college.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, which is approved by the American Chemical Society, prepares the student to pursue a career in chemically-oriented industry or to begin graduate study in chemistry and other molecular sciences. The degree provides a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, breadth in traditional chemical subdisciplines (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry), and depth in one or more areas of chemistry. This program provides excellent training in instrumental analysis and emphasizes quantitative and analytical aspects of the discipline.
The Master of Science in Chemistry, which has been approved by the American Chemical Society, is designed as a balanced program in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and biochemistry. The department also offers the Master of Science in Chemistry with a Concentration in Biochemistry for students who want to specialize in the biochemical aspects of chemistry. The American Chemical Society placement examinations, while not greatly influencing the graduate status of the student, will determine where individual weaknesses exist so that corrective emphasis may be applied. The department also offers a cooperative M.S./Ph.D. program with the University of California, Davis for defined minority students and women from all ethnic groups (contact the department chair for further information). Work leading to the master's degree should provide for the best possible balance between theoretical course work and research. A student completing the program should be prepared to pursue a career in the field of chemical research and development at the technical level, teaching, or have the necessary foundation to continue studies toward the doctorate.
The Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society enthusiastically commended the department for the excellence of its undergraduate program. High-quality teaching, one-on-one advising, and opportunities for students to participate in research under the direct supervision of active faculty members who are recognized authorities in their field are significant features of the department. Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty members are actively involved in research, and many undergraduate students work on research projects during their senior year, working closely with their faculty research adviser. Examples of research projects currently under investigation by our faculty members and their research students include:
Analytical Chemistry:Evaluation of Martian soil analog materials. Development and applications of new methods of mass spectrometry.
Biochemistry:Enzyme reaction mechanisms. Synthesis of enzyme inhibitors, including boronic acid peptide transition-state analogs, and enzyme-inhibitor interactions. Isolation and characterization of methyl transferase enzymes. Structure-function relationships in membrane transport proteins and mechanisms of membrane biogenesis, with emphasis on outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli. Biosynthesis and regulation of the expression of complex carbohydrate cell surface antigens.
Metalloprotein Biochemistry:Study of structure-function relationships in redox and metalloproteins with particular emphasis on heme proteins.
Environmental Chemistry:Mechanisms of heavy metal tolerance/accumulation in higher plant systems. Movement of heavy metals from the environment into the biosphere. Characterization of the atmosphere on the Russian Space Station Mir. Detection of trace levels of volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. Atmospheric degradation pathways of alkanes.
Inorganic Chemistry and Bioinorganic Chemistry: Transition metal organometallic chemistry. Solution structures of biologically relevant paramagnetic Fe(III) porphyrin, zinc and organocobalt complexes, which mimic the active sites of important heme proteins, zinc enzymes and vitamin B12. Development and applications of multi-dimensional NMR methodology for structural analysis of paramagnetic molecules. Photochemistry and photophysics of organometallic compounds.
Organic Chemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry: Reaction mechanisms and synthetic applications of organic peroxides. Small rings. Heterocyclic chemistry. Chemistry of singlet oxygen. Mechanisms of fundamental organic reactions: computational approaches to modeling the transition states of nucleophilic substitutions and elimination reactions. Conformations of small peptides. Structure-reactivity relationships in acid- and base-catalyzed organic reactions, including heterolytic cleavage of C-H and C-C bonds. Design and synthesis of substrate analogs to elucidate the catalytic mechanisms of enzymes. Design and synthesis of novel enzyme inhibitors for use in sensitizing tumor cells to common chemotherapeutic strategies.
Physical Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry: Characterization of structural features and dynamic behavior of natural and synthetic macromolecules in solution using physical methods and theoretical models. Electrical and mechanical properties of nucleic acids, proteins, including molecular motors, and protein-nucleic acid complexes. Biophysical applications of electron spin resonance spin labels. Diffusion and solubility of molecular oxygen in biomembranes and in other tissue.
