Faculty of Arts & Sciences

An introduction to organic chemistry, with an emphasis on structure and bonding, reaction mechanisms, and chemical reactivity.

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 by infrared and NMR spectroscopy.

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 enzymes, nucleic acids, drugs, natural products, cofactors), and with applications of chemical biology to medicine and biotechnology. An understanding of organic reactions and their "arrow" pushing mechanisms is required.

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.

An introduction to basic concepts of inorganic chemistry. Develops principles of chemical bonding and molecular structure on a basis of symmetry, applying these concepts to coordination chemistry (highlighting synthesis), organometallic chemistry (applications to catalysis), materials synthesis, and bioinorganic processes.

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.

Reading and/or laboratory work related to one of the research projects under way in the department.

Research under the direction of, or approved by, a member of the faculty of the Department of Chemistry.

Research under the direction of, or approved by, a member of the faculty of the Department of Chemistry.

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.

Organic Synthesis Towards a Genomic Medicine teaches students principles of modern organicsynthesis, chemical biology and genome biology relevant to the discovery of safe and effective therapeutics in the future. The course will then explore patient-based 'experiments of nature' that illuminate disease, including cancer, diabetes, infectious disease and psychiatric disease, among others. Students will then use their knowledge of chemistry and chemical biology to propose research yielding novel small molecules that emulate the experiments of nature. Chem 101 aims to prepare students for the next decade where academic research tests hypotheses emerging from humanbiology in humans using novel small-molecule probes.

This course will survey modern organic chemistry from a fundamental perspective. The foundations of structure and bonding, donor-acceptor interactions, and conformational analysis will be considered in the context of pericyclic reactions and cyclic and acyclic stereocontrol. The behavior of reactive intermediates, the basis for enantioselective catalysis, and patterns in functional group reactivity will also be discussed.

Small molecules are extraordinarily useful tools to investigate biological processes, perturb cell states and treat human diseases. They are complementary to many biological techniques (e.g. expression of mutant proteins, RNAi, genome editing and antibodies) in that they are fast-acting, typically cell permeable, easily reversible, and they can engage multiple targets simultaneously. In this course, we will discuss how these useful small molecules are discovered, how they have revealed deep insights into biological processes, and how they are employed as therapeutics.

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.

This course examines the application of modern NMR spectroscopic techniques to the structural elucidation of small molecules. Both the practical and theoretical aspects of 1D and 2D NMR experiments will be explored. Topics include: the chemical shift; coupling constants; the nuclear Overhauser effect and relaxation; chemical exchange; 2D homonuclear and heteronuclear correlation; analysis of complex molecules with overlapping signals and data tabulation; analysis of reactive intermediates; kinetics by NMR; the Fourier transform; quadrature detection; phase-sensitive detection; the vector model; the density matrix and the product operator formalism; pulsed field gradients; and spectrometer instrumentation.

An introduction to experimental problems encountered in the synthesis, isolation, purification, characterization, and identification of inorganic and organic compounds. Student work on projects in chemical synthesis, encouraging technical proficiency and simulating actual research.

An introduction to experimental problems encountered in the synthesis, isolation, purification, characterization, and identification of inorganic compounds, with an emphasis in air-free synthetic techniques and spectroscopic characterization methods specifically applicable to complexes containing transition metals.

An introduction to transition metal-mediated chemistry. Topics include organometallic reaction mechanisms and transition metal catalysis in synthesis. Design, development, and presentation of research ideas, relevant to contemporary catalysis and the current literature will be taught as part of the course.

The physical inorganic chemistry of transition elements will be discussed. The course will emphasize group theoretical methods of analysis and attendant spectroscopic methods (e.g., electronic, vibrational, EPR, magnetic) derived therefrom. Connections between molecular structure and electronic structure and how that parlays into the properties of complexes and their reactivity will be illustrated throughout various modules, which will touch on advanced problems of interest in the subjects of catalytic, organometallic, coordination, solid state and bioinorganic chemistries.

Transition element chemistry will be discussed with an emphasis on synthesis, structure, bonding, and reaction mechanisms. Connections between molecular structure and electronic structure and how that parlays into reactivity will be emphasized throughout. Advanced problems of interest to inorganic chemistry will be discussed in the context of catalysis, organometallics, and bioinorganic processes. The course will be discussion driven with a heavy reliance on the current literature.

