phd in green chemistry

Environmental Chemistry Degree

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• Why Environmental Chemistry?
• Job Prospects
• Specialties of Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry Degrees

Education Costs

• Accreditation
• Search For Schools

Why an Environmental Chemistry Degree?

Environmental Chemistry is a multifaceted field that focuses on the chemical processes, their impacts, the cycling and motility influencing the composition and chemical makeup of air, water and soils. The field of Environmental Chemistry has been evolving for years, especially since we became aware of the damage being done to the environment through chemical production and disposal, the usage of fertilizers and pesticides, fuel development and transport, and other major industrial advances. The field truly deals with chemistry in the environment, and the natural phenomena that may transport them or affect their retention, mobility, or alteration such as ground water contamination, acid rain, ozone depletion, and ocean acidification. Environmental chemistry also deals with processes that affect the bioavailability of pollutants and toxicity in the natural ecosystems.

Similar to other Environmental Science programs, Environmental Chemistry may be a “new” major at a school, it may be a dual major program in Chemistry and Environmental Science, or it may have another title, such as Atmospheric Chemistry, Marine Chemistry, or Geochemistry, to name a few. Typical coursework includes both advanced chemistry classes as well as other environmental specialty classes. Generally a student takes enough chemistry classes to earn a major in chemistry independently of other sciences, then additional courses. This other coursework depends on what your specialty is, whether remediation, biochemistry, geochemistry, marine chemistry, etc.

Job Prospects with a Degree in Environmental Chemistry

Your career in Environmental Chemistry can be working for the government at a local, state, or federal level, within private industry, in a classroom instructing, as an environmental consultant, or any other numerous areas. Environmental Chemists working for the government may be based anywhere from Alaska to Antarctica. Their careers will be spent working with either natural or anthropogenic chemical processes. They may specialize in aquatic chemistry or sediment chemistry, these closely related fields often lead to careers with The Army Corp of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Park Service, and many other agencies. Private contractors may use their services in a variety of ways as well; in the laboratory, designing field work, or compiling and interpreting research results.

Learn how to become an environmental chemist .

Common Divisions/Specialties within Environmental Chemistry

• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Environmental Remediation
• Marine Chemistry
• Petrochemistry
• Sustainable Agriculture

Environmental Chemistry Degrees and Overviews

Bachelor's degrees in environmental chemistry, requirements.

Most schools require a letter of intent, SAT scores, letters of recommendation, a small application fee, and high school transcripts.

Like other sciences, Environmental Chemistry requires a certain level of math, physics, and some general education requirements. Often enough chemistry is taken to complete a major in chemistry, and the rest of the required classes will be from carefully designated environmental disciplines.

Undergraduate environmental chemistry degrees lend themselves towards working in laboratory environments well. Technicians are needed that can run samples, maintain or repair equipment, and produce quality results. Careers in sales or in the field in other ways may also be available. Companies looking for loyal employees may handpick undergraduate Environmental Chemistry majors, and then send them back to school as they recognize the individual's need to grow. This can lead to staff beginning with a starting degree and ending up with a Master's or PhD and leading others. Government agencies and the military are also likely to hire graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Chemistry.

School Spotlight

Colorado School of Mines The Colorado School of Mines - Chemistry & Geochemistry department offers a degree with an “ Environmental Geochemistry Track ”. Their Bachelor's of Science program includes over 130 credits. They have laboratories equipped with numerous state-of-the-art research instruments so students have access to equipment many students need to wait to use until graduate school. University of Illinois The University of Illinois' Chemistry Department offers an Environmental Chemistry Option that allows a graduate to be certified with the American Chemical Society (ACS) in environmental chemistry. Classes in Green Chemistry, Environmental Toxicology, and Environmental Geology are among the course offerings beyond Chemistry classes. A Chemistry student may also pursue a minor in Environmental Studies, if they want to take more than the required classes for the Environmental Chemistry option.

Master's Degrees in Environmental Chemistry

A Master's degree is often necessary to become a supervisor or project manager for many specialties in Environmental Chemistry. It may be a step on the way to a Doctorate degree, or it may be the highest degree someone desires to earn. A Master's distinguishes a student from a Bachelor's degree by proving that they are capable of independent research to at least the degree necessary to complete their thesis.

Most schools require a letter of intent, GRE scores, letter(s) of recommendation, a small application fee, and transcripts. There may be certain science and math requirements beyond just the scope of certain Bachelor's degrees. There are often more opportunities for funding if a student chooses to help their advisor in research. Most schools will require the approval of a particular faculty member before acceptance to a program.

Master's degrees may be either mostly coursework or a combination of research and classroom efforts. Classes will generally include a range of offerings at the environmental level, but will vary with faculty and school specialties.

Students pursuing a Master's degree in Environmental Chemistry should be able to look forward to lucrative careers in laboratory management, independent consulting, or as staff working on field projects in remote places. They may be able to pursue teaching at the elementary or secondary levels.

UC Davis The University of California at Davis has an Agriculture and Environmental Chemistry Graduate Group. More than 55 faculty and over 50 graduate students are in the group. Students can choose to specialize in one of four areas: environmental chemistry, biological & toxicological chemistry, analytical chemistry, and food, fiber & polymer chemistry. Students are required to take placement exams in core chemistry disciplines upon arrival at the school, especially if they want to act as a teaching assistant (TA). University of Maryland University of Maryland - The Marine Estuarine Environmental Science program within the University offers an Area of Specialization in Environmental Chemistry. Students entering the program must have two semesters of calculus, physics, general chemistry, biology, and advanced chemistry. Students can use facilities and modern instrumentation at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory to complete their research.

Ph.D. Degrees in Environmental Chemistry

PhDs may be for those who wish to enhance their realm of expertise or change their working concentration. They may have earned a Master's degree in another subject, such as Ecology, and want to take a practical approach to applying it. Environmental Chemistry often has an appeal to students who began in a life science and realized through experience that there is a great deal of practical work done under the umbrella of chemistry.

Either a Bachelor's or Master's degree is generally required before acceptance, with core math and science courses completed. They may also require the usual items for an application; three letters of recommendation, small fee to apply, GREs, transcripts, and a well written letter of intent. Most require a faculty member to agree to be your advisor before entrance as well.

Much of a PhD program is practical work. There is coursework, especially if a student doesn't have a Master's before entry. A researched thesis is generally required, as well as testing by department members. Usually this is a two step process; a student may be a PhD student, but not eligible to receive a degree until they have passed qualifying exams.

PhDs in Environmental Chemistry have the ability to be supervisors, or leaders in their firms. They may go on to teach in university settings, or gain promotions within their own agencies. They may be even more competitive as independent contractors. They should be able to apply their intricate knowledge of the movement and cycling of chemical compounds in the environment at the highest levels.

School Spotlights

Florida International University Florida International University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a PhD with a track in Environmental Chemistry. Choosing this major allows you to work with faculty in Environmental Sciences as well as Chemistry. A few of the core courses offered are classes in Atmospheric Chemistry, Aquatic Chemistry, Environmental Organic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Oceanography, and Environmental Chemistry of Trace Elements. University of Alaska Fairbanks University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a doctorate degree in Environmental Chemistry. When looking through the faculty page , it is clear that many are professors in Chemistry, as well as quite a few in the fields of marine sciences, atmospheric sciences, microbiology, and geochemistry. The University has designed its program to ensure that there is core training in analytical, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry in order to gain an understanding of how these disciplines apply to the complex environmental systems in the real world.

Your Career after Graduation in Environmental Chemistry

Environmental chemists can lead truly exciting careers studying many aspects of the natural and chemical world. Whether they are researching Arctic frost decline for the National Science Foundation, working on global issues for the National Institute of Standards and Measurements, or working on alternative or traditional energy sources, environmental chemists are well educated in both chemistry and ecological principles. A slight change in career path after graduation could lead to researching compounds derived from various corners of the world for the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates in Environmental Chemistry may be working to solve pollution issues, help with environmental remediation efforts, or work within sustainable and ecologically friendly agriculture. A few other professions that may be grouped under Environmental Chemistry are meteorologist, aquarium specialist, petro-chemist, or chemical oceanographer.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, the median pay for Chemists and Materials Scientists was $80,680/yr, Geoscientists earned $93,580/yr, Biochemists and Biophysicists earned $94,270, and Environmental Scientists earned $73,230. Due to being somewhat of a cross-over field between physical and life sciences, Environmental Chemists can also be great educators. Your degree level helps determine your teaching eligibility. In order to teach at the college or university level, a PhD is either required or recommended.

2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Environmental Scientists and Specialists , Chemists and Materials Scientists, Geoscientists and Biochemists and Biophysicists reflect national data not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2021.

Schools vary largely in costs, and residency makes a difference as well. Colorado School of Mines, one of the schools covered for an undergraduate degree in Environmental Chemistry costs approximately $31,500/ year for an in-state resident and nearly $50,000 for an out-of-state resident for the year. This figure includes room and board and other costs. When comparing multiple schools, make sure you are comparing them the same way, one may list tuition only, or by semester only, and come across as less expensive. Scholarships may be available for all degree programs, and research assistantships may be available in upper level programs. In general, Bachelor's will take 4-5 years, Master's will take 2-3, and PhDs will take 2-3 (or skipping a Master's will take 5-6). Check with other students, if possible, on average length students attend because some schools and programs, and specific faculty, can be notorious for keeping students longer to get more work from them. A Master's degree shouldn't take 5 years of school! Also look closely at the costs of your chosen school. It may be worth establishing residency before enrolling in order to lower your expenses.