Students obtain extensive hands-on experience with a wide array of state-of-the-art research instruments, and they obtain valuable training in modern laboratory techniques and computational methods. These include, for example, excellent nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, which are used to study molecular structure and dynamics, a state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facility, and numerous modern biochemical instruments used to study biological molecules, including proteins and nucleic acids. Computers are used extensively in chemistry classes, and the department's modern facilities include a computational chemistry and visualization laboratory. This laboratory houses state-of-the-art computer workstations with 3D graphics capabilities and enables us to teach molecular modeling applications and computational chemistry in inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses. The advanced capabilities of this computer laboratory places the department at the forefront in the use of innovative methods to teach chemistry to undergraduate students.
It is suggested that students plan the program of courses in the major with the help of the adviser in order that the correct sequence of courses be taken. Otherwise, unnecessary delays may occur in the completion of the program. It is also suggested that students in these programs consult with the adviser before selecting courses to meet General Education requirements. Students who are considering teaching chemistry should see a credential adviser in the Chemistry Department before planning the major. Specific courses and a competency assessment are required for admission to the credential program.
All courses used in the major program except CHEM 694 must be completed with letter grades. CR/NC may be used only for CHEM 694.
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 113/114 General Chemistry II and
Laboratory (3/2) 5
One of the following sets: 8-12
PHYS 111/112 General Physics I (3/1) and
PHYS 121/122 General Physics II (3/1) or
PHYS 220/222 General Physics with Cal-
culus I and Laboratory (3/1) and
PHYS 230/232 General Physics with
Calculus II and Laboratory (3/1)
and
PHYS 240/242 General Physics with Cal-
culus III and Laboratory (3/1)
MATH 220/221 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry I/II (3 each) 6
Total lower division requirements 24-28
CHEM 300 General Physical Chemistry I 2
CHEM 301 General Physical Chemistry II 2
CHEM 320 Modern Methods of Quantitative
Chemical Analysis 4
CHEM 333 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHEM 334 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory 2
CHEM 335 Organic Chemistry II 3
CHEM 336 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 3
[CHEM 338 may be substituted
for CHEM 336]
CHEM 452 Integrated Laboratory I 4
Upper division chemistry electives, including
one of the following: 4
CHEM 343 Biochemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 348 Clinical Biochemistry Labora-
tory (2)
CHEM 453 Integrated Laboratory II
CHEM 470 Research
Total upper division requirements 27
Total for major 51-55
Units
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 113/114 General Chemistry II and
Laboratory (3/2) 5
MATH 220/223 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry I-IV (3 each) 12
PHYS 220/222 General Physics with Calcu-
lus I and Laboratory (3/1) 4
PHYS 230/232 General Physics with Calcu-
lus II and Laboratory (3/1) 4
PHYS 240/242 General Physics with Calcu-
lus III and Laboratory (3/1) 4
Total lower division requirements 34
CHEM 320 Modern Methods of Quantitative
Chemical Analysis 4
CHEM 333 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHEM 334 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory 2
CHEM 335 Organic Chemistry II 3
CHEM 336 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 3
[CHEM 338 may be substituted for
CHEM 336]
CHEM 351 Physical Chemistry I 3
CHEM 353 Physical Chemistry II 3
CHEM 425 Inorganic Chemistry 3
CHEM 452 Integrated Laboratory I 4
CHEM 453 Integrated Laboratory II 3
Electives, including at least two units of labora-
tory, on advisement from the following list
(other upper division and graduate courses
that have a physical chemistry prerequisite
can also be elected, with consent of an
adviser): 8
CHEM 340 Biochemistry I
CHEM 341 Biochemistry II
CHEM 343 Biochemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 347 Clinical Biochemistry (2)
CHEM 423 Chemical Instrumentation
CHEM 433 Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHEM 470 Research (May be repeated once
for a maximum of six units)
[Strongly recommended for
students preparing for graduate
college and professional positions]
CHEM 694 Cooperative Education in
Chemistry (1) [maximum of two
units with approval]
CHEM 825 Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 831 Theoretical Organic Chemistry
CHEM 834 Organic Spectroscopic Methods
CHEM 841 Enzymology
CHEM 850 Valency and Spectroscopy
PHYS 320 Modern Physics I
PHYS 321 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
Total upper division requirements 39
Total for major 73
PHYS 220, 222, 230, 232, 240, and 242 may be substituted for PHYS 111 and 121. CHEM 351 and 353 may be substituted for CHEM 300 and 301.
