UC Berkeley offers two bachelors' degrees in Chemistry: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) through the College of Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) through the College of Letters and Science. For specific information regarding degree requirements for each, please refer to the information below, and the appropriate Major Requirements and College Requirements tabs on this page.
B.S. in Chemistry, College of Chemistry
The B.S. in Chemistry degree provides a strong foundation in experimental processes, instrumentation, and quantitative analysis. Students will also acquire a strong foundation in math and physics, having taken the higher level sequences of these courses.
The B.S. in Chemistry is intended for students who are primarily interested in careers as professional chemists (e.g. in environmental, pharmaceutical, materials, and industrial chemistry), or wish to have a thorough grounding in chemistry in preparation for professional or graduate school in chemistry, a scientific career in government or industry, a teaching career, or related career tracks. Students in the B.S. program may also choose to pursue the Computational Chemistry or Materials Chemistry concentrations.
B.A. in Chemistry, College of Letters & Science
The B.A. in Chemistry includes a greater number of humanities and social science courses than the Bachelor of Science degree and is intended for those interested in careers in teaching, medicine, or other sciences in which a basic understanding of chemical processes is necessary.
Students who want to pursue the B.A. should apply for admission to the College of Letters & Science.
Minor Program
The College of Chemistry offers a minor in Chemistry. Chemical biology majors are not eligible to pursue this minor. Students must submit a notification of completion of the minor to the College of Chemistry Undergraduate Student Services Office.
In addition to the University, campus, and college requirements, listed on the College Requirements tab, students must fulfill the below requirements specific to their major program.
General Guidelines
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 must be maintained in all courses undertaken at UC Berkeley, including those from UC Summer Sessions, UC Education Abroad Program, UC Berkeley in Washington Program, and XB courses from University Extension.
A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all courses taken in the college is required in order to advance and continue in upper division courses.
A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all upper division courses taken at the University is required to satisfy major requirements.
Chemistry majors who receive a grade of D+ or lower in a chemistry course for which a grade of C- or higher is required must repeat the course at UC Berkeley.
For information regarding grade requirements in specific courses, please see the notes sections below.
For information regarding residence requirements and unit requirements, please see the College Requirements tab.
Please note, the Academic Guide is updated once a year. For the most up to date requirements information, please take a look at the College of Chemistry website.
A grade of C- or better is recommended in CHEM 12A before taking BIOLOGY 1A.
Students who join the program after completing a general chemistry sequence that does not include quantitative analysis are required to take CHEM 4B or CHEM 105.
Students who join the program after completing CHEM 3A plus CHEM 3AL and CHEM 3B plus CHEM 3BL at Berkeley are allowed to substitute those courses for CHEM 12A and CHEM 12B. Students who join the program after completing only CHEM 3A plus CHEM 3AL at Berkeley are recommended to take CHEM 12B.
Students must take CHEM 96 during the fall term of their sophomore year at Berkeley.
Students should start MATH 1A in the first semester of their freshman year. MATH 10A and MATH 10B may be substituted for MATH 1A and MATH 1B.
Radiochemical Methods in Nuclear Technology and Forensics [3]
Select 12 units of upper division chemistry and allied subjects courses (see below)1
12
One course must be an additional lecture course (or lab/lecture course) in Chemistry as approved by the student's staff adviser
1
Advanced Placement, Advanced Level, and International Baccalaureate credit cannot be applied to this requirement.
No more than 4 units of research (e.g., CHEM H194 and CHEM 196) may be used to satisfy this requirement.
If a course is used to satisfy another requirement, the course cannot also be used to satisfy the upper division Chemistry and Allied Subjects requirement.
For CHEM 103 and CHEM 130B, only 2 of the 3 units will count towards Allied Subject requirement since they have overlapping concepts with required major courses. However, students will receive the full 3 units of credit towards their GPA and the 120 unit graduation requirement.
In addition to the University, campus, and college requirements, listed on the College Requirements tab, students must fulfill the below requirements specific to their major program.
General Guidelines
All courses taken to fulfill the major requirements below must be taken for graded credit, other than courses listed which are offered on a Pass/Fail basis only. Other exceptions to this requirement are noted as applicable.
No more than one upper division course may be used to simultaneously fulfill requirements for a student's major and minor programs, with the exception of minors offered outside of the College of Letters & Science.
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 must be maintained in both upper and lower division courses used to fulfill the major requirements.
For information regarding residence requirements and unit requirements, please see the College Requirements tab.
Please note, the Academic Guide is updated once a year. For the most up to date requirements information, please take a look at the College of Chemistry website.
A grade of C- or better is required in CHEM 4A before taking CHEM 4B, and in CHEM 4B before taking more advanced courses.
2
Students who declare the major after completing a general chemistry sequence that does not include quantitative analysis are required to take CHEM 4B or CHEM 105.
3
A grade of C- or better in Chem 12A is required before taking Chem 12B.
