Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Andrew G. Myers, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Chair)
James G. Anderson, Philip S. Weld Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry
Alán Aspuru-Guzik, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Theodore A. Betley, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Adam E. Cohen, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and of Physics
David A. Evans, Abbott and James Lawrence Professor of Chemistry (on leave spring term)
Cynthia M. Friend, Theodore William Richards Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science, Associate of Leverett House
Roy G. Gordon, Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor of Chemistry
Eric J. Heller, Professor of Chemistry and Physics
Eric N. Jacobsen, Sheldon Emery Professor of Chemistry, Tutor in Biochemical Sciences (on leave 2007-08)
Daniel E. Kahne, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (FAS) and Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (Medical School) (Director of Undergraduate Studies)
Jeremy R. Knowles, Harvard University Distinguished Service Professor and Amory Houghton Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry (on leave 2007-08)
Charles M. Lieber, Mark Hyman, Jr. Professor of Chemistry
David R. Liu, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard College Professor (on leave 2007-08)
Gavin MacBeath, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Hongkun Park, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Tobias Ritter, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Alan Saghatelian, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Stuart L. Schreiber, Morris Loeb Professor of Chemistry
Matthew D. Shair, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Director of Graduate Studies)
Eugene I. Shakhnovich, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Gregory L. Verdine, Erving Professor of Chemistry
George M. Whitesides, Woodford L. and Ann A. Flowers University Professor
Xiaoliang Sunney Xie, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (on leave 2007-08)
Xiaowei Zhuang, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Other Faculty Offering Instruction in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Tamara J. Brenner, Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology
Mark C. Fishman, Senior Lecturer on Medicine (Medical School)
Melissa Franklin, Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics
Dudley R. Herschbach, Frank B. Baird, Jr. Research Professor of Science
Ahamindra Jain, Lecturer on Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Efthimios Kaxiras, Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics and Professor of Physics (on leave fall term)
Andrew J. M. Kiruluta, Assistant Professor of Radiology (Medical School)
Robert A. Lue, Professor of the Practice of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Anne-Frances Miller, Visiting Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Masahiro Morii, Professor of Physics
Andrew W. Murray, Herchel Smith Professor of Molecular Genetics
Erin K. O’Shea, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Aravinthan D. T. Samuel, Associate Professor of Physics
Dieter Seebach, Visiting Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule)
Ryan M. Spoering, Lecturer on Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Howard A. Stone, Vicky Joseph Professor of Engineering and Applied Mathematics
Gregory C. Tucci, Lecturer on Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies)
Adam Wasserman, Associate of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Lecturer on Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Affiliates of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Suzanne Walker, Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (Medical School)

Incoming students should take advantage of Harvard’s Chemistry and Life Sciences Placement Test, as well as the science advising available in the Science Center the week before classes begin. Members of the Life and Physical Sciences departments will be available during this period to advise students. The Harvard Chemistry and Life Sciences Placement Test results recommend the appropriate starting level course for students interested in chemistry: Life and Physical Sciences A, Life Sciences 1a and/or Physical Sciences 1, or Chemistry 17/20.

Life Sciences 1a and Physical Sciences 1 together satisfy the one year general chemistry requirement for medical school.

Certain courses in biochemistry and biophysics are listed under Molecular and Cellular Biology or Biophysics (see cross-listings at end of middle group course section.). The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Department of Physics, and the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences also list a number of courses of interest to chemists.

Primarily for Undergraduates


Because of the sequence of prerequisites for chemistry courses, the Department strongly recommends some work in mathematics as well as chemistry in the first year. Freshmen contemplating this program should consult a member of the Chemistry Department in planning their first year. Advice may be obtained in the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies’ Office, Science Center 114.