Importance of Accreditation

Schools that allow you to be a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), or are part of a certified program can help jump start your career. Making sure you attend a school that is accredited is imperative if you would like to transfer your credits someday. It is also important as it can go a long way in the image of the school and program for future employers. You should be able to find out if your potential school is accredited on their website. Any questions about ACS could be addressed to the Chemistry, or Environmental Sciences departments.

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UMass Boston

• Chemistry PhD

Pursue the highest level of academic achievement in chemistry and become an accomplished scientist.

UMass Boston's Chemistry Department offers a comprehensive Doctor of Philosophy degree, dedicated to cultivating creative and conscientious scientists. The department offers educational opportunities in six doctoral tracks: Biological Chemistry, Chemistry Education Research, Green Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical/Analytical Chemistry, with a special emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Students immerse themselves in research labs early in the program and tailor their academic plan in accordance with their research interests.

Students are required to complete 60 credits of coursework, consisting of two core courses, three elective courses, a graduate seminar course and a dissertation research course. The set of core courses is dictated by the student’s track. In addition, the department’s emphasis on Green Chemistry permeates the curricula of all of its doctoral tracks. Our PhD program culminates in a public defense of the student’s research and the publication of the dissertation.

The specialty of the Department is in the field of Green Chemistry, and we are proud to be the first school in the country to offer a doctoral degree via the PhD in Chemistry/Green Chemistry Track. It focuses specifically on preparing chemistry doctoral students to direct, design, and implement chemical research using strategies that reduce or eliminate the impact on human health or the environment. It provides experiences, tools, and skills needed for conducting research in a more environmentally sustainable fashion. The strength of the green chemistry curriculum lies in its overlapping interdisciplinary themes of research. Our faculty is committed to research designed to benefit society, and this emphasis is reflected in our course selections at all levels of education.

Start Your Application

Chemistry PhD (Biological Track)

Students in the Biological Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core biological chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

View the Curriculum

Chemistry PhD (Chemistry Education Research Track)

Students in the Chemistry Education PhD track are required to take one core course, two core chemistry education track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Chemistry PhD (Green Track)

The Green Chemistry Track in the Chemistry PhD Program is the first such program in the world. Students obtaining a degree from this program will be prepared for conventional chemistry jobs in industry, government, and academia. In addition to traditional training in the chemical sciences, required and elective courses in the Biology Department and School for the Environment provide graduates with the tools and experience to assess human impact on health and the environment.

Green chemistry involves an ecologically sustainable view of chemical research, development, and manufacture. Toxicological understanding and environmental fate are necessary components to understanding the entire "molecular life cycle" of any commercial endeavor.

Typically, universities and academic departments lack the appropriate personnel and facilities to pursue a program of this kind. The unique complement of Chemistry, the School for the Environment, and Biology Department faculty has allowed the University of Massachusetts Boston to create such a program.

Chemistry PhD (Inorganic Track)

Students in the Inorganic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core inorganic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Chemistry PhD (Organic Track)

Students in the Organic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core organic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Chemistry PhD (Physical/Analytical Track)

Students in the Physical/Analytical Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core physical/analytical chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• Test Scores: GRE recommended
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: April 1 (priority deadline) or June 15 (final deadline, if space available) for fall, October 1 (priority deadline) or November 1 (final deadline, if space available) for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Curriculum - Biological Track

Coursework  (complete 60 credits.), core course in chemistry phd for all tracks (choose one.).

CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry

CORE COURSES IN BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY TRACK (Choose two from list.)

CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry

ELECTIVE COURSES  (Choose three from list.)

CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 696 – Independent Study CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

EXTRA-DEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVES

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and Graduate Program Director.

Biology Department

BIOL 614 – Advanced Cell Chemistry BIOL 678 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology BIOL 679 – Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture BIOL 685 – Biomedical Tracers

Physics Department

PHYSIC 601 – Electronic Instrumentation II: Digital PHYSIC 612 – Electromagnetic Theory PHYSIC 632 – Advanced Laser Optics (with lab) PHYSIC 609 – Physics of Medical Imaging PHYSIC 615 – Solid State Physics PHYSIC 621 – Physics of Semiconductor Materials

School for the Environment

EEOS 611 – Applied Statistics EEOS 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters EEOS 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry EEOS 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

SEMINAR COURSES (Minimum of 6 credits)

CHEM 691 – Seminar I (fall) CHEM 692 – Seminar II (spring)

DISSERTATION RESEARCH (Complete 20 credits.)

CHEM 899 – Dissertation Research

Curriculum - Chemistry Education Research Track

Coursework (complete 60 credits.), core course in chemistry phd for all tracks (choose one.), core courses in chemistry education research track (three courses.).

CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research

At least two courses selected from the following three options: * Quantitative Methods: EEOS 611 (Applied Statistics) or BIOL 607 (Computational Data Analysis for Biology) * Qualitative Methods: HIGHED 752 (Research Methods in Higher Education: Qualitative Analysis) or PSYCLN 775 (Qualitative Methods in Clinical Psychology) * Cognition: PSYDBS 762 (Knowledge Acquisition) or PSYDBS 620 (Cognitive Neuroscience)

ELECTIVE COURSES (Choose two from list.)

CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry CHEM 631 – Chemical Toxicology CHEM 641 – Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research CHEM 651 – Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds CHEM 654 – Biological Chemistry CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation CHEM 662 – Applied Chemometrics CHEM 666 – Electrochemistry CHEM 671 – Introduction to Green Chemistry CHEM 680 – Physical Biochemistry CHEM 681 – Medical Biochemistry CHEM 687 – Topics in Chemistry CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 696 – Independent Study CHEM 697 – Special Topics in Chemistry

Education Departments

EDCG 606 – Sociocultural Foundations of Education HIGHED 612 – Impact of College on Students HIGHED 620 – Teaching, Learning and Curriculum in Urban Contexts HIGHED 636 – Sociological Perspectives on Higher Education EDCG 663 – Assessment in Teaching EDCG 665 – Secondary Science Teaching Methods

ENVSCI 611 – Applied Statistics ENVSCI 635 – Environmental Toxicology ENVSCI 640 – The Chemistry of Natural Waters ENVSCI 710 – Environmental Biogeochemistry ENVSCI 715 – Isotope Geochemistry

SEMINAR COURSES (Enroll in seminar every semester.)

Curriculum - green track.

Students in the Green Chemistry PhD track are required to take two core courses, four elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the four elective courses, at least two must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to the two remaining courses can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee.

CORE COURSES (Both core courses are required.)

Elective courses (choose four from list.).

Students may choose electives from external departments if they are relevant to their course of study and research. Students choose courses with the permission of the advisor and graduate program director.

SEMINAR COURSES (Minimum of 6 credits.)

Curriculum - inorganic track.

Students in the Inorganic Chemistry PhD track are required to take one core course, two core inorganic chemistry track courses, three elective courses, and at least six credits of Graduate Seminar and twenty credits of dissertation research. Of the three elective courses, one must be in the Chemistry Department, whereas up to two can be from other departments upon approval from the student's dissertation committee. For all courses see the university's Course Listings .

CORE COURSES IN THE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY TRACK (Choose two from list.)

CHEM 611 – Organometallic Catalysis CHEM 612 – Physical Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 690 – Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

ELECTIVE COURSES (Choose three from list.)

Curriculum - organic track, core courses in organic chemistry track (choose two from list.).

CHEM 621 – Synthetic Organic Chemistry CHEM 622 – Physical Organic Chemistry CHEM 658 – Medicinal Chemistry CHEM 689 – Topics in Organic Chemistry

Curriculum - Physical/Analytical Track

Core courses in physical/analytical track (choose two from list.).

CHEM 601 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics CHEM 602 – Quantum Mechanics CHEM 661 – Analytical Instrumentation CHEM 688 – Topics in Physical Chemistry

Graduation Criteria

Complete a minimum of 60 credits from at least 15 courses including one core course, five track courses, six graduate seminars, and a minimum of 20 credits in dissertation courses.

Students must pass a literature seminar in the first year of study.

Track: Students must select a track from green chemistry, biological chemistry, chemistry education research, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or physical/analytical chemistry. Doctoral candidacy: Pass four written qualifying exams (at least two of which are in the track), and an oral qualifying exam. Dissertation: Candidates must complete and defend a dissertation based on original research.

Statute of limitations: Seven years.

Plan of Study

Graduate Program Director Wei Zhang (Green Chemistry) wei2.zhang [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6147

Graduate Program Director Neil Reilly (Physical/Analytical Chemistry) neil.reilly [at] umb.edu (617) 287-4065

Graduate Program Assistant Rita Lam graduate.chemistry [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6190

Learn more about UMass Boston's Chemistry department, our research, and our faculty.

College of Science & Mathematics

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our College of Science and Mathematics.

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Department of Chemistry

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

• Where We Are
• Alumni Outcomes & Reflections
• Strategic Plan 2019-2024
• ALEKS Chemistry Prep Course
• BA in Chemistry
• BS in Chemistry
• Combined BS/MFS in Forensic Chemistry
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• Minor in Chemistry
• Consortium Registration Form
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• MS in Chemistry

MS in Environmental & Green Chemistry

• PhD in Chemistry
• Admissions & Aid
• Teaching & Research Assistants
• Undergraduate Research
• Graduate Research
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• Office Hours

Green Chemistry Forges Path Forward Hear what Professor Voutchkova, co-director of the MS in Environmental and Green Chemistry, plans for the program.