This course will provide exposure to translational imaging from a unique chemical perspective. The focus of the course will be radiotracer chemistry but additional topics such as imaging physics, imaging equipment, and probe design based on biology, pharmacokinetics, and image analysis will be covered. Students will leave the course with working knowledge of radiotracer design and human translational imaging.

A survey of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Topics include: bottom-up versus top-down paradigms; synthesis and fabrication of zero-, one-and two-dimensional materials; physical properties of nanostructures, including electronic and optical properties; hierarchical organization in two and three dimensions; functional devices circuits and nanosystems; applications with emphasis on nano-bio interface and electronics.

Many essential properties of atoms, molecules and materials stem from their quantum mechanical nature. In this course, we will focus on the quantum mechanical aspects of physical chemistry. The basic principles of quantum mechanics will be introduced in tandem with the chemical concepts covered. We will describe the quantum mechanics of molecular bonding, vibrations and rotations. The fundamentals of molecular spectroscopy and photophysics will be seen in the light of quantum mechanics. We will end the course by introducing what goes behind the sciences in quantum chemistry packages for calculating molecular electronic structure and molecular properties. This year, the course will employ online forums for student discussions and turning in homework assignments. Most of the materials for evaluation will be take-home team programming exercises written in interactive Phython (iPhython). There will be no final exam.

An introduction to statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics with applications to problems in chemistry and biology.

This course introduces the physical chemistry underpinnings of life processes, including thermodynamics, equilibrium and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and chemical kinetics. These principles will be illustrated in the context of recent experimental advances, in particular single-molecule enzymology, molecular motors, live cell imaging, and stochastic gene expression. Statistical analyses and numerical simulations of important biological processes will be covered throughout the course.

Hands-on introduction to physical methods and techniques used widely in chemistry and chemical physics research laboratories. Computer-based methods of data acquisition and analysis are used throughout.

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.

This course will examine synthesis from a biological perspective, focusing on how organisms construct and manipulate metabolites, as well as how biological catalysts and systems can be used for small molecule production. Topics to be covered include mechanistic enzymology, biosynthetic pathways and logic, biocatalysis, protein engineering, and synthetic biology.

This course will cover interdisciplinary aspects of Chemistry and Biology where Statistical Mechanics played a pivotal role. Topics include: Polymers in solution and condensed phases, equilibrium and dynamics of self-assembly -layers and micelles, protein folding, structure and bioinformatics, reaction dynamics on complex energy landscapes, dynamic and evolution of complex networks.

An in-depth perspective on mechanistic organic chemistry, with analysis of fundamental organic and organotransition metal reaction mechanisms, reactive intermediates, catalysis, stereochemistry, non-covalent interactions, and molecular recognition. Classical and modern tools of physical-organic chemistry, including reaction kinetics, computer modeling, isotope effects, and linear free-energy relationships will be evaluated in the context of literature case studies.

This course presents reactivity principles of organic molecules. Topics include frontier molecular orbital theory, stereoelectronic effects, conformational analysis, cationic, anionic, radical, and carbene intermediates. These reactivity principles are used in a presentation of target-oriented synthesis. Strategies and tactics for assembling complex organic molecules are presented.

Semiclassical approaches to quantum systems provide both intuitive understanding of quantum processes and methods for calculations that are vastly simpler than full quantum mechanical simulations. Semiclassical methods are based on classical mechanics including interference and phases computed with classical actions. The course, based on a textbook being written by Prof. Heller (The Semiclassical Way to Quantum Mechanics) begins with a review of some salient features of classical physics, followed by an introduction to stationary phase integration and the Feynman Path Integral in the semiclassical imit, including time and energy domains, and the famous Trace Formula. This is followed by a number if widely useful techniques, such as generalized tunneling, applications to classically chaotic systems,semiclassical wave packet dynamics, WKB methods and uniformization. A number of "special topics" will then be taken up, including decoherence, certain forms of spectroscopy, and scattering theory of nanoscale devices.

An introduction to statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics with strong emphasis on applications to problems in chemistry and biology. Topics include: thermodynamics and statistical properties of gases, liquids and crystals, critical phenomena, elements of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics with applications to Chemistry and Biophysics such as theories for biopolymers and chemical reactions.