Life and Physical Sciences

Life and Physical Sciences A. Foundational Chemistry and Biology - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3956
Gregory C. Tucci and Tamara J. Brenner
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 9 and and one hour per week of discussion section and one hour per week of review. EXAM GROUP: 2
This course introduces fundamental concepts in chemistry and biology. Topics in chemistry include stoichiometry, acids and bases, aqueous solutions, gases, thermochemistry, electrons in atoms, and chemical bonding. Topics in biology include the transfer of information from DNA to RNA to protein, genetic inheritance, mitosis and meiosis, cell structure and physiology, and natural selection.
Note: For students with little or no previous study of chemistry or biology. This course assumes fluency with high school algebra. Life and Physical Sciences A gives solid preparation for Life Sciences 1a, Life Sciences 1b, and Phsical Sciences 1.

Life Sciences 1a. An Integrated Introduction to the Life Sciences: Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology
Catalog Number: 2137
Erin K. O’Shea, Daniel E. Kahne, and Robert A. Lue
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30, and three hours of laboratory/discussion weekly. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
What are the fundamental features of living systems? What are the molecules that impart these features, and how do their chemical properties explain their biological roles? The answers to these questions form the basis for an understanding of the molecules of life, the cell, diseases, and medicines. In contrast with a traditional presentation of relevant scientific disciplines in separate courses, the above concepts are examined through an integrated presentation of chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology framed within central problems such as the biology of HIV and cancer.
Note: This course, in combination with Life Sciences 1b, constitutes an integrated introduction to the Life Sciences. When taken for a letter grade, Life Sciences 1a meets the Core area requirement for Science A.

Physical Sciences 1. Chemical Bonding, Energy, and Reactivity: An Introduction to the Physical Sciences
Catalog Number: 2225
James G. Anderson and Efthimios Kaxiras
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Physical Sciences 1 engages the principles of chemistry and physics within major conceptual themes that underpin critical contributions of the physical sciences to societal objectives. In particular, the concepts central to chemical bonding, kinetic theory of molecular motion, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibria, entropy and free energy, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry will be taught in the context of (1) world energy sources, forecasts and constraints, (2) global climate change, and (3) modern materials and technology.
Note: This course is part of an integrated introduction to the physical science intended for students who plan to pursue a concentration in the physical or life sciences and/or satisfy pre-medical requirements in Chemistry. May not be counted toward a degree in addition to the former Chemistry 7. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science A. Students interested in Physical Sciences 1 should take the Chemistry Placement Exam.
Prerequisite: A few operations of calculus are developed and used. Fluency in pre-calculus secondary school mathematics is assumed. Students are expected to have AP or honors level high school chemistry, or have completed Life and Physical Sciences A (LPS A) with a satisfactory grade.

Physical Sciences 2. Mechanics, Elasticity, Fluids, and Diffusion
Catalog Number: 6053
Melissa Franklin, Logan Stewart Mccarty, and Howard A. Stone
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 9:30–11, plus weekly discussion sections and laboratory sessions to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 11, 12
An introduction to classical mechanics, with special emphasis on the motion of organisms in fluids, from proteins to planets. Topics covered include: kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, oscillations, elasticity, random walks, diffusion, and fluids. Examples and problems set questions will be drawn from the life sciences and medicine.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science A.
Prerequisite: Physical Sciences 1 (or Chemistry 7), Mathematics 1b, or the equivalent.

Physical Sciences 3. Electromagnetism, Light, Entropy, and Information
Catalog Number: 5262
George M. Whitesides, Melissa Franklin, Masahiro Morii, and Aravinthan D. T. Samuel
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 9:30–11, plus weekly discussion sections and five laboratory sessions to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 11, 12
This course will examine the two universal driving forces that guide nearly all chemical and biological phenomena: electromagnetism and entropy. Detailed case studies will examine the biological applications of electromagnetic radiation and the role of information in biological systems. Topics covered include: electric and magnetic fields and forces, light, waves, entropy, and information processing in electronic circuits and in biology.
Note: This course is part of an integrated introduction to the physical sciences intended for students who plan to pursue a concentration in the life sciences and/or satisfy pre-medical requirements in Physics. May not ordinarily be taken for credit in addition to Physics 1b, 11b, or 15b. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science A.
Prerequisite: Physical Sciences 2 (or Physics 1a or 11a), Mathematics 1b, or equivalent.