Employers across the public and private sectors are increasingly seeking scientists who specialize in creative ideas with minimal environmental impact. In our unique green chemistry program, students learn the science underlying today’s environmental challenges and develop innovative, greener solutions to address them.

The curriculum builds proficiency in both environmental chemistry and green chemistry, positioning graduates to find employment in this burgeoning field or to continue their education in chemistry and sustainability. Coursework combines intensive study of chemical toxicology, green industrial chemistry and rational design of safer chemicals with related courses in public health, policy and business. Students round off the program with a final capstone project with areal-world client.

Apply to GW

BS/MS in Green Chemistry

Admissions and Aid

“There’s an emphasis on real-world applicability rather than a sole focus on academic exercises. That’s what is most rewarding to me. You can see where your work could be used to benefit health and safety.”

Savannah Sierco MS '19

Capstone Research Projects with External Partners

Why pursue this degree.

Interested in the environment, medical or veterinary professions, product invention or sustainable business practices? There is a growing employer demand for professionals with a passion for sustainability and a sound fundamental scientific background in environmental and green chemistry, toxicology and engineering. Because of the department's green chemistry capstone internship program, our graduates are strong candidates for positions in the private sector, government agencies and NGOs as environmental and sustainability consultants, health professionals, product developers, engineers and patent lawyers. Visit the GW Environmental and Green Chemistry LinkedIn page for current professional opportunities.

"As a GW alumna, being a mentor for the program was a very rewarding experience. The capstone program provides students with a unique real-world research opportunity, allowing them to extend their networks, gain further insights into work environments and help advance efforts that are relevant and important to organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."

Sandra D. Gaona MEM '06  United States Environmental Protection Agency

What You'll Study

Our unique program melds the scientific foundations of environmental and green chemistry with public health, science policy and business perspectives. The core courses set our curriculum apart from any existing program in the United States and provide students with the scientific breadth and depth to evaluate environmental problems and develop sustainable solutions. Students can customize their studies with electives that take advantage of world-renowned GW programs in public health, management, public administration and media and public affairs. 

The degree concludes with a capstone project: a real-world group exercise that students carry out with an external partner/client such as a government agency, nonprofit group or faculty member. Students work in small teams with guidance from an external mentor and the program director. At the end of the capstone, students submit a written report and a formal presentation of results to both the external client and faculty.

" My time at GW in the Environmental and Green Chemistry program is one of the most influential experiences throughout my academic journey. From professors who are experts in their respective fields to capstone projects that support the Environmental Protection Agency, I developed a strong foundation in environmental sciences that will directly help me as an environmental lawyer. The knowledge and skills I acquired at GW makes me appreciate this program more and more every day. "

Trip Johnson GW MS EGC '22

Praise From Industry Leaders

"Patrick Raya [MS ’18, Environmental and Green Chemistry] worked in our Bethesda office for four plus months. ... He developed a scoring system that quantitated the frequency and prevalence of tissue level effect incidence data for 8000 plus chemicals. … In the relatively short period of time Patrick spent at Verisk 3E, he made a valuable contribution that can be built upon in our future design activities."

Hans Plugge Manager, Safer Chemical Analytics Capstone Mentor for Green Chemistry Program

Course Requirements

*Alternate elective courses may be selected subject to the program director's approval.

**Approved topics only. Consult the Schedule of Classes for current semester offerings. Permission of the advisor must be received prior to enrollment.

• Opportunities

Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering at Yale

New Center Research on Water Use Efficiency

New Center Research on Gold Nanoparticles Published

Center Alums and YSE Scientists Win EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Award

Center research on non-menthol cigarettes featured in YSPH News

The Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale is committed to improving the world today and for future generations through outstanding research and scholarship, education, and practice by providing practical, innovative solutions to sustainability challenges while simultaneously meeting social, economic, and environmental goals.

Green Chemistry can be defined as the “design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances”.  (P.T. Anastas and J. C. Warner. Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice , 1998.)

A Message from the Director

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

DEGREE Environmental Chemistry and Technology, PhD

Doctoral degree in environmental chemistry and technology

As a PhD student in environmental chemistry and technology, you’ll deepen your expertise in applying chemistry to environmental systems. And, by selecting a specialization and choosing elective courses, you also can tailor your graduate program to your own interests. Among the areas you can focus on are aquatic chemistry, air pollution chemistry, terrestrial chemistry, and chemical- and bio-technology development.

At a glance

Civil and environmental engineering department, learn more about what information you need to apply., how to apply.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Application Process and Requirements

All applicants must meet the  Graduate School’s admission requirements  to be considered for admission. Departmental admission is by committee review. Applications submitted after the fall deadline through March 15 will be reviewed if complete and will be considered for admission by the program is space is still available. To check if space is available, please email: [email protected].

In addition, applicants must also meet the department’s requirements listed below to be considered for admission:

A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours (approximately two years of work) or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required. Applicants from an international institution must demonstrate strong academic achievement comparable to a 3.00 for an undergraduate or master’s degree. The Graduate School will use your institution’s grading scale. Do not convert your grades to a 4.00 scale.

Applicants seeking admission should have a background in the fundamental areas of general, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry. In addition, applicants should have some background in applied sciences which can be fulfilled with a minimum of 6 credits in natural sciences such as botany, zoology, bacteriology, earth science, material science, biochemistry, or engineering. Applicants who have not met these requirements must do so prior to the completion of the master’s degree.

Funded offers for MS (research) and PhD students, in the form of research assistantships, project assistantships, and/or teaching assistantships come directly from individual  faculty members .   Please contact interested faculty before or after you have applied to inquire about assistantship opportunities. Funding is not guaranteed with admission. Admitted applicants will be contacted directly by faculty regarding funding opportunities.

Complete Application

A complete graduate application is required before an application will be reviewed by the faculty. Late applications may not be reviewed for funding opportunities. A complete graduate application contains the following:

Graduate School Application

Applicants must submit an online application to the UW–Madison Graduate School. See  Graduate School Admissions  to apply.

Statement of Purpose

Submit a statement of purpose of 1,000 words or less in the online application. This statement should cover your technical areas of interest, coursework emphasis, research experience, professional goals, faculty members you are interested in working with, and any other items relevant to your qualifications for graduate school.  See the Graduate School for  additional guidelines for the Statement of Purpose  (scroll to bottom of page).

Three Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation must be submitted through the online application. These letters should be from people who can judge the applicant’s academic, research, and/or work performance. See the  Graduate School for FAQs  regarding these letters.

Academic Transcripts

Upload the most recent copies of your transcripts to the online application, from each institution attended. Study abroad transcripts are not required if coursework is reflected on the degree granting university’s transcript. Unofficial copies of transcripts are used for departmental review. If the applicant is recommended for admission, then the Graduate School will follow-up with instructions for official transcript submission. Please do not send transcripts or any other application materials to the Graduate School or the Environmental Chemistry and Technology program unless requested.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Upload your most recent resume or curriculum vitae in the online application.

English Proficiency Score

Applicants whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide an English proficiency test score. Scores are accepted if they are within two years of the start of the admission term. Self-reported exam information is acceptable during departmental review; however, if you are recommended for admission, official test scores must be sent directly to the Graduate School from the testing body. See  Graduate School Admission Requirements  for more information on the English proficiency requirement. (NOTE: TOEFL scores may be sent electronically via ETS using institution code 1846)

Application Fee

A one-time application fee is required. See the  Graduate School frequently asked questions  for fee information. Fee grants are offered by the Graduate School on a limited basis and under certain conditions, as outlined  here . The department does not offer an application fee waiver due to the large volume of applications received. However, if you are working with a specific faculty member, then they may offer you a fee voucher.

Tuition and funding

Tuition and segregated fee rates are always listed per semester (not for Fall and Spring combined).

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Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Students accepted into the program can expect to be fully funded through through fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships on research projects. Admission decisions are based on the student’s qualifications and research interests, the availability of funding, and the focus of funded research projects. Funding includes a waiver of tuition (excluding segregated fees), health benefits (including family coverage), and a yearly stipend.

Civil and environmental engineers are changing the world. Aging infrastructure. Climate change. Clean water and air. Natural hazards. Energy. These are just a few of the grand challenges facing civil and environmental engineers, and our research is leading the way toward sustainable solutions.

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Curricular Requirements

Minimum graduate school requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum  academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Required Courses

Students are required to develop a plan of courses with their advisor. Additional courses beyond the core courses may be included with approval of the student’s academic advisor and the approval of the Environmental Chemistry and Technology Academic Planning Committee.

Note that  CIV ENGR 500 Water Chemistry , or an equivalent advanced Environmental Chemistry course, is a prerequisite for many of the core Environmental Chemistry and Technology courses. If these requirements have not been met prior to entering the program, this should be considered when planning the coursework.

Students must enroll in CIV ENGR 909 Graduate Seminar – Environmental Chemistry & Technology  or CIV ENGR/​ATM OCN/​BOTANY/​ENVIR ST/​GEOSCI/​ZOOLOGY  911 Limnology and Marine Science Seminar each semester. PhD students should present a seminar once per academic year, either fall or spring semester.

