Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Science and Engineering
Dean: Sheldon Axler
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
TH 806
Phone: 415-338-1288
Chair: Jane DeWitt
Associate Chair: Nancy Gerber
Undergraduate Coordinator: Nancy Gerber
Graduate Coordinators: Andrew Ichimura, Bruce Manning
Faculty:
Professors: Aragón, DeWitt, Erden, Esquerra, Gerber, Macher, Manning, Palmer, Simonis, Trautman, Wu
Associate Professors: Baird, Gassner, Ichimura, Komada
Assistant Professors: Amagata, Anderson, Bolig, Eroy-Reveles, Guliaev
Research Associate Professor: Yen
Adjunct Professor: Runquist
Emeritus Professors: Buttlaire, Keeffe, Luckey, Orenberg, Plachy
Programs
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 SF State 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.
Lower Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I: Essential Concepts of Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 215/ CHEM 216 |
General Chemistry II: Quantitative Applications of Chemistry Concepts/Laboratory (3/2) | 5 |
| CHEM 233/ CHEM 234 |
Organic Chemistry I/Laboratory (3/2) | 5 |
| MATH 226 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 227 | Calculus II | 4 |
| One of the following sets: | 8 | |
| PHYS 111/ PHYS 112 and PHYS 121/ PHYS 122 |
General Physics I/Laboratory (3/1)
General Physics II/Laboratory (3/1) |
|
| or | ||
| PHYS 220/ PHYS 222 and PHYS 240/ PHYS 242 |
General Physics with Calculus I/Laboratory (3/1)
General Physics with Calculus III/Laboratory (3/1) |
|
Lower Division Units: 31
Upper Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 300 | General Physical Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 322 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 325 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 335 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Inorganic Chemistry II Lab 2 | 2 |
| CHEM 340 or CHEM 349 |
Biochemistry I
General Biochemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 390 GW | Contemporary Chemistry and Biochemistry Research - GWAR | 3 |
Students must complete at least 3 units of advanced laboratory electives selected from the list below. Consult with an adviser regarding selection of elective courses and check course co- and prerequisites before enrolling. 3 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| CHEM 327 | Practical GC and HPLC |
| CHEM 370 | Computer Applications in Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| CHEM 420 | Environmental Analysis |
| CHEM 422 | Instrumental Analysis (4) |
| CHEM 426 | Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (2) |
| CHEM 470 | Research |
| CHEM 699 | Independent Study in Chemistry 3 |
Upper Division Units: 25
Total Units for Major: 56
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.
Lower Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I: Essential Concepts of Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 215/ CHEM 216 |
General Chemistry II: Quantitative Applications of Chemistry Concepts/Laboratory (3/2) | 5 |
| CHEM 233/ CHEM 234 |
Organic Chemistry I/Laboratory (3/2) | 5 |
| CHEM 251 | Calculus Mathematics and Physics for Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| MATH 226 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 227 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 220/ PHYS 222 |
General Physics with Calculus I/Laboratory (3/1) | 4 |
| PHYS 230/ PHYS 232 |
General Physics with Calculus II/Laboratory (3/1) | 4 |
Lower Division Units: 34
Upper Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 322 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 325 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 335 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 2 | 2 |
| CHEM 340 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 351 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 353 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 390 GW | Contemporary Chemistry and Biochemistry Research - GWAR | 3 |
| CHEM 426 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 451 | Experimental Physical Chemistry | 2 |
Students must complete nine units of upper division electives; minimum of three units from Area A, and six units from Area B. Students should consult an adviser regarding selection of elective courses and check course co- and prerequisites before enrolling. Graduate level courses in chemistry or appropriate courses in biology, physic, geosciences, and computer science may be substituted upon prior approval of an adviser. (Note: Students should consult with an adviser about ACS laboratory hours requirements.)
Area A
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| CHEM 327 | Practical GC and HPLC (4) |
| CHEM 370 | Computer Applications in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3) |
| CHEM 420 | Environmental Analysis (3) |
| CHEM 422 | Instrumental Analysis (4) |
| CHEM 470 | Research (3) |
| CHEM 698 | Thesis (3) |
| CHEM 699 | Independent Study in Chemistry 3 |
Area B
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| CHEM 341 | Biochemistry II |
| CHEM 433 | Advanced Organic Chemistry |
| CHEM 640 | Special Topics in Biochemistry |
| CHEM 641 | Special Topics in Chemistry |
| CHEM 645 | Research Trends in Chemistry and Biochemistry |
Upper Division Units: 38
Total Units for major: 72
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.