Primarily for Undergraduates

Because of the sequence of prerequisites for chemistry courses, the Department strongly recommends some work in mathematics as well as chemistry in the first year. Freshmen contemplating this program are urged to consult a member of the Chemistry Department in planning their work for the first year. Advice may be obtained in the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies’ Office, Science Center 114.

Chemistry 17. Principles of Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 5085
Alan Saghatelian
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 11, and a discussion section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
An introduction to structure, bonding, and reaction mechanisms of organic compounds; chemical transformation of the common functional groups; principles of organic synthesis.
Note: The Chemistry 17/27 sequence is intended primarily for students in the life sciences, whereas the 20/30 sequence is intended primarily for Chemistry concentrators and other students concentrating in the physical sciences. Either sequence satisfies the organic chemistry requirement for medical school. Students may not count both Chemistry 17 and Chemistry 20 for degree credit. On the other hand, Chemistry 27 and Chemistry 30 cover different material, so students may choose to take both courses for degree credit; students should ordinarily take the third half course only after completing either the 17/27 or 20/30 sequence. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science A.
Prerequisite: Open to freshmen with a score of 750 or higher in the College Boards or the Chemistry Placement Examination; to students who scored 4 or 5 on the Chemistry Advanced Placement Examination; and to students who achieved a grade of B or higher in either Physical Sciences 1, Chemistry 7, or 15. Others may enter only by permission of the instructor.

Chemistry 20. Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 0876
Ryan M. Spoering
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 9, and a discussion section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 2
An introduction to structure and bonding in organic molecules; mechanisms of organic reactions; chemical transformations of the functional groups of organic chemistry; synthesis; determination of chemical structures: infrared and NMR spectroscopy.
Note: The Chemistry 17/27 sequence is intended primarily for students in the life sciences, whereas the 20/30 sequence is intended primarily for Chemistry concentrators and other students concentrating in the physical sciences. Either sequence satisfies the organic chemistry requirement for medical school. The content of Chemistry 17 is similar to that of Chemistry 20, so students may not count both courses toward the degree. On the other hand, Chemistry 27 and Chemistry 30 cover different material, so students may choose to take both courses for degree credit; students should ordinarily take the third half course only after completing either the 17/27 or 20/30 sequence. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science A.
Prerequisite: Open to freshmen with a score higher than 750 in the College Boards or the Chemistry Placement Examination; to students who scored 5 on the Chemistry Advanced Placement Examination; and to students who achieved a grade of B or higher in either Physical Sciences 1, Chemistry 7, or 15. Others may enter only by permission of the instructor.

Chemistry 27. Organic Chemistry of Life
Catalog Number: 5978
Gregory L. Verdine and Christopher T. Walsh (Medical School)
Half course (spring term). M., W. , 2:30–4, and a discussion section, and a five-hour laboratory each week, to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Chemical principles that govern the processes driving living systems are illustrated with examples drawn from biochemistry, cell biology, and medicine. The course deals with organic chemical reactivity (reaction mechanisms, structure-reactivity relationships), with matters specifically relevant to the life sciences (chemistry of proteins, nucleic acids, drugs, natural products, cofactors, signal transduction), and with applications of chemical biology to medicine and biotechnology. An understanding of organic reactions and their "arrow" pushing mechanisms is required.
Note: Chemistry 27 and 30 may both be taken for degree credit. See note for Chemistry 17. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science A.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 17 or Chemistry 30 or Chemistry 20 with permission of the instructor.

Chemistry 30. Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 6587
Tobias Ritter
Half course (fall term). Lectures M., W., F., at 9, and laboratory, four to six hours a week, to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 2
Continuation of Chemistry 20. Fundamental principles and advanced topics in organic chemistry. Carbonyl chemistry and pericyclic reactions are covered in particular detail, using principles of stereochemistry, stereoelectronic theory, and molecular orbital theory as a foundation. Students learn about strategies in multi-step organic synthesis and are given an introduction into organometallic chemistry. Laboratory: an introduction to organic chemistry laboratory techniques and experimental organic synthesis.
Note: Chemistry 27 and 30 may both be taken for degree credit. See note for Chemistry 17. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science A.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 20 or equivalent.