Units
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 113/114 General Chemistry II and
Laboratory (3/2) 5
PHYS 111/112 General Physics I (3/1) 4
PHYS 121/122 General Physics II (3/1) 4
MATH 220/222 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry I-III (3 each) 9
BIOL 230 Introductory Biology I 5
Total lower division requirements 32
CHEM 300 General Physical Chemistry I 2
CHEM 301 General Physical Chemistry II 2
CHEM 320 Modern Methods of Quantitative
Chemical Analysis 4
CHEM 333 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHEM 334 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory 2
CHEM 335 Organic Chemistry II 3
CHEM 336 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 3
[CHEM 338 may be substituted for
CHEM 336]
CHEM 340 Biochemistry I 3
CHEM 341 Biochemistry II 3
CHEM 343 Biochemistry I Laboratory 3
CHEM 452 Integrated Laboratory I 4
Total upper division requirements 32
Biochemistry or Biology Option(see below) 8-10
Total for major 72-74
Electives from the following (must include at
least two units of laboratory course work): 8
CHEM 347 Clinical Biochemistry (2)
CHEM 470 Research (Biochemistry related
research with prior consent of
Biochemistry adviser)
CHEM 640 Advanced Topics in Biochem-
istry (1-3) [may be repeated for
a maximum of four units for
different topics]
CHEM 694 Cooperative Education in
Chemistry (1) [maximum of two
units with approval; biochemistry
related research with prior con-
sent of Biochemistry adviser]
CHEM 699 Special Study in Chemistry (1)
[maximum of one unit with
approval; biochemistry related
research with prior consent of
Biochemistry adviser]
BIOL 240 Introductory Biology II 5
Electives from the following: 3-5
BIOL 350 Cell Biology
BIOL 351 Experiments in Cell Biology and
Genetics (4)
BIOL 355 Genetics
BIOL 401 General Microbiology
BIOL 402 General Microbiology Labora-
tory (2)
BIOL 525 Plant Physiology
BIOL 526 Plant Physiology Laboratory (2)
BIOL 612 Human Physiology
BIOL 613 Human Physiology Laboratory (2)
All courses in the minor must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not acceptable). Only one course from each of the following pairs of courses can be counted towards the minor: either CHEM 130 or CHEM 333, not both; either CHEM 349 or CHEM 340, not both. The following courses, or their equivalents, cannot be counted toward the minor: CHEM 100, 101, 102, 105, 106, 361, 599, and 694.
CHEM 834 Organic Spectroscopic Methods 3
One of the following courses selected on
advisement of graduate major adviser: 3
CHEM 850 Valency and Spectroscopy
CHEM 851 Biochemical Spectroscopy
CHEM 880 Seminar 3
CHEM 897 Research 6
(After initiating a research project, a grad-
uate student must enroll each semester
in CHEM 897 while actively engaged in
research for the M.S. degree. A maxi-
mum of six units of CHEM 897 may be
included on the Graduate Approved
Program.)
CHEM 898 Master's Thesis 3
Upper division or graduate courses in chemistry,
physics, mathematics, or biology on advise-
ment of graduate major adviser 12
Minimum total 30andOral Defense of Thesis
CHEM 834 Organic Spectroscopic Methods 3
One of the following courses selected on
advisement of graduate major adviser: 3
CHEM 850 Valency and Spectroscopy
CHEM 851 Biochemical Spectroscopy
CHEM 880 Seminar 3
Courses in biochemistry selected from the
following: 6
CHEM 841 Enzymology
CHEM 843 Membrane Biochemistry
CHEM 844 Bioinorganic Chemistry
CHEM 845 Glycoconjugate Biochemistry
Upper division or graduate courses in chemistry,
physics, mathematics, or biology on advise-
ment of graduate major adviser. (May
include courses listed above which have
not been taken to satisfy either the core
requirement or the six-unit biochemistry
requirement.) 6
CHEM 897 Research 6
(After initiating a research project, a graduate
student must enroll each semester in
CHEM 897 while actively engaged in
research for the M.S. degree. A maxi-
mum of six units of CHEM 897 may be
included on the Graduate Approved
Program.)
CHEM 898 Master's Thesis 3
Minimum total 30andOral Defense of Thesis