Lower Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I: Essential Concepts of Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 215/ CHEM 216 |
General Chemistry II: Quantitative Applications of Chemistry Concepts/ Laboratory (3/2) | 5 |
| CHEM 233/ CHEM 234 |
Organic Chemistry I/Laboratory (3/2) | 5 |
| MATH 226 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 227 | Calculus II | 4 |
| BIOL 230 | Introductory Biology I | 5 |
| One of the following sets: | 8 | |
| PHYS 111/ PHYS 112 and PHYS 121/ PHYS 122 |
General Physics I/Laboratory (3/1)
General Physics II/Laboratory (3/1) |
|
| or | ||
| PHYS 220/ PHYS 222 and PHYS 240/ PHYS 242 |
General Physics with Calculus I/Laboratory (3/1)
General Physics with Calculus III/Laboratory (3/1) |
|
Lower Division Units: 36
Upper Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 300 | General Physical Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 301 | General Physical Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 335 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 340 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 341 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 343 | Biochemistry I Laboratory | 3 |
Students must complete at least 14 units of upper division chemistry and biology electives selected from the lists below. Electives must include at least one course with a CHEM prefix and at least three laboratory courses. Note that many biology electives have a BIOL 240 prerequisite. Students wishing to enroll in BIOL 350, BIOL 355, and BIOL 612 without completing the BIOL 240 prerequisite should contact an adviser prior to registration. Students should consult an adviser regarding selection of elective courses and check course co- and pre-requisites before enrolling. Graduate level courses in chemistry or appropriate courses in biology, physics, geosciences, and computer science may be substituted upon prior approval of adviser. 14 units.
Upper Division Electives in Chemistry
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| CHEM 322 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis Laboratory |
| CHEM 325 | Inorganic Chemistry |
| CHEM 327 | Practical GC and HPLC |
| CHEM 336 | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 2 |
| CHEM 370 | Computer Applications in Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| CHEM 420 | Environmental Analysis |
| CHEM 422 | Instrumental Analysis (4) |
| CHEM 426 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (2) |
| CHEM 433 | Advanced Organic Chemistry |
| CHEM 443 | Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory (4) |
| CHEM 451 | Experimental Physical Chemistry (2) |
| CHEM 470 | Research |
| CHEM 640 | Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (1-3) |
| CHEM 641 | Advanced Topics in Chemistry (1-3) |
| CHEM 645 | Research Trends in Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| CHEM 680 | Chemical Oceanography |
| CHEM 699 | Independent Study in Chemistry 3 (3) |
Upper Division Electives in Biology
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| BIOL 350 | Cell Biology |
| BIOL 351 | Experiments in Cell and Molecular Biology (4) |
| BIOL 355 | Genetics |
| BIOL 357 | Molecular Genetics |
| BIOL 358 | Experiments in Molecular Biology |
| BIOL 361 | Human Genetics |
| BIOL 401 | General Microbiology |
| BIOL 402 | General Microbiology Laboratory (2) |
| BIOL 420 | General Virology |
| BIOL 435 | Immunology |
| BIOL 436 | Immunology Laboratory (2) |
| BIOL 612 | Human Physiology |
| BIOL 613 | Human Physiology Laboratory (2) |
| BIOL 638 | Bioinformatics and Gene Annotation |
| BIOL 640 | Cellular Neurosciences |
Upper Division Units: 35
Total Units for major: 71
Minor Program in Chemistry
Twenty-four 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. Twelve of the 24 units, including 4 upper-division, must be taken at SF State. 12 of the 24 units must be upper division. Eight of the 24 units must correspond to upper-division courses at SF State.
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_app_proc.
- 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: Applicants are required to satisfy the entry-level written English proficiency requirement by a score of 4.5 or above on the GRE Analytical Writing section. Applicants who do not meet the GRE AWA score, but meet all other requirements, may be admitted on a conditional basis. The conditional status will be removed upon successful completion of SCI 614 or equivalent course by the end of the second semester. 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.
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 834 | Organic Spectroscopic Methods | 3 |
| CHEM 880 | Seminar | 3 |
| One of the following courses selected on advisement of adviser: | 3 | |
| CHEM 850 | Valency and Spectroscopy | |
| CHEM 851 | Biochemical Spectroscopy | |
Other Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 897 | Research | 6 - 9 |
| CHEM 898 | Master's Thesis | 3 |
Related Study
Upper division/graduate courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or biology on advisement of graduate major adviser. 9 - 12 units.
Minimum Total Units: 30
and Oral Defense of Thesis
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.
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 834 | Organic Spectroscopic Methods | 3 |
| CHEM 880 | Seminar | 3 |
| One of the following courses selected on advisement of adviser: | 3 | |
| CHEM 850 | Valency and Spectroscopy | |
| CHEM 851 | Biochemical Spectroscopy | |
Other Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in biochemistry selected from the following: | 6 | |
| CHEM 841 | Enzymology | |
| CHEM 843 | Membrane Biochemistry | |
| CHEM 844 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | |
| CHEM 845 | Glycoconjugate Biochemistry | |
| CHEM 846 | Biology and Chemistry of Signaling Pathways | |
Upper division or graduate courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or biology on advisement of graduate major adviser. (May include courses listed above which have not been taken to satisfy either the core requirement or the 6-unit biochemistry requirement). 3 - 6 units.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 897 | Research | 6 - 9 |
| CHEM 898 | Master's Thesis | 3 |
Minimum total: 30 units
and Oral Defense of Thesis
Footnotes