Graduate-Level Chemistry Requirement

Students must take two chemistry courses numbered 500 or above. A partial list of potential courses is included below. Other courses may be substituted for this requirement with approval of the student’s academic advisor and the approval of the Environmental Chemistry and Technology Academic Planning Committee.

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Civil and environmental engineering news

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Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry

Innovation for Safer Materials

Welcome to BCGC

Our mission.

The mission of the Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry is to bring about a generational transformation toward the design and use of inherently safer chemicals and materials.

Embedding the principles of green chemistry into science, markets and public policy will provide the foundation for safeguarding human health and ecosystems and provide a cornerstone for a sustainable, clean energy economy.

BCGC collaborates with public and private organizations, offering training and technical advice, advocating for safer products and informed policies, the placement of graduates in the workforce, and informal instruction.

Our Process

We fund and guide research in designing novel chemical processes and materials and in investigating new approaches to toxicity testing, exposure analysis and alternatives assessment.

We teach a core program of courses that integrate the chemical and environmental health sciences with the study of public and private governance and management. This interdisciplinary program focuses on project and team-driven approaches to solving important material challenges and offers actionable results to industry, government and nongovernmental organizations.

We provide technical support to decision-makers, workers, community organizations and businesses working to advance safety and health through green chemistry.

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Welcome to the ACS Green Chemistry Institute Application Portal

You can use this portal to submit applications/proposals for a variety of programs run by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute and the ACS Office of Sustainability. Click through the tabs for more information on programs under each category.

How to Apply

Click on the "Login" link to the right and login to the application with your ACS ID. (Don't have an ACS ID? Don't worry; you can create one for free on the login page.)

Select the Program and confirm your eligibility to apply (if applicable).

Create your online application. For a list of required information and attachments, please review the individual program information links listed on the Welcome/Home page. 

Finish the application by completing the required fields in each of the application sections. Applicants can proceed from section to section by selecting Next Tab >> in the middle of the screen.

If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Program Administrator .

GC&E Call for Symposia

Please check back in July 2024 for the call for symposia for the 29th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference which will take place in June 2025.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Respect are core values of the American Chemical Society and the ACS Green Chemistry Institute. We are committed to promoting an inclusive, diverse, and respectful conference for participants, organizers, and attendees. We recognize the shared responsibility needed for a safe and productive meeting environment regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, religion, race, or nationality. All GC&E participants are expected to treat others with respect to facilitate open dialogue and effective discussions.

We ask that symposia coordinators be mindful of the following guidelines as they are finalizing their speaker lists for GC&E.

• Include a minimum of 30% of under-represented groups (including women and People of Color)
• Incorporate expertise from a range of geographic locations
• Include speakers from all stages of their careers
• Include diverse stakeholder perspectives from across the chemistry enterprise, where appropriate

Ciba Travel Awards in Green Chemistry

Sponsoring U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to attend and participate in the annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. Up to four awards of up to $2,000 each are available. Applications open in Fall 2024. Find out more.

Joseph Breen Memorial Fellowship

Supporting the participation of an international undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral scholar to attend the annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. Two awards of up to $2,000 are available. Applications open in Fall 2024. Find out more.

Kenneth G Hancock Memorial Award

Providing national recognition and honor for outstanding undergraduate and graduate student contributions to furthering the goals of green chemistry through research and/or studies. The award is open to both U.S. and international students. Two awards of $1,000 plus up to $1,000 in travel expenses to attend the Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. Applications open in Fall 2024. Find out more.

Heh-Won Chang, PhD Fellowship in Green Chemistry

Providing financial support to full-time graduate students (U.S. or international) currently conducting research in green chemistry. Two awards of $5,000 are available. Applications open in Fall 2024. Find out more.

Nina McClelland Memorial Award 

Sponsoring the participation of postdoctoral scholars (U.S. and international) to present their research at the annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. Two awards of $2,000 are available. Applications open in Fall 2024. Find out more.

Peter J. Dunn Award for Green Chemistry & Engineering Impact in the Industry

Recognizing excellence in the research, development, and execution of green chemistry that demonstrates environmental, safety, and efficiency improvements at meaningful scale. An award symposium/presentation is held at the annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. Applications open in Fall 2024. Find out more.

CMO Excellence in Green Chemistry

Recognizing outstanding efforts by Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) towards green chemistry improvements to pharmaceutical research, development, and manufacturing. An award symposium/presentation is held at the annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. Applications open in Fall 2024. Find out more.

Data Science and Modeling for Green Chemistry

Recognizing the development of computational tools that guide the design of sustainable chemical processes. An award symposium/presentation is held at the annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. Applications will open in Fall 2024. 

Rising Stars in Green Chemistry Education Award

For outstanding early-career scholars who have committed to focusing on green chemistry and/or sustainability in curricula for teaching chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. Two awards of $1000 plus travel for awardee and student (up to $2,000 each) to the GC&E Conference. Applications will be open from July 15 to September 20, 2024. Find out more.

Teaching Green Fellowship

For undergraduate educators who have demonstrated innovation and creativity in the development of new and/or significantly updated curricular materials infused with green chemistry and/or sustainability concepts. One award provides $10,000 for faculty summer salary, $5,000 for student summer stipend, and travel for faculty and one student (up to $1,000 each) to the GC&E Conference. Applications will be open from July 15 to September 20, 2024. Find out more.

Career Achievement in Green Chemistry Education

For undergraduate instructors who have made a profound and transformative impact on the future of green chemistry and sustainability in education throughout their careers. The award provides an honorarium of $5,000 and travel support of up to $2,500 to attend the GC&E Conference, where the award symposium will occur. Applications will be open from July 15 to September 20, 2024. Find out more.

ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable Research Grants

Funding green chemistry and engineering research in key areas of interest to the pharmaceutical and allied industries. Call for proposals for the 2024 cycle is closed. Find out more.

ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable Ignition Grants

Providing initial funding for new chemistry and engineering research directions that address sustainability issues in the pharmaceutical and allied industries from discovery to manufacturing. Call for proposals for the 2024 cycle is closed. Find out more.

ACS Summer School for Green Chemistry & Sustainable Energy

One-week summer school program for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars studying at institutions in the Americas. All eligible travel and program costs are covered by American Chemical Society. Applications for the 2025 Summer School will open in Fall 2024. Find out more.

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Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence

An international flagship for the promotion of sustainable chemistry.

The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) is a world-leading academic facility for pioneering pure and applied green and sustainable chemical research, providing innovative solutions for a circular, sustainable 21 st  century economy, specialising in renewable feedstocks, green synthesis, sustainable technologies and design for sustainable reuse/degradation/recovery. 

The GCCE provides high-quality postgraduate and undergraduate educational and bespoke training programmes. The MSc in Green Chemistry & Sustainable Industrial Technology is the first of its kind to be accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Our unique Industrial Engagement Facility coupled with state-of-the-art research facilities enables strategic partnerships with local and global businesses and world-leading universities .

[email protected] +44 (0)1904 322567 Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom. X Facebook

Established

We have over 20 years' experience in the area of green chemistry

Sustainable development goals (SDGs)

We tackle global grand challenges within the context of the UN's 17 SDGs

NUS Green Impact awards

We were awarded Platinum for our sustainable offices and laboratories

Renewable Feedstocks

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Our industry partnerships

The GCCE works closely with industry to deliver competitive tailor-made solutions that are more profitable, less wasteful, less damaging to the environment and more socially acceptable.

Our customers come from many sectors and range from small manufacturing enterprises through to large corporations at local to international level.

We are dedicated to improving and developing innovative processes and products for the chemical, energy, food, pharmaceutical and related industries through the application of green chemistry.

Find out more

Education and training

Our flagship MSc course in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology is the first course of its kind to be accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. This prestigious course attracts students from all over the world, and also has a high level of industrial involvement in teaching and in research training, bringing in external experts in law, chemical engineering, energy and business.

The GCCE is instrumental in providing high quality training and educational material across higher education and industry, with internal and external continuous personal development programmes including online courses and workshops.

We deliver excellence in education and training within an infrastructure that produces top quality and employable MSc and PhD graduates in green and sustainable chemistry.

The need for green chemistry

Latest news

University of york green chemistry centre of excellence to partner in two ambitious centres for doctoral training.

Chemists at the University of York will help train the next generation of chemists in the skills needed for a greener, more sustainable future through two Centres of Doctoral Training announced today.

Posted on 12 March 2024

Biobased and biodegradable polymers for a sustainable future: prosperity partnership full team meeting

Further to the award in 2023 of a £2.5M Prosperity Partnership Grant from EPSRC (total value £5M), efforts have been underway at the partners involved (Croda, a global leader in high performance ingredients and technologies, based in Yorkshire, the University of Nottingham, and the University of York) to develop the next generation of polymer liquid formulations.

Posted on 6 March 2024

York Chemist collaborates with United Nations Environment Programme

The United Nations Environment Programme has published a new specialised manual on green chemistry education based on research at the Department of Chemistry.

Posted on 17 January 2024

University of Coimbra confers Honoris Causa Doctorate to James Clark

Professor Clark received the honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra (FFUC).

Posted on 13 December 2023

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Phd program.

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Home › Center for Green Chemistry › PhD Program

The Program

The Green Chemistry Track in the Chemistry PhD Program is the first such program in the world. Students obtaining a degree from this program will be prepared for conventional chemistry jobs in industry, government, and academia. In addition to traditional training in the chemical sciences, required and elective courses in the Biology Department  and School for the Environment  provide graduates with the tools and experience to assess human impact on health and the environment.