Chemistry 40. Inorganic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 8201
Theodore A. Betley
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 9. EXAM GROUP: 2
An introduction to basic concepts of inorganic chemistry. Presents principles of chemical bonding and molecular structure, and their application to coordination chemistry (highlighting synthesis), organometallic chemistry (applications to catalysis), and reactivity of inorganic complexes (bioinorganic, main group, solid state).
Prerequisite: Chemistry 17 or 20.

Chemistry 60. Foundations of Physical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 5181
Anne-Frances Miller
Half course (spring term). W., F., 1:30–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A compact introduction to major principles of physical chemistry (statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics ), concurrently providing mathematical and physical foundations for these subjects and preparation for Chemistry 160 and 161, or Chemistry 105.
Prerequisite: Physical Sciences 1, or Chemistry 5 and Chemistry 7, or Chemistry 15, or equivalent; completion or concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 21a or Applied Mathematics 21a; completion or concurrent enrollment in Physics 11a or equivalent.

*Chemistry 91r. Introduction to Research
Catalog Number: 4366
Gregory C. Tucci, and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Spring: Tu., Th., at 1.
Reading and/or laboratory work related to one of the research projects under way in the department.
Note: Open to a limited number of chemistry concentrators who are accepted as research students without having taken Chemistry 98. Written permission of the sponsor must be filed at the Office of the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in Chemistry. Any student enrolling in this course must register the name of his or her research mentor with the course head whose signature must appear on each student’s study card.

*Chemistry 98r. Introduction to Research—Junior Year
Catalog Number: 3124
Gregory C. Tucci, and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Research under the direction of, or approved by, a member of the faculty of the Department of Chemistry.
Note: Open with permission of the instructor to junior chemistry majors who have satisfactorily completed the non-credit Introduction to Research Tutorial in the spring term of the sophomore year. In that non-credit spring term tutorial, taught Tu., Th., 1-2:30, students will attend introductory lectures and research seminars in order to acquaint themselves with departmental research programs. In the junior year, students who complete the non-credit tutorial and obtain placement in a research laboratory will undertake research as Chemistry 98r. Written permission of the research adviser must be filed at the office of the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in Chemistry. Any student enrolling in this course must register the name of his or her research mentor with the course head whose signature must appear on each student’s study card.

*Chemistry 99r. Tutorial—Senior Year
Catalog Number: 4508
Gregory C. Tucci, and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Research under the direction of, or approved by, a member of the faculty of the Department of Chemistry.
Note: Open to seniors accredited by the Department as honors candidates. Students enrolled in Chem 99r have the option of writing a thesis. Written permission of the research adviser must be filed at the office of the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in Chemistry. Any student enrolling in this course must register the name of his or her research mentor with the course head whose signature must appear on each student’s study card.

Cross-listed Courses

Earth and Planetary Sciences 107. Environmental Geochemistry
Earth and Planetary Sciences 133. Atmospheric Chemistry
[Engineering Sciences 168. Aquatic Chemistry]
*Freshman Seminar 22e. Molecular Motors: Wizards of the Nanoworld
*Freshman Seminar 22j. Seeing by Spectroscopy
Life Sciences 1b. An Integrated Introduction to the Life Sciences: Genetics, Genomics, and Evolution
MCB 52 (formerly Biological Sciences 52). Molecular Biology
MCB 176. Biochemistry of Membranes

For Undergraduates and Graduates

*Chemistry 100. Experimental Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Catalog Number: 7796
Ahamindra Jain
Half course (fall term). F., at 4, and two five-hour labs each week. EXAM GROUP: 9
A laboratory course where students carry out research. Projects will be drawn directly from faculty covering a range of methodologies in chemistry and chemical biology. Students will discuss their progress and write formal reports.
Note: Open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, regardless of concentration, and suitable for students either with or without extensive laboratory experience.
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1a, or Physical Sciences 1, or permission of the instructor.