Students who have a strong interest in an area of study outside their major often decide to complete a minor program. These programs have set requirements and are noted officially on the transcript in the memoranda section, but are not noted on diplomas.
General Guidelines
All minors must be declared no later than one semester before a student's Expected Graduation Term (EGT). If the semester before EGT is fall or spring, the deadline is the last day of RRR week. If the semester before EGT is summer, the deadline is the final Friday of Summer Sessions. To declare a minor, contact the department advisor for information on requirements, and the declaration process.
All courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements below must be taken for graded credit.
A minimum of three of the upper division courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements must be completed at UC Berkeley.
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for courses used to fulfill the minor requirements.
Students must consult with their college/school for information regarding overlap of courses between their majors and minors.
Requirements
Two semesters of organic chemistry (Chem 3A/L & 3B/L or Chem 12A & 12B)
Chem 120A, 120B, Chem C130, or Chem 130B (physical or biophysical chemistry)
Chem 103 or 104A (inorganic chemistry)
Two additional upper division Chemistry courses taken at Berkeley, excluding courses numbered 190-199; the two additional courses may be graduate level but will need to be the entire module ABC to satisfy the requirement.
English courses at other institutions may satisfy the requirement(s); check with your Undergraduate Adviser
After admission to Berkeley, credit for English at another institution will not be granted if the Entry Level Writing requirement has not been satisfied
Humanities and Social Sciences Breadth Requirement: Chemistry & Chemical Biology majors
The College of Chemistry’s humanities and social sciences breadth requirement promotes educational experiences that enrich and complement the technical requirements for each major.
15 units total; includes Reading & Composition and American Cultures courses
Remaining units must come from the following L&S breadth areas, excluding courses which only teach a skill (such as drawing or playing an instrument):
Arts and Literature Foreign Language1,2 Historical Studies International Studies Philosophy and Values Social and Behavioral Sciences
To find course options for breadth, go to the Berkeley Academic Guide Class Schedule, select the term of interest, and use the 'Breadth Requirements' filter to select the breadth area(s) of interest.
Breadth courses may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis (excluding Reading and Composition)
1 Elementary-level courses may not be in the student's native language and may not be structured primarily to teach the reading of scientific literature.
2 For Chemistry and Chemical Biology majors, elementary-level foreign language courses are not accepted toward the 15 unit breadth requirement if they are used (or are duplicates of high school courses used) to satisfy the Foreign Language requirement.
Foreign Language (Language Other Than English [LOTE]) Requirement
Applies to Chemistry and Chemical Biology majors only.
The LOTE requirement may be satisfied with one language other than English, in one of the following ways:
By completing in high school the third year of one language other than English with minimum grades of C-.
By completing at Berkeley the second semester of a sequence of courses in one language other than English, or the equivalent at another institution. Only LOTE courses that include reading and composition, as well as conversation, are accepted in satisfaction of this requirement. LOTE courses may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
By demonstrating equivalent knowledge of a language other than English through examination, including a College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement Examination with a score of 3 or higher (if taken before admission to college), an SAT II: Subject Test with a score of 590 or higher, or a proficiency examination offered by some departments at Berkeley or at another campus of the University of California.
Humanities and Social Sciences Breadth Requirement: Chemical Engineering major
22 units total; includes Reading and Composition and American Cultures courses
Breadth Series requirement: As part of the 22 units, students must complete two courses, at least one being upper division, in the same or very closely allied humanities or social science department(s). AP credit may be used to satisfy the lower division aspect of the requirement.
Breadth Series courses and all remaining units must come from the following lists of approved humanities and social science courses, excluding courses which only teach a skill (such as drawing or playing an instrument):
Arts and Literature Foreign Language1,2 Historical Studies International Studies Philosophy and Values
To find course options for breadth, go to the Berkeley Academic Guide Class Schedule, select the term of interest, and use the 'Breadth Requirements' filter to select the breadth area(s) of interest.
Breadth courses may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis (excluding Reading and Composition)
1 Elementary-level courses may not be in the student's native language and may not be structured primarily to teach the reading of scientific literature.
2 For chemical engineering majors, no more that six units of language other than English may be counted toward the 22 unit breadth requirement.
Class Schedule Requirements
Minimum units per semester: 13
Maximum units per semester: 19.5
12 units of course work each semester must satisfy degree requirements
Chemical Engineering freshmen and Chemistry majors are required to enroll in a minimum of one chemistry course each semester
After the freshman year, Chemical Engineering majors must enroll in a minimum of one chemical engineering course each semester
Semester Limit
Students who entered as freshmen: 8 semesters
Chemistry & Chemical Biology majors who entered as transfer students: 4 semesters
Chemical Engineering and Joint majors who entered as transfer students: 5 semesters
Summer sessions are excluded when determining the limit on semesters. Students who wish to delay graduation to complete a minor, a double major, or simultaneous degrees must request approval for delay of graduation before what would normally be their final two semesters. The College of Chemistry does not have a rule regarding maximum units that a student can accumulate.
