Chemistry

University of California, Berkeley

Overview

The Chemistry Department at UC Berkeley provides the opportunity for an undergraduate student to obtain thorough and fundamental knowledge of all fields of chemistry. There are lecture courses in the general areas of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The department offers 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 infrared 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, 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 advisors 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.

Graduate study at Berkeley is mainly individual learning in a research field chosen by the student. New students begin research shortly after arriving in Berkeley and usually complete their thesis work in about five years or less. Courses are normally taken only during the first two years, but seminars are a rich source of new knowledge throughout the entire graduate career. All graduate students are required to be graduate student instructors for a minimum of three semesters. Teaching is not only an essential service; it is an excellent method for learning. Financial support for graduate students is provided by graduate student instructor positions, research assistantships, and fellowships.

There is currently an active graduate student organization whose membership includes all graduate students in the college. The overall goal of this organization is to involve graduate students in the department and to provide a sense of community among the various separate sub-disciplines in the college as well as to increase communication among faculty, administration, and students.

Undergraduate Programs

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

Chemical Biology: BS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Chemical Engineering: BS, Minor 

Graduate Program

Chemistry: PhD

Visit Department Website

Courses

Chemistry

Contact Information

Department of Chemistry

419 Latimer Hall

Phone: 510-642-5882

Fax: 510-642-9675

Visit Department Website

Department Chair

Matthew Francis, PhD

724 Latimer Hall

Phone: 510-643-9915

mbfrancis@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Dean

John Arnold

530 Latimer Hall

Phone: (510) 375-2011

arnold@berkeley.edu

Graduate Student Affairs Officer

Joel Adlen

419 Latimer Hall

Phone: 510-642-5884

joeladlen@berkeley.edu

Director of Undergraduate Student Services

Maura Daly

121 Gilman Hall

Phone: 510-643-0550

mdaly@berkeley.edu

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