Chemistry 105. Mechanisms of Organic Reactions: Physical-Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 3181
Ahamindra Jain
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 9. EXAM GROUP: 2
The study of the relation between structure of carbon compounds and their reactivity and properties. Thermodynamics, electronic structure, reaction mechanisms, reactive intermediates, catalysis, structure-reactivity relations, influence of solvents on reactivity.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 7, or Physical Sciences 1, Chemistry 17/20 and Chemistry 27/30 with a grade of B- or better.

Chemistry 135. Experimental Synthetic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 3406 Enrollment: Limited to 45.
Allen Dennis Aloise
Half course (spring term). M., at 1. EXAM GROUP: 6
An introduction to experimental problems encountered in the synthesis, isolation, purification, characterization, and identification of inorganic and organic compounds. Each student works on a different sequence of reactions, encouraging technical proficiency and simulating actual research.
Note: Preference given to concentrators in Chemistry. Recommended as an efficient preparation for research in experimental inorganic and organic chemistry and related sciences such as biochemistry and pharmacology. Normally follows Chemistry 27 or 30 and is strongly recommended as preparation for Chemistry 98r and 99r.

Chemistry 158. Materials Chemistry
Catalog Number: 7504
Charles M. Lieber
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
A survey of current materials research. Topics include: synthesis of bulk, thin film, and nanoscale materials; electronic structure and conduction in materials; optical properties of materials; structure-property relationship; tools for materials research.
Note: Primarily for advanced undergraduates and graduates.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 40, or equivalent.

Chemistry 160. Physical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 3420
Eric J. Heller
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
An introduction to modern theories of the structure of matter, including the principles of quantum mechanics, the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding, and atomic and molecular spectra.
Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics 21a and 21b, Mathematics 21a and 21b, or equivalent preparation in calculus and differential equations; Physical Sciences 1 or equivalent preparation in chemical bonding and fundamental principles; Physical Sciences 2 or Physics 11a, and Physical Sciences 3 or Physics 11b.

Chemistry 161. Statistical Thermodynamics
Catalog Number: 3575
Xiaowei Zhuang
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
An introduction to statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics with applications to problems in chemistry and biology.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 160 and Applied Mathematics 21a, or equivalent.

Chemistry 163. Frontiers in Biophysics
Catalog Number: 3635
Adam E. Cohen
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10-11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Emerging physical tools are changing the way biological problems are addressed. This interdisciplinary course will introduce new experimental advances, microscopy and spectroscopy in particular, together with underlying principles, in molecular and cellular biophysics.
Note: Primarily for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students with either biological or physical backgrounds.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 160, Chemistry 161, or permission of the instructor.

*Chemistry 164r. Quantum Chemistry via density functionals: theory and applications - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 8277
Adam Wasserman
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
What are "density functionals," where do they come from, and why do they work? This course provides a solid introduction to modern DFT methods (and time-dependent DFT), with applications to various chemical problems. Practical calculations on problems of interest to the student’s research subject are encouraged.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 160, or equivalent.

*Chemistry 165. Experimental Physical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 0667
Cynthia M. Friend
Half course (spring term). Tu., at 3. EXAM GROUP: 17
Introduction to methods and techniques used in physical chemistry/chemical physics research laboratories. Computer-based methods of data acquisition and analysis are used throughout.
Note: Recommended as an efficient preparation for research in experimental physical chemistry/chemical physics and related sciences.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 7, or Physical Sciences 1, or equivalent; Applied Mathematics 21a or Mathematics 21a; one full course in physics or equivalent.