Senior Residence
After 90 units toward the bachelor’s degree have been completed, at least 24 of the remaining units must be completed in residence in the College of Chemistry, in at least two semesters (the semester in which the 90 units are exceeded, plus at least one additional semester).
To count as a semester of residence for this requirement, a program must include at least 4 units of successfully completed courses. A summer session can be credited as a semester in residence if this minimum unit requirement is satisfied.
Juniors and seniors who participate in the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) for a fullyear may meet a modified senior residence requirement. After 60 units toward the bachelor’s degree have been completed, at least 24 (excluding EAP) of the remaining units must be completed in residence in the College of Chemistry, in at least two semesters. At least 12 of the 24 units must be completed after the student has already completed 90 units. Undergraduate Dean’s approval for the modified senior residence requirement must be obtained before enrollment in the Education Abroad Program.
Minimum Total Units
A student must successfully complete at least 120 semester units in order to graduate.
Minimum Academic Requirements
A student must earn at least a C average (2.0 GPA) in all courses undertaken at UC, including those from UC Summer Sessions, UC Education Abroad Program, and UC Berkeley Washington Program, as well as XB courses from University Extension.
Minimum Course Grade Requirements
Students in the College of Chemistry who receive a grade of D+ or lower in a chemical engineering or chemistry course for which a grade of C- or higher is required must repeat the course at Berkeley.
Students in the College of Chemistry must achieve:
2.0 GPA in all upper division courses taken at the University to satisfy major requirements
Chemical engineering students must also achieve:
C- or higher in CHM ENG 140 before taking any other CBE courses
C- or higher in CHM ENG 150A to be eligible to take any other course in the 150 series
2.0 GPA in all upper division courses taken at the University to satisfy major requirements
Chemical engineering students who do not achieve a grade of C- or higher in CHM ENG 140 on their first attempt are advised to change to another major. If the course is not passed with a grade of C- or higher on the second attempt, continuation in the Chemical Engineering program is normally not allowed.
Minimum Progress
To make normal progress toward a degree, undergraduates must successfully complete 30 units of coursework each year. The continued enrollment of students who do not maintain normal progress will be subject to the approval of the Undergraduate Dean. To achieve minimum academic progress, the student must meet two criteria:
Completed no fewer units than 15 multiplied by the number of semesters, less one, in which the student has been enrolled at Berkeley. Summer sessions do not count as semesters for this purpose.
A student’s class schedule must contain at least 13 units in any term, unless otherwise authorized by the staff adviser or the Undergraduate Dean.
College Requirements (BA)
Undergraduate students must fulfill the following requirements in addition to those required by their major program.
For a detailed lists of L&S requirements, please see Overview tab to the right in this guide or visit the L&S Degree Requirements webpage. For College advising appointments, please visit the L&S Advising Pages.
All students who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing requirement. Fulfillment of this requirement is also a prerequisite to enrollment in all reading and composition courses at UC Berkeley and must be taken for a letter grade.
The American History and American Institutions requirements are based on the principle that all U.S. residents who have graduated from an American university should have an understanding of the history and governmental institutions of the United States.
All undergraduate students at Cal need to take and pass this campus requirement course in order to graduate. The requirement offers an exciting intellectual environment centered on the study of race, ethnicity and culture of the United States. AC courses are plentiful and offer students opportunities to be part of research-led, highly accomplished teaching environments, grappling with the complexity of American Culture.
College of Letters & Science Essential Skills Requirements
The Quantitative Reasoning requirement is designed to ensure that students graduate with basic understanding and competency in math, statistics, or computer/data science. The requirement may be satisfied by exam or by taking an approved course taken for a letter grade.
The Foreign Language requirement may be satisfied by demonstrating proficiency in reading comprehension, writing, and conversation in a foreign language equivalent to the second semester college level, either by passing an exam or by completing approved course work taken for a letter grade.
In order to provide a solid foundation in reading, writing, and critical thinking the College of Letters and Science requires two semesters of lower division work in composition in sequence. Students must complete parts A & B reading and composition courses in sequential order by the end of their fourth semester for a letter grade.
College of Letters & Science 7 Course Breadth Requirements
The undergraduate breadth requirements provide Berkeley students with a rich and varied educational experience outside of their major program. As the foundation of a liberal arts education, breadth courses give students a view into the intellectual life of the University while introducing them to a multitude of perspectives and approaches to research and scholarship. Engaging students in new disciplines and with peers from other majors, the breadth experience strengthens interdisciplinary connections and context that prepares Berkeley graduates to understand and solve the complex issues of their day.