Green chemistry involves an ecologically sustainable view of chemical research, development, and manufacture. Toxicological understanding and environmental fate are necessary components to understanding the entire "molecular life cycle" of any commercial endeavor.

Typically, universities and academic departments lack the appropriate personnel and facilities to pursue a program of this kind. The unique complement of chemistry, EEOS, and biology department faculty has allowed the University of Massachusetts Boston to create such a program.

Degree Requirements

For the PhD in Chemistry/Green Chemistry Track, 60 credits are required from courses, seminars ( CHEM 691 & 692 ), and Dissertation Research ( CHEM 899 ), distributed as follows:

• Three fundamental graduate courses in chemistry, one from each of the following areas: physical chemistry ( CHEM 601 - Thermodynamics and Kinetics , CHEM 602 - Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy ); inorganic chemistry ( CHEM 611 - Inorganic Chemistry: Synthesis and Analysis , CHEM 612 - Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity ); and organic chemistry ( CHEM 621 - Organic Synthesis and Mechanisms , CHEM 622 - Physical Organic Chemistry ). These courses must be passed with grades of B or better.
• CHEM 671 - Introduction to Green Chemistry and EEOS 635 - Environmental Toxicology . Both CHEM 671 and EEOS 635 must be passed with grades of B or better.
• One elective course selected from either the list of Fundamental Graduate Courses in Chemistry, the list of Elective Graduate Courses in Chemistry ( CHEM 651 , CHEM 653, CHEM 658 , CHEM 666 , CHEM 687 , CHEM 688 , CHEM 689 , CHEM 690, CHEM 696 ), or a list of Approved Elective Courses Outside of Chemistry (available from the department) given by the Biology or EEOS Departments. Other graduate courses outside of chemistry may be taken to fulfill this requirement, with the approval of the graduate program director, if particularly relevant to the student’s research. Beyond this requirement, students are encouraged to take additional elective courses relevant to their programmatic focus.
• CHEM 691 (Seminar I) and CHEM 692 (Seminar II) in every semester of attendance.
• Literature seminar presentation, based on review of the scientific literature related to a selected topic of current chemical interest.  The literature seminar must be completed within the first two years of matriculation.
• A written comprehensive examination and an oral examination to be admitted to candidacy. (For more information on these examinations, please refer to the Graduate Student Seminar web page .)
• Dissertation and defense based on original research relevant to green chemistry.
• All students must acquire at least one semester of teaching or work experience in chemistry, subject to approval by the graduate program director.

A complete listing of the faculty and their research interests is available elsewhere on this site.

Admission Requirements

The Chemistry Program will recommend admission for those applicants who present evidence of their ability to do graduate work with distinction. Applicants should present:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (aptitude and advanced tests).
• Three letters of recommendation.

For more information, contact the Graduate Program Director of the Chemistry Department, Prof Bela Torok . 

• Apply for the program online
• 617.287.6147

About the Program

The Chemistry PhD program is designed towards developing the ability to do creative scientific research. Accordingly, the single most important facet of the curriculum for an individual is his or her own research project. In keeping with the goal of fostering an atmosphere of scholarly, independent study, formal course requirements are minimal and vary among disciplines. Advisers tailor course requirements to best prepare the student for the chosen research field.

The doctoral program includes the following concentrations, each of which has specific degree requirements:

• Physical Chemistry: In general, the Physical Chemistry Graduate Program encompasses experimental physical, analytical, nuclear, biophysical, and theoretical chemistry.
• Synthetic Chemistry: The Synthetic Chemistry Graduate Program includes emphases in preparation of organic or inorganic compounds, development of methods for their synthesis, and their characterization and use.
• Chemical Biology: The Chemical Biology Graduate Program covers research areas at the interface of chemistry and biology, ranging from the synthesis of bioactive materials to the characterization of living systems.

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Admission to the University

Applying for graduate admission.

Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! UC Berkeley offers more than 120 graduate programs representing the breadth and depth of interdisciplinary scholarship. The Graduate Division hosts a complete list of graduate academic programs, departments, degrees offered, and application deadlines can be found on the Graduate Division website.

Prospective students must submit an online application to be considered for admission, in addition to any supplemental materials specific to the program for which they are applying. The online application and steps to take to apply can be found on the Graduate Division website .

Admission Requirements

The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;

A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and

Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

For a list of requirements to complete your graduate application, please see the Graduate Division’s Admissions Requirements page . It is also important to check with the program or department of interest, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree. Department contact information can be found here .

Where to apply?

Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page .

Doctoral Degree Requirements

The requirements for a phd degree in chemistry.

Coursework: There is no formal coursework requirement, however, the equivalent of four semester-long courses is normally taken. Courses you will take will depend on your background and research interests.

Graduate student instructor service: A total of three semesters of graduate student instructor service is required with a fourth semester as optional. Graduate Student Instruction is usually fulfilled in the first semester and one semester in each of the next two years.

First-year report (synthetic and chemical biology division): An original, journal-quality research proposal no more than 10 pages read by two chemistry faculty.

Second-year seminar (all divisions): A 25-minute presentation to the department on your research progress.

Qualifying examination (all divisions): An oral examination with a committee of three chemistry faculty and one outside department faculty member on your research and defense of an original research proposal (synthetic) or critical analysis of a recent outside paper (non-synthetic).

Dissertation (all divisions): Submission of your dissertation approved by a committee of your research adviser, a second chemistry faculty member, and one outside department faculty member. No dissertation defense.

CHEM 200 Chemistry Fundamentals 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Review of bonding, structure, stereochemistry, conformation, thermodynamics and kinetics, and arrow-pushing formalisms. Chemistry Fundamentals: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 6 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 0 hours of voluntary per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and zero hour of voluntary per week for 6 weeks.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Chemistry Fundamentals: Read Less [-]

CHEM 201 Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Review of bonding, structure, MO theory, thermodynamics, and kinetics. Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 6 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week for five weeks.

Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry: Read Less [-]

CHEM 208 Structure Analysis by X-Ray Diffraction 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 The theory and practice of modern, single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Groups of four students determine the crystal and molecular structure of newly synthesized materials from the College of Chemistry. The laboratory work involves the mounting of crystals and initial evaluation by X-ray diffraction film techniques, the collection of intensity data by automated diffractometer procedures, and structure analysis and refinement. Structure Analysis by X-Ray Diffraction: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 8 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Lecture and Eight hours of Laboratory per week for 15 weeks.

Structure Analysis by X-Ray Diffraction: Read Less [-]

CHEM 214 Heterocyclic Chemistry 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020 Advanced topics in organic chemistry with a focus on the reactivity and synthesis of aromatic heterocycles. Classic and modern methods for the synthesis of indoles, pyridines, furans, pyrroles, and quinolines will be covered, as well as complex, multi-heteroatom ring systems. Applications to medicinal and bioorganic chemistry will be included where appropriate. Heterocyclic Chemistry: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor. A year of organic chemistry with a grade of B- or better is required for undergraduate enrollment

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week.

Instructor: Maimone

Heterocyclic Chemistry: Read Less [-]

CHEM 220A Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 A rigorous presentation of classical thermodynamics followed by an introduction to statistical mechanics with the application to real systems. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 120B

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 0 hours of voluntary per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and zero hour of voluntary per week.

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: Read Less [-]

CHEM 220B Statistical Mechanics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 Principles of statistical mechanics and applications to complex systems. Statistical Mechanics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 220A

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Statistical Mechanics: Read Less [-]

CHEM 221A Advanced Quantum Mechanics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Basic principles/postulates of quantum mechanics, Hilbert space and representation theory, quantum theory of measurements, advanced descriptions of harmonic oscillator and theory of angular momentum, time independent and time dependent approximation methods, applications to quantum mechanics of atoms and molecules. Advanced Quantum Mechanics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chem120A or Physics137A, Chem120B and Chem122, or equivalents

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-2 hours of voluntary per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and zero to two hours of voluntary per week.

Advanced Quantum Mechanics: Read Less [-]

CHEM 221B Advanced Quantum Mechanics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Time dependence, interaction of matter with radiation, scattering theory. Molecular and many-body quantum mechanics. Advanced Quantum Mechanics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 221A

CHEM 222 Spectroscopy 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Spring 2015 This course presents a survey of experimental and theoretical methods of spectroscopy, and group theory as used in modern chemical research. The course topics include experimental methods, classical and quantum descriptions of the interaction of radiation and matter. Qualitative and quantitative aspects of the subject are illustrated with examples including application of linear and nonlinear spectroscopies to the study of molecular structure and dynamics and to quantitative analysis. This course is offered jointly with 122. Spectroscopy: Read More [+]

Spectroscopy: Read Less [-]

CHEM 223A Chemical Kinetics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 Deduction of mechanisms of complex reactions. Collision and transition state theory. Potential energy surfaces. Unimolecular reaction rate theory. Molecular beam scattering studies. Chemical Kinetics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 220A (may be taken concurrently)

Chemical Kinetics: Read Less [-]

CHEM C230 Protein Chemistry, Enzymology, and Bio-organic Chemistry 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013 The topics covered will be chosen from the following: protein structure; protein-protein interactions; enzyme kinetics and mechanism; enzyme design. Intended for graduate students in chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular and cell biology. Protein Chemistry, Enzymology, and Bio-organic Chemistry: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 10 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: At the instructor's discretion, this course may be taught over a 10 week period with three hours of lecture per week or over a 15 week period with two hours of lecture per week.