This course describes the quantum mechanics of molecules and their chemical reactions. We review fundamental principles: Hilbert spaces, operator algebra, Schrodinger, Heisenberg and interaction pictures. Quantum mechanics applied to the understanding of molecular structure, spectra, chemical bonds, and chemical reaction dynamics. Modern techniques for the manipulation of molecular internal and external quantum states.

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).

Semiclassical approaches to quantum systems provide both intuitive understanding ofquantum processes and methods for calculations that are vastly simpler than full quantummechanical simulations. Seminclassical methods are based on classical mechanics includinginterference and phases computed with classical actions. The course, based on a textbookbeing written by Prof. Heller (The Semiclassical Way to Quantum Mechanics) begins with a review of some salient features of classical physics, followed by an introduction to stationary phaseintegration and the Feynman Path Integral in the semi classical limit, including time and energydomains, and the famous Trace Formula. This is followed by a number of widely useful techniques,such as generalized tunneling, applications to classically chaotic systems, semiclassical wavepacket dynamics, WKB methods and uniformization. A number of "special topics" will then betaken up, including decoherence, certain forms of spectroscopy, and scattering theory ofnanoscale devices.

Essentials of modeling the structure of matter at the nanoscale. Material properties and connections to the mesocale. Intended for advanced undergraduate students or beginning graduate students in Chemistry, Physics, Applied Physics and the Life Sciences.

Due to great technical advances, crystal structure analysis plays an increasingly important role in the structure determination of complex solids. This course involves the basic principles of crystallography and covers advanced aspects of practical crystal structure refinement. Topics include crystal symmetry, space groups, geometry of diffraction, structure factors, and structure refinement. Students will gain a working knowledge of x-ray crystallographic techniques, including how to: grow quality crystals, collect data, reduce data, determine a structure, visualize structure, utilize structural databases, publish crystallographic results. Watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbqhoBW1pqc">Learning Crystal Structure Analysis at Harvard.</a>

General principles governing surface and interfacial phenomena are developed using treatment of surface electronic and geometric structure as a foundation. The course will treat both theoretical and experimental tools for the investigation of surface structure. Selected spectroscopic techniques will also be treated, with emphasis on surface phenomena. The latter part of the course will develop principles of absorption, reaction, and growth phenomena illustrated through current literature topics.

Individual work under the supervision of members of the Department.

This course will teach graduate students how to communicate scientific concepts in the classroom. Students will focus on becoming effective teachers in discussion sections and in the laboratory. The course will emphasize hands-on experience in teaching and explaining scientific concepts.

Chemistry 305qc uses case studies to examine basic ethical and regulatory requirements for conducting research, and fulfills the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) requirements for formal Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) instruction. Topics covered include: research and professional conduct; responsible authorship and publication; mentor-mentee relationships; conflicts of interest; peer review; grant writing and budgeting; intellectual property; data acquisition and management; ownership of data and biological samples; and research involving human and animal subjects. Students are required to attend all lectures, participate in class discussions, and complete a final course evaluation. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the course.

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. The course also examines biological molecules, the transfer of information from DNA to RNA to protein, and cell structure and signaling.

The course covers the chemistry and physics underlying molecular phenomena in the world. Starting from a single electron, the course will build up to atoms, molecules, and materials. Interactions of molecules are studied through thermochemistry, equilibria, entropy and free energy, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and kinetics. Applications include physical principles in biology, global energy demands, and modern materials and technology.

An introduction to the fundamental theories of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics and their role in governing the behavior of matter. The course begins with the quantum behavior of a single electron and develops the elements of the periodic table, the nature of the chemical bond, and the bulk properties of materials. Applications include semiconductor electronics, solar energy conversion, medical imaging, and the stability and dynamism of living systems. Calculus will be used extensively.

The Physical Sciences hold the key to solving unprecedented problems at the intersection of science, technology, and an array of rapidly emerging global scale challenges. The course emphasizes a molecular scale understanding of energy and entropy; free energy in equilibria, acid/base reactivity, and electrochemistry; molecular bonding and kinetics; catalysis in organic and inorganic systems; the union of quantum mechanics, nanostructures, and photovoltaics; and the analysis of nuclear energy. Case studies are used both to develop quantitative reasoning and to directly link these principles to global strategies.