Unit Requirements
120 total units
Of the 120 units, 36 must be upper division units
Of the 36 upper division units, 6 must be taken in courses offered outside your major department
Residence Requirements
For units to be considered in "residence," you must be registered in courses on the Berkeley campus as a student in the College of Letters & Science. Most students automatically fulfill the residence requirement by attending classes at Cal for four years, or two years for transfer students. In general, there is no need to be concerned about this requirement, unless you graduate early, go abroad for a semester or year, or want to take courses at another institution or through UC Extension during your senior year. In these cases, you should make an appointment to meet an L&S College adviser to determine how you can meet the Senior Residence Requirement.
Note: Courses taken through UC Extension do not count toward residence.
Senior Residence Requirement
After you become a senior (with 90 semester units earned toward your B.A. degree), you must complete at least 24 of the remaining 30 units in residence in at least two semesters. To count as residence, a semester must consist of at least 6 passed units. Intercampus Visitor, EAP, and UC Berkeley-Washington Program (UCDC) units are excluded.
You may use a Berkeley Summer Session to satisfy one semester of the Senior Residence requirement, provided that you successfully complete 6 units of course work in the Summer Session and that you have been enrolled previously in the college.
Modified Senior Residence Requirement
Participants in the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP), Berkeley Summer Abroad, or the UC Berkeley Washington Program (UCDC) may meet a Modified Senior Residence requirement by completing 24 (excluding EAP) of their final 60 semester units in residence. At least 12 of these 24 units must be completed after you have completed 90 units.
Upper Division Residence Requirement
You must complete in residence a minimum of 18 units of upper division courses (excluding UCEAP units), 12 of which must satisfy the requirements for your major.
Student Learning Goals
Mission
The Chemistry major provides training for students planning careers in the chemical sciences and also for those whose interests lie in biology, medicine, earth sciences, secondary education, business, and law. More than half of the total Berkeley undergraduate population will, at some stage of their degree program, take a course from the Department of Chemistry. The curriculum of the department is designed to satisfy the diverse needs of all these students.
Each Chemistry graduate will have completed an integrated, rigorous program which includes foundational course work in chemistry and in-depth course work in chemistry or chemistry-related fields. The ACS-certified degree further emphasizes laboratory experience and the development of professional skills. Advanced coursework and educational activities outside the traditional classroom, such as independent research, provide students the opportunity to conduct individual research projects or participate as a member of a research team. Many undergraduate students also benefit from taking our graduate courses in synthetic and physical chemistry.
At graduation, Chemistry majors will have a set of fundamental competencies that are knowledge-based, performance/skills-based, and effective.
Learning Goals of the Major
Graduates will be able to:
Master a broad set of chemical knowledge concerning the fundamentals in the basic areas of the discipline (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biological chemistry).
Solve problems competently by identifying the essential parts of a problem and formulating a strategy for solving the problem. They will be able to rationally estimate the solution to a problem, apply appropriate techniques to arrive at a solution, test the correctness of the solution, and interpret their results.
Use computers in data acquisition and processing and use available software as a tool in data analysis.
Employ modern library search tools to locate and retrieve scientific information about a topic, chemical, chemical technique, or an issue relating to chemistry.
Skills
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to:
Understand the objective of their chemical experiments, properly carry out the experiments, and appropriately record and analyze the results.
Use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments.
Know and follow the proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals.
Communicate the concepts and results of their laboratory experiments through effective writing and oral communication skills.
Effective
Graduates will be able to:
Successfully pursue their career objectives in advanced education in professional and/or graduate schools, in a scientific career in government or industry, in a teaching career in the school systems, or in a related career following graduation.
The relationship between the major's core curriculum and student learning outcomes can be seen in the Appendix in Table I.
Major Map
Major maps are experience maps that help undergraduates plan their Berkeley journey based on intended major or field of interest. Featuring student opportunities and resources from your college and department as well as across campus, each map includes curated suggestions for planning your studies, engaging outside the classroom, and pursuing your career goals in a timeline format.
Use the major map below to explore potential paths and design your own unique undergraduate experience:
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session
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. General Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: High school chemistry recommended
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for CHEM 1A after completing CHEM 1AD or CHEM 4A. A deficient grade in CHEM 1A may be removed by taking CHEM 1AD.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture, 1-1 hours of discussion, and 0-2 hours of voluntary per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6-6 hours of lecture, 2-2 hours of discussion, and 0-2 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2016
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. General Chemistry (Digital): Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: High school chemistry recommended
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Chemistry 1AD after completing Chemistry 1A or 4A. A deficient grade in Chemistry 1A may be removed by taking Chemistry 1AD.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session
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. Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in 1A is required. General Chemistry Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:CHEM 1A, with min grade of C-; or co-enrollment in CHEM 1A; or AP CHEM with min score of 4; or CHEM HL IB with min score of 5; or GCE A-Level CHEM with min grade of C
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 1AL after taking 4A.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture, 3 hours of laboratory, and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 2 hours of lecture, 6 hours of laboratory, and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
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. General Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:CHEM 1A and CHEM 1AL with min grades of C-; or CHEM 4A with min grade of C-; or AP CHEM with min score of 4; or CHEM HL IB with min score of 5; or GCE A-Level CHEM with min grade of C
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Chemistry 1B after completing Chemistry 4B.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture, 4 hours of laboratory, and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture, 8 hours of laboratory, and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Summer 2013 10 Week Session, Summer 2013 8 Week Session, Summer 2012 8 Week Session
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. General Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: High school chemistry is recommended
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for CHEM W1A after passing CHEM 1A or CHEM 4A. A deficiency in CHEM 1A may be removed by taking CHEM W1A.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of web-based lecture and 1 hour of web-based discussion per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of web-based lecture and 2 hours of web-based discussion per week
Online: This is an online course.