Also listed as: MCELLBI C214

Protein Chemistry, Enzymology, and Bio-organic Chemistry: Read Less [-]

CHEM C234 Green Chemistry: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Sustainability 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013 Meeting the challenge of global sustainability will require interdisciplinary approaches to research and education, as well as the integration of this new knowledge into society, policymaking, and business. Green Chemistry is an intellectual framework created to meet these challenges and guide technological development. It encourages the design and production of safer and more sustainable chemicals and products. Green Chemistry: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Sustainability: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: One year of chemistry, including a semester of organic chemistry, or consent of instructors based on previous experience

Summer: 6 weeks - 20 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. Twenty hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Instructors: Arnold, Bergman, Guth, Iles, Kokai, Mulvihill, Schwarzman, Wilson

Also listed as: ESPM C234/PB HLTH C234

Green Chemistry: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Sustainability: Read Less [-]

CHEM C236 Energy Solutions: Carbon Capture and Sequestration 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013 After a brief overview of the chemistry of carbon dioxide in the land, ocean, and atmosphere, the course will survey the capture and sequestration of CO2 from anthropogenic sources. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of materials synthesis and unit operation design, including the chemistry and engineering aspects of sequestration. The course primarily addresses scientific and engineering challenges and aims to engage students in state-of-the-art research in global energy challenges. Energy Solutions: Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemistry 4B or 1B, Mathematics 1B, and Physics 7B, or equivalents

Instructors: Bourg, DePaolo, Long, Reimer, Smit

Also listed as: CHM ENG C295Z/EPS C295Z

Energy Solutions: Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Read Less [-]

CHEM C238 The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013 After an introduction to the different aspects of our global energy consumption, the course will focus on the role of biomass. The course will illustrate how the global scale of energy guides the biomass research. Emphasis will be places on the integration of the biological aspects (crop selection, harvesting, storage, and distribution, and chemical composition of biomass) with the chemical aspects to convert biomass to energy. The course aims to engage students in state-of-art research. The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Biology 1A; Chemistry 1B or 4B, Mathematics 1B

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit under special circumstances: Repeatable when topic changes with consent of instructor.

Instructors: Bell, Blanch, Clark, Smit, C. Somerville

Also listed as: BIO ENG C281/CHM ENG C295A/PLANTBI C224

The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass: Read Less [-]

CHEM C242 Machine Learning, Statistical Models, and Optimization for Molecular Problems 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023 An introduction to mathematical optimization, statistical models, and advances in machine learning for the physical sciences. Machine learning prerequisites are introduced including local and global optimization, various statistical and clustering models, and early meta-heuristic methods such as genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks. Building on this foundation, current machine learning techniques are covered including deep learning artificial neural networks, Convolutional neural networks, Recurrent and long short term memory (LSTM) networks, graph neural networks, decision trees. Machine Learning, Statistical Models, and Optimization for Molecular Problems: Read More [+]

Objectives & Outcomes

Course Objectives: To build on optimization and statistical modeling to the field of machine learning techniques To introduce the basics of optimization and statistical modeling techniques relevant to chemistry students To utilize these concepts on problems relevant to the chemical sciences.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to understand the landscape and connections between numerical optimization, stand-alone statistical models, and machine learning techniques, and its relevance for chemical problems.

Prerequisites: Math 53 and Math 54; Chem 120A or 120B or BioE 103; or consent of intructor

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for BIO ENG C242 after completing BIO ENG 242. A deficient grade in BIO ENG C242 may be removed by taking BIO ENG 242.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week.

Instructor: Teresa Head-Gordon

Formerly known as: Bioengineering C242/Chemistry C242

Also listed as: BIO ENG C242

Machine Learning, Statistical Models, and Optimization for Molecular Problems: Read Less [-]

CHEM 243 Advanced Nuclear Structure and Reactions 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2013, Fall 2009, Fall 2008 Selected topics on nuclear structure and nuclear reactions. Advanced Nuclear Structure and Reactions: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 143 or equivalent and introductory quantum mechanics

Advanced Nuclear Structure and Reactions: Read Less [-]

CHEM 250A Introduction to Bonding Theory 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 An introduction to group theory, symmetry, and representations as applied to chemical bonding. Introduction to Bonding Theory: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 200 or 201 or consent of instructor and background in the use of matrices and linear algebra

Introduction to Bonding Theory: Read Less [-]

CHEM 250B Inorganic Spectroscopy 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013 The theory of vibrational analysis and spectroscopy as applied to inorganic compounds. Inorganic Spectroscopy: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 250A or consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 6 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week 15 weeks - 0 hours of lecture per week

Inorganic Spectroscopy: Read Less [-]

CHEM 251A Coordination Chemistry I 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016 Structure and bonding, synthesis, and reactions of the d-transition metals and their compounds. Coordination Chemistry I: Read More [+]

Coordination Chemistry I: Read Less [-]

CHEM 251B Coordination Chemistry II 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2014 Synthesis, structure analysis, and reactivity patterns in terms of symmetry orbitals. Coordination Chemistry II: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 251A or consent of instructor

Coordination Chemistry II: Read Less [-]

CHEM 252A Organometallic Chemistry I 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021 An introduction to organometallics, focusing on structure, bonding, and reactivity. Organometallic Chemistry I: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 200 or 201 or consent of instructor

Organometallic Chemistry I: Read Less [-]

CHEM 252B Organometallic Chemistry II 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021 Applications of organometallic compounds in synthesis with an emphasis on catalysis. Organometallic Chemistry II: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 252A or consent of instructor

Organometallic Chemistry II: Read Less [-]

CHEM 253A Materials Chemistry I 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Fall 2019 Introduction to the descriptive crystal chemistry and electronic band structures of extended solids. Materials Chemistry I: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 200 or 201, and 250A, or consent of instructor

Materials Chemistry I: Read Less [-]

CHEM 253B Materials Chemistry II 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Fall 2019 General solid state synthesis and characterization techniques as well as a survey of important physical phenomena including optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. Materials Chemistry II: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 253A or consent of instructor

Materials Chemistry II: Read Less [-]

CHEM 253C Materials Chemistry III 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Fall 2019 Introduction to surface catalysis, organic solids, and nanoscience. Thermodynamics and kinetics of solid state diffusion and reaction will be covered. Materials Chemistry III: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 5 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 5 weeks.

Instructors: Somorjai, Yang

Materials Chemistry III: Read Less [-]

CHEM 254 Bioinorganic Chemistry 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013 A survey of the roles of metals in biology, taught as a tutorial involving class presentations. Bioinorganic Chemistry: Read More [+]

Bioinorganic Chemistry: Read Less [-]

CHEM 260 Reaction Mechanisms 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Advanced methods for studying organic reaction mechanisms. Topics include kinetic isotope effects, behavior of reactive intermediates, chain reactions, concerted reactions, molecular orbital theory and aromaticity, solvent and substituent effects, linear free energy relationships, photochemistry. Reaction Mechanisms: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 200 or consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 10 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 0 hours of voluntary per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and zero hour of voluntary per week for 10 weeks.

Formerly known as: 260A-260B

Reaction Mechanisms: Read Less [-]

CHEM 261A Organic Reactions I 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Features of the reactions that comprise the vocabulary of synthetic organic chemistry. Organic Reactions I: Read More [+]

Organic Reactions I: Read Less [-]

CHEM 261B Organic Reaction II 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 More reactions that are useful to the practice of synthetic organic chemistry. Organic Reaction II: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 261A or consent of instructor

Organic Reaction II: Read Less [-]

CHEM 261C Organic Reactions III 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011 This course will consider further reactions with an emphasis on pericyclic reactions such as cycloadditions, electrocyclizations, and sigmatropic rearrangements. Organic Reactions III: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 261B or consent of instructor

Organic Reactions III: Read Less [-]

CHEM 262 Metals in Organic Synthesis 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Transition metal-mediated reactions occupy a central role in asymmetric catalysis and the synthesis of complex molecules. This course will describe the general principles of transition metal reactivity, coordination chemistry, and stereoselection. This module will also emphasize useful methods for the analysis of these reactions. Metals in Organic Synthesis: Read More [+]

Metals in Organic Synthesis: Read Less [-]

CHEM 263A Synthetic Design I 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course will provide an exposure to the range of catalytic reactions of organometallic systems, the identity of the catalysts for these reactions, and the scope and limitations of these reactions. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms of homogeneous catalytic processes. Students will see the types of molecular fragments generated by catalytic organometallic chemistry and see the synthetic disconnections made possible by these reactions. The scope of transformations will encompass those forming commodity chemicals on large scale, pharmaceuticals on small scale, and both commodity and specialty polymers Synthetic Design I: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 262 or consent of instructor

Synthetic Design I: Read Less [-]

CHEM 263B Synthetic Design II 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course will provide an exposure to the range of catalytic reactions of organometallic systems, the identity of the catalysts for these reactions, and the scope and limitations of these reactions. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms of homogeneous catalytic processes. Students will see the types of molecular fragments generated by catalytic organometallic chemistry and see the synthetic disconnections made possible by these reactions. The scope of transformations will encompass those forming commodity chemicals on large scale, pharmaceuticals on small scale, and both commodity and specialty polymers. Synthetic Design II: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 263A or consent of instructor

Synthetic Design II: Read Less [-]

CHEM 265 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Theory and Application 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 The theory behind practical nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a survey of its applications to chemical research. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Theory and Application: Read More [+]

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Theory and Application: Read Less [-]

CHEM 268 Mass Spectrometry 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2019 Principles, instrumentation, and application in mass spectrometry, including ionization methods, mass analyzers, spectral interpretation, multidimensional methods (GC/MS, HPLC/MS, MS/MS), with emphasis on small organic molcules and bioanalytical applications (proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, noncovalent complexes); this will include the opportunity to be trained and checked out on several open-access mass spectrometers. Mass Spectrometry: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 10 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 10 weeks.