*Chemistry 185 (formerly *Chemistry 285). Molecular Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Human Disease
Catalog Number: 4005
Gregory L. Verdine and Vicki L. Sato
Half course (spring term). Th., 2-5, and one weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17, 18
This course will address both the molecular basis of human disease, and the biological and chemical foundations of therapeutic intervention. The course will include lectures by prominent experts, and analysis of the primary literature.
Note: May not be taken concurrently with MCB 185. May not be taken for credit if MCB 185 or Chem 285 has already been taken. Credit can not also be received for MCB 185.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 20/30 or 17/27, Life Sciences 52 or their equivalent.

[Chemistry 192. Principles of Drug Discovery and Development]
Catalog Number: 9628 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Gregory L. Verdine and Mark C. Fishman (Medical School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
This interdisciplinary course will examine the process of drug discovery and development through disease-driven examples. Topics include: the efficacy/toxicity balance, the differences between drugs and inhibitors, the translation of cellular biochemistry to useful medicine.
Note: Expected to be given in 2008–09. May not be taken concurrently with MCB 192. May not be taken for credit if MCB 192 has already been taken.
Prerequisite: MCB 52 and one year of organic chemistry. MCB 54 is recommended.

Cross-listed Courses

[Earth and Planetary Sciences 137. Biogeochemistry]
MCB 199. Statistical Thermodynamics and Quantitative Biology

Primarily for Graduates

*Chemistry 206. Advanced Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 1063
Dieter Seebach
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
A discussion of the important classes of organic reactions will be presented. Topics include rearrangements, cycloadditions, carbonyl additions, and enolate-based transformations. An introduction to FMO theory and stereoelectronic effects will be provided.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 30 or permission of instructor.

*Chemistry 215 (formerly Chemistry 115). Advanced Organic Chemistry: Synthesis of Complex Molecules
Catalog Number: 0480
Matthew Shair
Half course (fall term). M., W., 11:30-1. EXAM GROUP: 4, 5
An integrated course in complex synthetic problem solving that focuses on the development of principles and strategies for synthesis design with a concurrent, comprehensive review of modern synthetic transformations.
Prerequisite: A grade of A in Chemistry 30.

*Chemistry 240. Statistical Mechanics
Catalog Number: 5215
Eugene Shakhnovich
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1:30–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Equilibrium and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, with a strong emphasis on interacting systems, including the thermodynamics and structure of gases, liquids, and crystals, critical phenomena. Applications to Biology - from molecular biophysics to problems in evolution - will be presented.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 160 and Chemistry 161, or permission of instructor.

*Chemistry 241. Chemical Kinetics
Catalog Number: 1122
Roy G. Gordon
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1.
The rates of chemical processes from both experimental and theoretical points of view; reactions in molecular beams, gases, liquids, solids and at interfaces; applications in chemistry, materials science, atmospheric science and biology.
Prerequisite: Introductory physical chemistry (Chemistry 60, Molecular and Cellular Biology 199, or equivalent); introductory quantum mechanics (Chemistry 160, Physics 143a, or equivalent).

*Chemistry 242. Quantum Mechanics I
Catalog Number: 2971
Alán Aspuru-Guzik
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Principles of quantum mechanics, particle in a potential well, identical particles, angular momentum, time-independent perturbation theory, chemical bonding in molecules. Dynamics of spin 1/2 particles. Elementary scattering theory.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 160 or Physics 143, Physics 11 or 12, and Applied Mathematics 105a and 105b, or Mathematics 21, or equivalent.

*Chemistry 243. Applied Quantum Mechanics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3622
Hongkun Park
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2–3:30.
The course will cover the application of quantum mechanical principles to contemporary problems in chemistry and physics. The topics covered in the course will include: chemical bonding and the Born-Oppenheimer Approximation, atom/molecule-photon interaction (including second quantization and the dressed-state approach), Quantum Optics, and solid-state and nano-science (band theory, Fermi liquid theory, and electron transport).
Note: Intended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in chemistry, physics, and applied physics.
Prerequisite: Two semesters of quantum mechanics (Chemistry 160 / Chemistry 242, or Physics 143a / 143b, or equivalent).

