Chemistry and Biochemistry

College of Science and Engineering
Dean: Sheldon Axler

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
TH 806
415-338-1288
Chair: Jane DeWitt
Associate Chair: Nancy Gerber

Undergraduate Coordinator: Nancy Gerber
Graduate Coordinators: Andrew Ichimura, Bruce Manning

Faculty

Professors—Aragón, Buttlaire, DeWitt, Erden, Gerber, Macher, Orenberg, Palmer, Simonis, Trautman, Wu

Associate Professors— Baird, Esquerra, Gassner, Ichimura, Manning

Assistant Professors— Amagata, Anderson, Bolig, Guliaev, Komada

Research Associate Professor—Yen

Adjunct Professor—Runquist

Emeritus Professors—Keeffe, Luckey

Programs

B.A. in Chemistry
B.S. in Chemistry
B.S. in Biochemistry
Minor in Chemistry
M.S. in Chemistry
M.S. in Chemistry: Concentration in Biochemistry

Program Scope and Career Outlook

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers an outstanding educational environment for undergraduate and graduate students. Our mission is to educate, train, and produce versatile chemists and biochemists that understand both the theoretical basis and practical applications of their discipline. Department faculty provide quality instruction across a wide range of sub-disciplines. Our degree programs are designed to prepare students for various professional positions (i.e., biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, chemical manufacturing, and other laboratory-based industries), health professions (i.e., medical, pharmacy, and dental school), graduate study, and teaching positions.

Students receive significant hands-on experience with modern instrumentation in our relatively small-sized lab classes, and the opportunity to participate in research projects under the direct supervision of our faculty. The department houses a variety of state-of-the-art research instrumentation, laboratory facilities, and computational labs. These include a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) facility, a Mass Spectrometry (MS) facility, and the Computational Chemistry and Visualization (CCV) laboratory.

The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry program is particularly well-suited for those students whose career goals involve the integration of chemistry with other fields. This program can be combined with another degree or minor to develop the unique synthesis of experience needed for careers in health professions, forensic science, environmental science, regulatory affairs, chemical engineering, patent law, management, sales, marketing, technical writing, scientific journalism, library science, and art restoration. This program also provides excellent preparation for high school science teachers. Students planning to become K-12 chemistry or science teachers should note that additional preparation beyond the major is required to meet the breadth requirements and should consult with the credential adviser in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to review the state-mandated requirements.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, which is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), prepares students to pursue a career in chemically-oriented industry or to begin graduate study in chemistry and other molecular sciences. The degree provides a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, breadth in chemical sub-disciplines (analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry), and excellent hands-on training in laboratory and instrumental techniques.

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is designed for students who wish to be particularly well qualified at the rapidly expanding interface between biology and chemistry. The degree includes extensive laboratory training, provides exceptional preparation for careers in biotechnology, and enjoys a favorable reputation among biotechnology companies in the Bay Area. This degree also provides a strong foundation for a graduate degree in biochemistry.

The Master of Science degree in Chemistry and the Master of Science degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry are programs of study with research at the core. As the student focuses in depth on an independent scientific investigation, solid research and communication skills are developed. The goal of both M.S. degree programs is to provide students with a thorough grounding in laboratory and research skills, and in-depth training in their areas of specialization. Areas of specialization include the traditional divisions of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, and biochemistry) and interdisciplinary areas such as environmental and materials chemistry, and chemical-biology. Our M.S. program provides excellent training for (1) careers in all aspects of the chemical industry (biotechnology, environment, process and analytical, basic research); (2) science educators seeking to increase their skill and knowledge base; and (3) students whose goal is advanced study at the Ph.D. level. The department also offers a cooperative M.S./Ph.D. program with the University of California, Davis for defined minority students and women from all ethnic groups (contact the department chair for further information). The M.S. degree program in Chemistry is approved by the ACS.