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session
Introduction to organic chemical structures, bonding, and chemical reactivity. The organic chemistry of alkanes, alkyl halides, alcohols, alkenes, alkynes, and organometallics. Chemical Structure and Reactivity: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:CHEM 1A with min grade of C-; or AP Chem with min score of 4; or Chem HL IB with min score of 5; or GCE A-Level Chem with min grade of C
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for CHEM 3A after completing CHEM 12A; a deficient grade in CHEM 12A may be removed by taking CHEM 3A- will restrict credit if completed before Chemistry 3A.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture, 2 hours of discussion, and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session
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. Organic Chemistry Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:CHEM 1A and CHEM 1AL with min grades of C-; or CHEM 4A with min grade of C-; or AP CHEM with min score of 4; or CHEM HL IB with min score of 5; or GCE A-Level CHEM with min grade of C. Corequisite: CHEM 3A with min grade of C- or coenrollment in CHEM 3A
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for CHEM 3AL after taking CHEM 12A.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 4 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 8 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session
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. Chemical Structure and Reactivity: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session
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. Organic Chemistry Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:CHEM 3AL with min grade of C-. Co-requisite: CHEM 3B with min grade of C- or co-enrollment in CHEM 3B
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for CHEM 3BL after taking CHEM 12B.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 4 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 8 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Summer 2018 8 Week Session, Summer 2017 8 Week Session, Summer 2015 8 Week Session
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. Organic Chemistry Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:CHEM 1A and CHEM 1AL with min grades of C-; or CHEM 4A with min grade of C-; or AP CHEM with min score of 4; or CHEM HL IB with min score of 5; or GCE A-Level CHEM with min grade of C. Co-requisite: CHEM 3A with min grade of C- or co-enrollment in CHEM 3A. CHEM 4A with approval of instructor
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for CHEM N3AL after taking CHEM 12A.
Hours & Format
Summer: 8 weeks - 2 hours of web-based lecture and 8 hours of laboratory per week
Online: This is an online course.
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Series is intended for majors in physical, 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 will be drawn from diverse areas of 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. General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: High school chemistry; calculus (may be taken concurrently); high school physics is recommended
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 4A after taking 1A. Deficiency in 4A may be removed by successfully completing 1A and 1AL together in the same semester.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 4 hours of laboratory, and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Series is intended for majors in physical, 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 will be drawn from diverse areas of 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. General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: High school chemistry; calculus (may be taken concurrently); high school physics is recommended
Credit Restrictions: Deficiency in 4B may be removed by successfully completing 15.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture, 4-4 hours of laboratory, and 0-2 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
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. 12A (F); 12B (SP) Organic Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 12A: 1B or 4B with grade of C- or higher; 12B: 12A with grade of C- or higher. For students majoring in chemistry or a closely related field such as chemical engineering or molecular and cell biology
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 12A after taking both 3A and 3AL. Deficiency in 12A may be removed by successfully completing 3A and 3AL in the same semester. Students will receive no credit for 12A after taking 112A. Chem 12A is formerly known as Chem 112A.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture, 1-1 hours of discussion, 5-5 hours of laboratory, and 0-2 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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. 12A (F); 12B (SP) Organic Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 12A: 1B or 4B with grade of C- or higher. 12B: 12A with grade of C- or higher. For students majoring in chemistry or a closely related field such as chemical engineering or molecular and cell biology
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 12B after taking both 3B and 3BL. Deficiency in 12B may be removed by successfully completing 3B and 3BL in the same semester. Students will receive no credit for 12B after taking 112B. Chem 12B is formerly known as Chem 112B.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, 5 hours of laboratory, and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
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. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 1A and 1AL or equivalent
Credit Restrictions: Deficiency in 15 may be removed by successfully completing 4B.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 4 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
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. Freshman Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered. Final Exam To be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Foundation and preparation for General Chemistry. Topics and concepts include elements, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, chemical calculations, properties of gases and gas laws; thermodynamics, acid/base chemical equilibrium, and periodic trends. In addition, by practicing learning as a process, students will cultivate the habits, strategies, and mindset necessary to succeed in the sciences. Through rigorous practice and guided reflection, students will grow in their ability to master the subject matter and hone their disposition toward scientific learning. Preparation for General Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for CHEM 32 after taking and passing any other Chemistry course.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Summer: 6 weeks - 5 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week 10 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam required, with common exam group.