*Chemistry 270. Chemical Biology
Catalog Number: 7754
Gavin MacBeath
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30.
Applying chemical approaches to problems in biology. Topics include: protein engineering and directed evolution; RNA catalysis and gene regulation; chemical genetics, genomics, and proteomics; drug action and resistance; rational and combinatorial approaches to drug discovery; metabolic engineering.
Prerequisite: A strong background in organic chemistry and biochemistry.

[*Chemistry 280 (formerly Chemistry 180). Macromolecular Structure and Function]
Catalog Number: 6449
Alan Saghatelian
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Explores the relationship between the structure and function of biological macromolecules. Emphasis is placed on the chemical principles governing recognition and catalysis in biological systems, using examples drawn from the scientific literature.
Note: Expected to be given in 2008–09.

Cross-listed Courses

Applied Physics 291. Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Biophysics 242r. Special Topics in Biophysics
Earth and Planetary Sciences 200. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
[Engineering Sciences 268. Environmental Chemical Kinetics]
Physics 218. Modern Dynamical Systems

Graduate Courses of Reading and Research

A student intending to elect one of the following research courses should consult the instructor as far in advance as possible.

*Chemistry 300. Research and Reading
Catalog Number: 6307
Members of the Department
Individual work under the supervision of members of the Department.

*Chemistry 300p. Physical Chemistry Seminar
Catalog Number: 3043
Eric J. Heller and members of the Department
Full course (indivisible). Th., at 4 or 5, with an additional session F., at 5.
Weekly physical chemistry seminar and discussion with a member of the faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.
Note: Required for first year physical chemistry and chemical physics graduate students and is strongly recommended for second year physical chemistry and chemical physics graduate students.

*Chemistry 302. Organometallic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 1413
Eric N. Jacobsen 1040 (on leave 2007-08)

*Chemistry 303. Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 1043
David A. Evans 7774 (on leave spring term)

*Chemistry 304. Theoretical Atomic, Molecular, and Chemical Physics
Catalog Number: 0532
Eric J. Heller 1074

*Chemistry 311. Physical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 2640
Charles M. Lieber 3102

*Chemistry 315. Photochemistry and Kinetics
Catalog Number: 5964
James G. Anderson 6057

*Chemistry 318. Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 4295
George M. Whitesides 7447

*Chemistry 323. Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 2477
Stuart L. Schreiber 2166

*Chemistry 325. Physical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 8530
Cynthia M. Friend 7446

*Chemistry 330. Physical Chemistry - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 1454
Adam E. Cohen 5761

*Chemistry 331. Chemical Biology
Catalog Number: 1408
Gregory L. Verdine 1980

*Chemistry 336. Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and Materials Science
Catalog Number: 5266
Roy G. Gordon 1353

*Chemistry 340. Inorganic Chemistry - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 7987
Theodore A. Betley 5760

*Chemistry 350. Theoretical Physical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 8285
Eugene I. Shakhnovich 3147

*Chemistry 386. Theoretical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 5300
Alán Aspuru-Guzik 5539

*Chemistry 387. Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 4674
Matthew D. Shair 2280

*Chemistry 388. Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 1979
Andrew G. Myers 8278

*Chemistry 389. Physical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 5111
Xiaoliang Sunney Xie 2290 (on leave 2007-08)

*Chemistry 390. Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Catalog Number: 7469
David R. Liu 2717 (on leave 2007-08)

*Chemistry 391. Physical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 9897
Hongkun Park 2485

*Chemistry 393. Physical Chemistry
Catalog Number: 1273
Xiaowei Zhuang 3991

*Chemistry 394. Chemical Biology and Proteomics
Catalog Number: 8697
Gavin MacBeath 4347

*Chemistry 396. Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 2293
Daniel E. Kahne 5065

*Chemistry 397. Organic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 3972
Suzanne Walker (Medical School) 5087

*Chemistry 398. Organic and Organometallic Chemistry
Catalog Number: 1013
Tobias Ritter 5540

*Chemistry 399. Biochemistry and Chemical Biology
Catalog Number: 4050
Alan Saghatelian 5541