Significant features of our department include high-quality teaching, one-on-one advising for all of our majors, and opportunity for students to participate in research under the direct supervision of active faculty members who are recognized authorities in their field. Department faculty are actively involved in research, and many undergraduate students work on research projects during their junior and senior years under the direct supervision of their faculty research adviser. Students interested in becoming involved in research should consult with an adviser and review faculty research interests on our department website (www.chembiochem.sfsu.edu). Examples of research projects currently under investigation by our faculty members and their research students include:

Analytical Chemistry: Identification and quantitation of organic pollutants via Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Direct Sampling Mass Spectrometry (DSMS). Application of X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) to the determination of toxic elements in foods, supplements, and other products. Development of novel analytical techniques for separation and detection of redox-sensitive trace species.

Biochemistry: Enzyme reaction mechanisms. Synthesis of enzyme inhibitors, characterization of transition-state analogs, and measurement of enzyme-ligand interactions. Isolation and characterization of methyl transferase enzymes. Developing approaches to characterize the plasma membrane proteome, with a particular focus on the glycoproteome. Characterization of enzymes involved in the nitric oxide cellular signaling pathway. Structural and functional studies of metalloproteins involved in redox reactions, oxygen activation, oxygen transport, and signal transduction. Structure-function relationships in metalloenzymes and proteases; Computational studies of carcinogen modified bases to understand the role of structural features in human DNA repair and recognition, and on the effects of toxic metals on DNA repair efficiency.

Environmental Chemistry: Detection of trace levels of volatile organic compounds and heavy metals in urban air, water, and soil samples. Mechanisms of heavy metal tolerance/accumulation in plants. Determination of structures and speciation of metals and trace elements adsorbed on environmental surfaces. Modeling speciation, precipitation, and adsorption reactions of trace elements in environmental systems. Application of natural C isotopes to the study of C cycling at the marine/sediment interface.

Inorganic/Bioinorganic Chemistry: Reaction mechanisms and synthetic applications of organic peroxides. Small rings. Heterocyclic chemistry. Chemistry of singlet oxygen. Mechanisms of fundamental organic reactions: computational approaches to modeling the transition states of nucleophilic substitutions and elimination reactions. Conformations of small peptides. Structure-reactivity relationships in acid- and base-catalyzed organic reactions, including heterolytic cleavage of C-H and C-C bonds. Design and synthesis of substrate analogs to elucidate the catalytic mechanisms of enzymes. Design and synthesis of novel enzyme inhibitors for use in sensitizing tumor cells to common chemotherapeutic strategies. Transition metal organometallic chemistry applied to the activation of C-H bonds as a synthesis strategy to new structures.

Materials Chemistry: Synthesis and characterization of nanoscale multilayered inorganic-organic hybrid structures for use as sensors, detectors, and photovoltaics; Fundamental investigations of novel materials such as alkali metal doped silica zeolites, M@SZ (M=Na-Cs) prepared as powders and films; Organic chemistry in confined spaces, zeolites as microscopic reaction vessels; Surface chemistry and the investigation of self-assembled monolayers for enhanced thermal and mechanical stability. Characterization methods at SFSU include XRD, 500 MHz MAS-NMR, optical spectroscopy (UV-Vis-NIR-IR), ellipsometry, SEM, ESR, and conductivity measurements. Development of biopolymers from natural products as substitutes for petroleum-based plastics.

Natural Products Chemistry: Isolation and characterization of novel compounds from marine microorganisms from sediments, algae and sponges with anti-cancer, or anti-malarial properties. Development of biopolymers from readily available natural biomass starting materials.

Organic/Bioorganic Chemistry: Reaction mechanisms and synthetic applications of organic peroxides. Small rings. Heterocyclic chemistry. Chemistry of singlet oxygen. Mechanisms of fundamental organic reactions: computational approaches to modeling the transition states of nucleophilic substitutions and elimination reactions. Conformations of small peptides. Structure-reactivity relationships in acid- and base-catalyzed organic reactions, including heterolytic cleavage of C-H and C-C bonds. Design and synthesis of substrate analogs to elucidate the catalytic mechanisms of enzymes. Design and synthesis of novel enzyme inhibitors for use in sensitizing tumor cells to common chemotherapeutic strategies. Transition metal organometallic chemistry applied to the activation of C-H bonds as a synthetis strategy to new structures.