Mass Spectrometry: Read Less [-]

CHEM 270A Advanced Biophysical Chemistry I 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Underlying principles and applications of methods for biophysical analysis of biological macromolecules. Advanced Biophysical Chemistry I: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 7.5 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Advanced Biophysical Chemistry I: Read Less [-]

CHEM 270B Advanced Biophysical Chemistry II 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 More applications of methods for biophysical analysis of biological macromolecules. Advanced Biophysical Chemistry II: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 270A or consent of instructor

Additional Format: Two hours of Lecture per week for 7.5 weeks.

Advanced Biophysical Chemistry II: Read Less [-]

CHEM C271A Chemical Biology I - Structure, Synthesis and Function of Biomolecules 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course will present the structure of proteins, nucleic acids, and oligosaccharides from the perspective of organic chemistry. Modern methods for the synthesis and purification of these molecules will also be presented. Chemical Biology I - Structure, Synthesis and Function of Biomolecules: Read More [+]

Also listed as: MCELLBI C212A

Chemical Biology I - Structure, Synthesis and Function of Biomolecules: Read Less [-]

CHEM C271B Chemical Biology II - Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course will focus on the principles of enzyme catalysis. The course will begin with an introduction of the general concepts of enzyme catalysis which will be followed by detailed examples that will examine the chemistry behind the reactions and the three-dimensional structures that carry out the transformations. Chemical Biology II - Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms: Read More [+]

Also listed as: MCELLBI C212B

Chemical Biology II - Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms: Read Less [-]

CHEM C271C Chemical Biology III - Contemporary Topics in Chemical Biology 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course will build on the principles discussed in Chemical Biology I and II. The focus will consist of case studies where rigorous chemical approaches have been brought to bear on biological questions. Potential subject areas will include signal transduction, photosynthesis, immunology, virology, and cancer. For each topic, the appropriate bioanalytical techniques will be emphasized. Chemical Biology III - Contemporary Topics in Chemical Biology: Read More [+]

Also listed as: MCELLBI C212C

Chemical Biology III - Contemporary Topics in Chemical Biology: Read Less [-]

CHEM 274A Programming Languages for Molecular Sciences: Python and C++ 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Course provides in-depth coverage of programming concepts and techniques required for scientific computing, data science, and high-performance computing using C++ and Python. Course will compare and contrast the functionalities of the two languages. Topics include classes, overloading, data abstraction, information hiding, encapsulation, file processing, exceptions, and low-level language features. Exercises based on molecular science problems will provide hands-on experience needed to learn these languages. Course serves as a prereq to later MSSE courses: Data Science, Machine Learning Algorithms, Software Engineering for Scientific Computing, Numerical Algorithms Applied to Computational Quantum Chemistry, and Applications Parallel Comp. Programming Languages for Molecular Sciences: Python and C++: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Prior exposure to basic programming methodology or the consent of the instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture, 2-2 hours of discussion, and 0-2 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and two hours of discussion and zero to two hours of laboratory per week.

Programming Languages for Molecular Sciences: Python and C++: Read Less [-]

CHEM 274B Software Engineering Fundamentals for Molecular Sciences 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Course will advance students’ understanding of fundamental knowledge and techniques for developing complex software. Students will gain an in-depth view of computer system architecture as well as abstraction techniques as means to manage program complexity. Students will collaboratively develop a software engineering package, gaining experience in all aspects of the software development process. Course serves as a prerequisite to later MSSE courses: Data Science, Machine Learning Algorithms, Software Engineering for Scientific Computing, Numerical Algorithms Applied to Computational Quantum Chemistry, and Applications of Parallel Computers Software Engineering Fundamentals for Molecular Sciences: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chem 274A - MSSE’s Introduction to Programming Languages – C++ and Python -

Software Engineering Fundamentals for Molecular Sciences: Read Less [-]

CHEM 275A Introduction to Programming Languages C++ and Python 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2020 This course provides in-depth coverage of programming concepts and techniques required for scientific computing, data science, and high-performance computing using C++ and Python. The course will compare and contrast the functionalities of the two languages. Topics include classes, overloading, data abstraction, information hiding, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, file processing, templates, exceptions, container classes, and low-level language features. Numerous exercises based on molecular science problems will provide the hands-on experience needed to learn these languages Introduction to Programming Languages C++ and Python: Read More [+]

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to A. Develop the necessary skills to effectively interact with machine learning environments. B. Acquire the skills needed to develop high-performance computing software.

Fall and/or spring: 8 weeks - 5 hours of web-based lecture and 6 hours of web-based discussion per week

Additional Format: Six hours of web-based discussion and five hours of web-based lecture per week for 8 weeks.

Introduction to Programming Languages C++ and Python: Read Less [-]

CHEM 275B Introduction to Software Engineering Best Practices 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2020 This course will advance students’ understanding of the different steps involved in software design. Students will acquire hands-on experience in practical problems such as specifying, designing, building, testing, and delivering reliable software systems for scientific computing. Students will collaboratively develop a software engineering package, thus gaining experience in all aspects of the software development process from the feasibility study to the final delivery of the product. This course is a prerequisite to MSSE courses in Software Engineering for Scientific Computing, Computational Chemistry and Materials Science, and Parallel Computing. Introduction to Software Engineering Best Practices: Read More [+]

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successfully completing this course, students will have the skills needed to develop high-performance computing software.

Prerequisites: Chem 275 - MSSE’s Introduction to Programming Languages – C++ and Python

Introduction to Software Engineering Best Practices: Read Less [-]

CHEM 277B Machine Learning Algorithms 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 An introduction to mathematical optimization and statistics and "non-algorithmic" computation using machine learning. Machine learning prerequisites are introduced including local and global optimization, various statistical and clustering models, and early meta-heuristic methods such as genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks. Building on this foundation, current machine learning techniques are covered including Deep Learning networks, Convolutional neural networks, Recurrent and long short term memory (LSTM) networks, and support vector machines and Gaussian ridge regression. Various case studies in applying optimization, statistical modeling, and machine learning methods as classification and regression task Machine Learning Algorithms: Read More [+]

Student Learning Outcomes: A. To introduce the basics of optimization and statistical modeling techniques relevant to machine learning B. To build on optimization and statistical modeling to the recent field of machine learning techniques. C. To understand data and algorithms relevant to machine learning

Prerequisites: The students will have had MSSE courses (1) Chem 270 - Intro to Programming, (2) Chem 271 - Software Best Practices, and (3) DS100 courses

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture and 5.5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Four hours of lecture and two hours of discussion per week. Four and one-half hours of lecture and five and one-half hours of discussion per week for 8 weeks.

Machine Learning Algorithms: Read Less [-]

CHEM 278 Ethical Topics for Professional Software Engineering 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course will expose students to applied ethics in professional ethics, information technology, intellectual property, and corporate ethics that are topic relevant to the MSSE degree. Ethical Topics for Professional Software Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MSSE program

Fall and/or spring: 5 weeks - 1 hour of web-based lecture and 1 hour of web-based discussion per week

Additional Format: One hour of web-based discussion and one hour of web-based lecture per week for five weeks.

Ethical Topics for Professional Software Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHEM 279 Numerical Algorithms applied to Computational Quantum Chemistry 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Introduction to numerical algorithms, their application to computational quantum chemistry, and best practices for software implementation and reuse. This course covers a toolbox of useful algorithms from applied mathematics that are used in physical simulations. Illustrated via computer implementation of density functional theory for modeling chemical reaction mechanisms from quantum mechanics. Topics covered include local optimization, numerical derivatives and integration, dense linear algebra the symmetric eigenvalue problem, the singular value decomposition, and the fast Fourier transform. Students are guided through principles of procedural and object-oriented programming C++ and usage of efficient numerical libraries.. Numerical Algorithms applied to Computational Quantum Chemistry: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: 1. To introduce computer-based physical simulation via computational quantum chemistry. 2. To develop the core numerical algorithms needed to efficiently implement computational quantum chemistry methods, as well as other physical simulations. 3. To reinforce programming skills directed to sustainable software as well as intelligent use of optimized libraries to implement numerical kernels.

Prerequisites: Students will have had MSSE courses (1) Chem 275A Intro to Programming, (2) Chem 275B Software Best Practices, and (3) Data Science 100 courses. In addition, undergraduate physical chemistry (Chem 120A or equivalent) or permission of instructor is required

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and three hours of discussion per week.

Numerical Algorithms applied to Computational Quantum Chemistry: Read Less [-]

CHEM 280 Foundations of Programming and Software Engineering for Molecular Sciences 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course provides an overview of topics relevant to programming and creating software projects. The course will be taught in collaboration with members of the Molecular Sciences Software Institute (MolSII). Students will learn basic syntax, use cases, and ecosystems for Python and C++. Students will become familiar with tools and practices commonly used in software development such as version control, documentation, and testing. Central to this course is a hands on molecular simulation project where students work in groups to create a software package using concepts taught in the course. Foundations of Programming and Software Engineering for Molecular Sciences: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Acceptance to MSSE program

Fall and/or spring: 2 weeks - 20 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Twenty hours of lecture per week for two weeks.