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
An introduction to the experimental nature of chemistry. An emphasis is placed on gaining familiarity with equipment and experience with the rigorous approaches used in Chemistry laboratory courses. Areas of investigation include scientific calculations and statistical analysis, analytical measurements, acid-base chemistry, titration, equilibrium, solubility, and green chemistry. Preparation for General Chemistry Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Must be concurrently enrolled in Chem 32
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for CHEM 32L after completing CHEM 1AL. A deficient grade in CHEM 32L may be removed by taking CHEM 1AL.
Hours & Format
Summer: 6 weeks - 6 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session
This course is designed to help develop fundamental laboratory techniques, study habits, chemical vocabulary, and knowledge of chemistry concepts needed to succeed in CHEM 4A. Students in the course will also come to know and belong to the larger College of Chemistry community, through panel discussions with CoC faculty, students, and staff, and immersion in current research via weekly lab tours and research talks from professors and graduate students. After completing the course, you will understand essential chemistry concepts relevant to CHEM 4A, including chemical calculations, statistics, quantitative analysis, models of atoms, the periodic table, molecules and chemical bonds, acid-base chemistry, thermochemistry, and equilibrium. Preparation for General Chemistry for CoC Majors: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in a College of Chemistry major (Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or Chemical Engineering) to take CHEM 34. Nonmajors should enroll in CHEM 32
Hours & Format
Summer: 6 weeks - 8 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2017
Students with partial credit in lower division chemistry courses may, with consent of instructor, complete the credit under this heading. Supplementary Work in Lower Division Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Summer: 6 weeks - 1-6 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Introduces sophomores and new transfer students 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. Introduction to Research and Study in the College of Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Sophomore or junior standing in the College of Chemistry, or consent of instructor
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for CHEM 96 after completing CHEM C96.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2011, Spring 2010, Spring 2009
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. Communicating Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of fieldwork per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Green chemistry seeks to promote the design and adoption of safer chemicals and materials. Their
development and adoption depends on solving a number of design and selection challenges. The Greener
Solutions course guides interdisciplinary teams undergraduate students to solve these challenges in a
specific application Greener Solutions: A Safer Design Partnership: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: 1. Understand the principles of green chemistry and bio-inspired design and be able to apply them in
developing safer alternatives to a hazardous chemical or material in a specific application;
2. Understand principles of chemical exposure, hazard and risk and be able to apply them in the process of
evaluating alternatives to a chemical of concern;
3. Effectively access information and use tools to evaluate and compare the hazard profiles of chemicals
and materials;
4. Frame research questions and propose solutions, working in the applied setting of a partner company’s
challenge; and
5. Communicate complex technical ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral form. This 4-unit interdisciplinary, project-based course is intended for undergraduate students in public health,
chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental studies, and engineering. The course draws on
students’ disciplinary expertise and teaches new skills to identify safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals
currently used in a product or manufacturing process
Student Learning Outcomes: Student teams complete interim assignments during the six-week, session-long research project, which
culminates in a final report and presentation. While class lectures, discussion and assignments support the
technical aspects of the project, significant emphasis is also placed on developing the requisite processoriented skills: gathering information, working in teams, and communicating effectively in both written and
oral forms.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Advanced undergraduate; general chemistry or equivalent knowledge. Recommended: General Chemistry (CHEM 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B)
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with instructor consent.