Physical/Biophysical Chemistry: Characterization of structural features and dynamic behavior of natural and synthetic macromolecules in solution using physical methods and theoretical models. High precision computational modeling and electro-optic characterization of hydrodynamic transport properties of small, medium, and large molecules. Biophysical applications of electron spin resonance spin labels. Diffusion and solubility of molecular oxygen in biomembranes and in other tissue. Biophysical spectroscopic methods, including nanosecond time-resolved polarized absorption spectroscopy, to characterize biological function and examine the molecular basis of disease. See also Materials chemistry.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

High school preparation for the chemistry and biochemistry degree programs should include two years of algebra, one year of geometry, one-half year of trigonometry, one year of chemistry, and one year of physics. Calculus is highly recommended.

Mandatory Advising All undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry majors are required to meet with a major adviser during the Fall semester. To meet this obligation, continuing students can attend a group advising session or seek one-on-one advising. Students who are new to the major must schedule an appointment with an adviser. Students who do not meet with an adviser will have a hold placed on their registration for Spring semester and may be unable to enroll in the classes they need.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CHEMISTRY

All courses used in the major program must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC not allowed). Courses that are required for the major must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY

All courses used in the major program must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC not allowed). Courses that are required for the major must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOCHEMISTRY

All courses used in the major program must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC not allowed). Courses that are required for the major must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and a grade of C- or better in CHEM 341 and CHEM 343.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

MINOR PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY

24 units of chemistry, including CHEM 115 and CHEM 215/216, are required to qualify for a minor in chemistry with some specific caveats as detailed below. The typical profile for students completing a minor in chemistry at San Francisco State University includes two semesters of general chemistry and lab (10 units), two semesters of organic chemistry and lab (11 units), and one additional chemistry course (3 units). Cell and molecular biology and clinical science majors usually meet all these requirements. 12 of the 24 units, including 4 upper-division, must be taken at San Francisco State University. 12 of the 24 units must be upper division. 8 of the 24 units must correspond to upper-division courses at San Francisco State University.

All courses must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not acceptable). Only one course from each of the following pairs can be counted towards the minor: CHEM 130 or CHEM 233, CHEM 349 or CHEM 340. The following courses cannot be counted toward the minor: CHEM 100, 101, 102, 105, 107, 108, 109, 110, 361, and 599.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Admission to Program

Students must meet these criteria:

• Satisfy the university admission requirements.
• Have completed an undergraduate major in chemistry or biochemistry. If this criterion is not met, the student may be admitted but additional course work will be required.
• Have a GPA of at least 3.0 in chemistry and related courses.
• Report GRE scores of the general (not subject) exams.
• Applicants are required to fill out the department application form. Department application procedures are described at www.chembiochem.sfsu.edu/graduate/0layout.php.
• Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with previous academic work and/or potential for graduate work in chemistry. These letters should be sent to the graduate adviser, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: Newly admitted students are required to take the Graduate Essay Test (GET) (administered by the Testing Office) preferably before the first enrollment takes place, but no later than the end of the first semester of enrollment, to determine if writing deficiencies exist. If remedial work is necessary, the student will complete prescribed course(s) in English. Level Two: Students will demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency in written and spoken English by successfully completing CHEM 880 and a thesis, which includes an oral defense of the work, during the course of study.

Advancement to Candidacy

In order to advance to candidacy, students must:

• Pass examinations in physical chemistry and two other areas of chemistry. These examinations cover mainly undergraduate level material and the student is given three opportunities in consecutive semesters to satisfy this requirement.
• Satisfy level one of the written English proficiency requirement.
• Satisfy all course deficiencies stipulated upon entrance into the program.
• File an Advancement to Candidacy.

NOTE: After initiating a research project, a graduate student must enroll each semester in CHEM 897 while actively engaged in research for the M.S. degree. A maximum of 9 units of CHEM 897 may be included on the Advancement to Candidacy.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY

See general information for Graduate Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry above.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY: CONCENTRATION IN BIOCHEMISTRY

See general information for Graduate Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry above.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Footnotes

1. CHEM 351 and 353 may be substituted for CHEM 300 and 301.
2. CHEM 338 may be substituted for CHEM 336.
3. CHEM 699 may be used as an elective in the B.S. Biochemistry degree by petition only.