Hours & Format
Summer: 6 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 3 hours of demonstration, and 3 hours of directed group study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course is offered to incoming junior transfer students majoring in chemistry, chemical biology, or chemical and biomolecular engineering within the College of Chemistry (CoC) at UC Berkeley. The course is designed to assist transfer students with their transition into the CoC through: 1) discussions around best learning practices, stress management, CoC coursework, and careers, 2) interactions with the CoC community, including personalized mentorship from graduate students and faculty, and 3) rigorous preparation for creating and participating in discovery learning experiences, such as research or industrial internships. Students in the course will complete assignments relating to professional development and discovery learning. Foundations of Discovery Learning for College of Chemistry Transfer Students: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Students must be junior transfers enrolled in a College of Chemistry major (Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or Chemical Engineering)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
The chemistry of metals and nonmetals including the application of physical chemical principles. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 1B, 4B, or 3A; 104A is prerequisite to 104B
Credit Restrictions: 104A: No restrictions; 104B: Chemical Biology majors can only count 2 of the 3 units towards their Allied Subject requirement for 104B after taking 103.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
The chemistry of metals and nonmetals including the application of physical chemical principles. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 104A or consent of instructor. Chemical Biology majors can only count 2 of the 3 units towards their Allied Subject requirement for 104B after taking 103
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
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. Instrumental Methods in Analytical Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 4B; or 1B and 15; or 1B and a UC GPA of 3.3 or higher
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 8 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2022, Spring 2022
The preparation of inorganic compounds/materials using vacuum line, air-and moisture-exclusion, electrochemical, high-pressure, colloidal, solid state and other synthetic techniques. Kinetic and mechanistic studies of inorganic compounds/materials. Inorganic Synthesis and Reactions: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 4B or 15; 104B with grade of C- or higher, or 103; Chem C150 recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 8 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
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. Advanced Mechanistic Organic Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 3B or 112B with a minimum grade of B- or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
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. Advanced Synthetic Organic Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 3B or 112B with a minimum grade of B- or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session
Advanced synthetic methods, chemical and spectroscopic structural methods, designed as a preparation for experimental research. Organic Chemistry--Advanced Laboratory Methods: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Chem 12B with a grade of C- or higher. Chem 3B and 3BL may be considered with a grade of C- or higher along with instructor consent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 11 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 6 weeks - 2.5 hours of lecture and 27.5 hours of laboratory per week 8 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 20.5 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
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. Physical Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 4B or equivalent; Physics 7B or 8B; Mathematics 53; Mathematics 54 or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, equilibrium and applications to chemical systems: states of matter, solutions and solvation, chemical kinetics, molecular dynamics, and molecular transport. Physical Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 120A (or may be taken concurrently); 4B or equivalent; Mathematics 53; Mathematics 54 (may be taken concurrently); Physics 7B or 8B
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 0 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Fall 2021
This course demonstrates how computers are used to solve modern problems in physical chemistry. It focuses first on methods of electronic structure theory that reveal details of molecular structure and energetics, and secondly on simulation methods that explore fluctuations and dynamics of complex systems comprising many molecules. Students will use MATLAB to implement these numerical approaches for illustrative problems. No prior programming experience is required. Introduction to Computational Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Chem 120A and Chem 120B are very strongly recommended as prerequisites, or co-requisites
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 1-2 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Postulates and methods of quantum mechanics and group theory applied to molecular structure and spectra. Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 120A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Experiments in thermodynamics, kinetics, molecular structure, and general physical chemistry. Physical Chemistry Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Two of the following: 120A, 120B, C130, or 130B with grades of C- or higher (one of which may be taken concurrently)
Credit Restrictions: Deficiency in 125 may be removed by successfully completing C182. Consent of instructor is required to enroll in 125 after completing C182 or EPS C182.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 5 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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. Biophysical Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Chemistry C130 or Molecular and Cell Biology C100A, or consent of instructor. Chemistry and Chemical Biology majors can only count 2 of the 3 units towards their Allied Subject requirement
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
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. Biophysical Chemistry: Physical Principles and the Molecules of Life: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
One-semester introduction to biochemistry, aimed toward chemistry and chemical biology majors. Chemical Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 3B or 112B; Biology 1A; or consent of instructor
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 135 after taking Molecular and Cell Biology 100B or 102.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
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. The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1B or Chemistry 4B, Mathematics 1B, Biology 1A
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit under special circumstances: Repeatable when topic changes with consent of instructor.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Bell, Blanch, Clark, Smit, C. Somerville
Also listed as: BIO ENG C181/CHM ENG C195A/PLANTBI C124
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
An introduction to mathematical optimization, statistical models, and advances in machine learning for the physical sciences. Machine learning prerequisites are introduced including local and global optimization, various statistical and clustering models, and early meta-heuristic methods such as genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks. Building on this foundation, current machine learning techniques are covered including deep learning artificial neural networks, Convolutional neural networks, Recurrent and long short term memory (LSTM) networks, graph neural networks, decision trees. Machine Learning, Statistical Models, and Optimization for Molecular Problems: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To build on optimization and statistical modeling to the field of machine learning techniques To introduce the basics of optimization and statistical modeling techniques relevant to chemistry students To utilize these concepts on problems relevant to the chemical sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to understand the landscape and connections between numerical optimization, stand-alone statistical models, and machine learning techniques, and its relevance for chemical problems
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for BIO ENG C142 after completing BIO ENG 142. A deficient grade in BIO ENG C142 may be removed by taking BIO ENG 142.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternate method of final assessment during regularly scheduled final exam group (e.g., presentation, final project, etc.).
Instructor: Teresa Head-Gordon
Formerly known as: Bioengineering C142/Chemistry C142
Terms offered: Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017
Radioactivity, fission, nuclear models and reactions, nuclear processes in nature. Computer methods will be introduced. Nuclear Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Physics 7B or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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. Radiochemical Methods in Nuclear Technology and Forensics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Familiarize students with principles of nuclear and radiochemistry and its many important applications in our daily lives; provide hands-on training.
Student Learning Outcomes: A solid understanding of nuclear and radiochemistry; proficiency in safe handling of radioactive materials in the laboratory, and appreciation for the wide application of radiochemical techniques in chemistry, nuclear technology, and nuclear forensics.
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Students with partial credit in upper division chemistry courses may, with consent of instructor, complete the credit under this heading. Supplementary Work in Upper Division Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Summer: 6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 1.5-7.5 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
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. Introduction to Materials Chemistry: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025
This course will introduce concepts pertaining to the synthesis of modern polymers. We will focus on the major polymerization methods including step-growth, radical, anionic, cationic, ring-opening, and organometallic polymerizations with emphasis given to the mechanisms, kinetics, and thermodynamics of each polymerization method. More specialized topics such as “living” and “controlled” polymerizations, stereochemistry, and polymer sustainability will also be discussed in detail. Throughout the course we will emphasize the historical developments and people behind the advancements in the field of polymer science.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2018, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
Laboratory techniques for the cultivation of microorganisms in batch and continuous reactions. Enzymatic conversion processes. Recovery of biological products. Biochemical Engineering Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Chemical Engineering 170A (may be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 7 hours of laboratory and 1 hour of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Project-based course partnering students with companies, government, and non-profits interested in adopting safer green chemistry for their products. Students will learn the principles of green chemistry by identifying solutions to a real-world green chemistry challenge provided by the external partner. After completing the course students will understand essential concepts related to green chemistry, hazard assessment, bio-inspired design, and life cycle analysis, and how to apply these concepts to evaluate alternatives to a hazardous chemical. Students will know how to read and think critically about a scientific article, collaborate effectively, and hone their communication skills. Berkeley Changemaker: The Green Materials Innovation Challenge: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 1 semester of Chemistry 1A or Biology 1A
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
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. Polymer Science and Technology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Junior standing
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024
Introduction to numerical algorithms, their application to computational quantum chemistry, and best practices for software implementation and reuse. This course covers a toolbox of useful algorithms from applied mathematics that are used in physical simulations. Illustrated via computer implementation of density functional theory for modeling chemical reaction mechanisms from quantum mechanics. Topics covered include local optimization, numerical derivatives and integration, dense linear algebra the symmetric eigenvalue problem, the singular value decomposition, and the fast Fourier transform. Students are guided through principles of procedural and object-oriented programming C++ and usage of efficient numerical libraries. Numerical Algorithms applied to Computational Quantum Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: (1) Computing: Either (a) both CHEM 274A and CHEM 274B OR (b) CS 61A or CS/DATA C88C AND CS 9F; (2) Math: MATH 53 and MATH 54 or equivalent; (3) Familiarity with UNIX/Linux command line, and (4) An undergraduate physical chemistry course or permission of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Fluid dynamics, radiative transfer, and the kinetics, spectroscopy, and measurement of atmospherically relevant species are explored through laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and field observations. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Earth and Planetary Science 50 and 102 with grades of C- or higher (one of which may be taken concurrently) or two of the following: Chemistry 120A, 120B, C130, or 130B with grades of C- or higher (one of which may be taken concurrently)
Credit Restrictions: Deficiency in C182 may be removed by successfully completing 125. Consent of instructor is required to enroll in C182 after completing 125.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of lecture and 5 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Formerly known as: Chemistry C182/Earth and Planetary Science C182
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
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. Introduction to Quantum Computing: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015
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. Individual Study for Advanced Undergraduates: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and adviser
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week
Summer: 6 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015
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. Senior Honors Thesis: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Senior standing, approval of faculty research advisor, overall GPA of 3.4 or higher at Berkeley
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 9-0 hours of independent study per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 16.5 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session
Students may pursue original research under the direction of one of the members of the staff. Research for Advanced Undergraduates: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Minimum GPA of 3.4 overall at Berkeley and consent of instructor and adviser
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0-6 hours of independent study and 0-6 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 6 weeks - 0-15 hours of independent study and 0-15 hours of laboratory per week 8 weeks - 0-11.5 hours of independent study and 0-11.5 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Special topics will be offered from time to time. Examples are: photochemical air pollution, computers in chemistry. Special Topics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study and 0-1 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of independent study and 0-2.5 hours of laboratory per week 8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of independent study and 0-2 hours of laboratory per week 10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of independent study and 0-1.5 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Summer 2016 8 Week Session
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. Field Study in Chemistry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Upper division standing and consent of instructor
Credit Restrictions: Enrollment is restricted; see the Introduction to Courses and Curricula section of this catalog.
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of fieldwork per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of fieldwork per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.
When you print this page, you are actually printing everything within the tabs on the page you are on: this may include all the Related Courses and Faculty, in addition to the Requirements or Overview. If you just want to print information on specific tabs, you're better off downloading a PDF of the page, opening it, and then selecting the pages you really want to print.