Foundations of Programming and Software Engineering for Molecular Sciences: Read Less [-]

CHEM 281 Software Engineering for Scientific Computing 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 The course covers computer architecture and software features that have the greatest impact on performance. It addresses debugging and performance tunning, detecting memory and stack overwrites, malloc corruption, hotspot, paging, cache misses. A toolbox with common algorithms: sorting, searching, hashing, trees, graph traversing, is followed by common patterns used in object-oriented design. It describes programming paradigms , dynamic libraries, distributed architectures, and services. Lectures on linear algebra and performance libraries are provided as background for future courses. HPC paradigms and GPU programming are introduced. Software packaging, extensibility, and interactivity is followed by team development, testing and hardening. Software Engineering for Scientific Computing: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: The objective of this recurrent course is to equip students with the skills and tools every software engineer must master for a successful professional career.

Prerequisites: Students will have had MSSE courses (1) C275A Intro to Programming, (2) C275B Software Best Practices. Students are expected to be familiar with programming in C++ and have a basic understanding of LINUX. Additional materials will be provided for students to peruse as necessary

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 1 hour of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion and one hour of laboratory per week.

Software Engineering for Scientific Computing: Read Less [-]

CHEM 282 MSSE Leadership Bootcamp 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This boot camp for the Master of Molecular Science and Software Engineering program is a two-week intensive course that introduces program participants to the leadership, management and entrepreneurial skills necessary in today’s professional environment. Using the capstone project as a baseline, this course aims to provide program participants an understanding of the key aspects of management and leadership disciplines; team and organization dynamics; leading and participating in cross functional teams; engineering economic, finance and accounting concepts; effective communication skills and project management. MSSE Leadership Bootcamp: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Chem 283 Capstone Project Course

Fall and/or spring: 2 weeks - 17-17 hours of lecture and 25-25 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Course meets 9am - 5pm everyday (including weekends) for 2 weeks.

MSSE Leadership Bootcamp: Read Less [-]

CHEM 283 MSSE Capstone Project Course 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course provides students with a multifaceted experience managing a project involving the application and development of software for Computational Sciences. Students exercise leadership, team building, and critical thinking skills resulting in a Capstone project deliverables and final report. Capstone projects are an essential part of the MSSE program because students transfer skills learned in other MSSE courses to a real-world application in particular applying several software engineering, algorithmic and scientific concepts This course is also designed to be tightly integrated with MSSE’s Leadership Bootcamp. Capstone projects are developed with MSSE industrial and academic partners, individually or in cross-functional teams. MSSE Capstone Project Course: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: All courses in the MSSE program curriculum are prerequisite of the Capstone Project course. Concurrent enrollment in Chem 282-MSSE Leadership Bootcamp and CS267-Applications of Parallel Computers is required

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-1 hours of lecture and 2-2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture and two hours of discussion per week.

MSSE Capstone Project Course: Read Less [-]

CHEM 295 Special Topics 1 - 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Lecture series on topics of current interest. Recently offered topics: Natural products synthesis, molecular dynamics, statistical mechanics, molecular spectroscopy, structural biophysics, organic polymers, electronic structure of molecules and bio-organic chemistry. Special Topics: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: One to Three hour of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Special Topics: Read Less [-]

CHEM 298 Seminars for Graduate Students 1 - 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 In addition to the weekly Graduate Research Conference and weekly seminars on topics of interest in biophysical, organic, physical, nuclear, and inorganic chemistry, there are group seminars on specific fields of research. Seminars will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Seminars for Graduate Students: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of colloquium per week

Additional Format: One to three hours of colloquium per week.

Seminars for Graduate Students: Read Less [-]

CHEM 299 Research for Graduate Students 1 - 9 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Facilities are available to graduate students pursuing original investigations toward an advanced degree in Chemistry or related fields at the University of California, Berkeley. Investigations may include experiment, theory, data analysis, and dissemination of accomplishments or discoveries in the form of oral and written presentations or manuscripts submitted for peer-reviewed publication. Such work is done under the supervision and direction of a faculty member or their designee. Research for Graduate Students: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: Provide opportunities for graduate students to engage in original research under the direction, support, and mentorship of a faculty member in the chemistry department at UC Berkeley.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students will learn the skills and techniques necessary to complete a PhD in the field of Chemistry and ultimately become a world expert in their thesis research area. Students will show progress in the following areas related to their chosen field of study, including, but not limited to the following: Creativity, intellectual ownership, initiative, technical proficiency, resilience, communication both orally and in writing, ability to solve challenging problems, broad understanding of relevant disciplinary background (literature), the ability to initiate new research directions aimed toward solving important scientific challenges.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Consent of Instructor Required

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0-0 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Zero hour of independent study per week.

Research for Graduate Students: Read Less [-]

CHEM 300 Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Discussion, curriculum development, class observation, and practice teaching in chemistry. Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and appointment as a graduate student instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.

Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers

Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry: Read Less [-]

CHEM 301 Pre-High School Chemistry Classroom Immersion 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 Provides training and opportunity for graduate students to make presentations in local public schools. Training ensures that presenters are aware of scientific information mandated by the State of California for particular grade levels, and that presentations are intellectually stimulating, relevant to the classroom students' interests, and age-appropriate. Time commitment an average of two to three hours/week, but actual time spent is concentrated during preparation and classroom delivery of presentations, which are coordinated between teachers' needs and volunteers' availability. Pre-High School Chemistry Classroom Immersion: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture per week (average).

Instructor: Bergman

Pre-High School Chemistry Classroom Immersion: Read Less [-]

CHEM 301A Undergraduate Lab Instruction 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016 Tutoring of students in 1AL and 1B laboratory. Students attend one hour of the regular GSI preparatory meeting and hold one office hour per week to answer questions about laboratory assignments. Undergraduate Lab Instruction: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor; 1A, 1AL, and 1B with grades of B- or higher

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit up to a total of 4 units.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 4 hours of tutorial per week

Additional Format: One hour of Lecture and Four hours of Tutorial per week for 15 weeks.

Grading: Offered for pass/not pass grade only.

Undergraduate Lab Instruction: Read Less [-]

CHEM 301B Undergraduate Chemistry Instruction 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016 Tutoring of students in 1A-1B. Students attend a weekly meeting on tutoring methods at the Student Learning Center and attend 1A-1B lectures. Undergraduate Chemistry Instruction: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; 1A, 1AL, and 1B with grades of B- or higher

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 5 hours of tutorial per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture and five hours of tutoring per week.

Formerly known as: 301

Undergraduate Chemistry Instruction: Read Less [-]

CHEM 301C Chemistry Teacher Scholars 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2020 The Chemistry Undergraduate Teacher Scholar Program places undergraduate students as apprentice instructors in lower division laboratory and discussion sections. In a weekly meeting with instructors, participants learn about teaching, review chemistry knowledge, and are coached to mentor students. Chemistry Teacher Scholars: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A or Chemistry 4A or equivalent. Consent of instructor required

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5-1.5 hours of lecture and 1-1 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week.

Chemistry Teacher Scholars: Read Less [-]

CHEM 301D Undergraduate Chemistry Course Instruction 1 - 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016 Tutoring of students enrolled in an undergraduate chemistry course. Undergraduate Chemistry Course Instruction: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor; completion of tutored course with a grade of B- or better

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-4 hours of tutorial per week

Additional Format: Weekly meeting with instructor of tutored course and two to four hours of tutoring.

Undergraduate Chemistry Course Instruction: Read Less [-]

CHEM 301T Undergraduate Preparation for Teaching or Instruction in Teaching 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013 Undergraduate Preparation for Teaching or Instruction in Teaching: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Junior standing, overall GPA 3.1, and consent of instructor

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit up to a total of 8 units.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two or three hours of lecture and one hour of teacher training per week.

Undergraduate Preparation for Teaching or Instruction in Teaching: Read Less [-]

CHEM 301W Supervised Instruction of Chemistry Scholars 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016 Tutoring of students in the College of Chemistry Scholars Program who are enrolled in general or organic chemistry. Students attend a weekly meeting with instructors. Supervised Instruction of Chemistry Scholars: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of independent study and 4-5 hours of tutorial per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture and three or four hours of tutoring per week.

Supervised Instruction of Chemistry Scholars: Read Less [-]

CHEM 375 Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021 Discussion, curriculum development, class observation, and practice teaching in chemistry. Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry: Read More [+]

CHEM 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students 1 - 8 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016 Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser, intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. degree. May not be used for unit or residence requirements for the doctoral degree. Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-8 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 1.5-15 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: One to Eight hour of Independent study per week for 15 weeks. One and one-half to Fifteen hours of Independent study per week for 8 weeks.

Subject/Course Level: Chemistry/Graduate examination preparation

Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read Less [-]

CHEM 700 QB3 Colloquium for Graduate Students 0.0 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 Weekly Graduate colloquium on topics of interest in QB3 research. QB3 Colloquium for Graduate Students: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-2 hours of colloquium per week

Additional Format: One to two hours of colloquium per week.

Formerly known as: Chemistry 999

QB3 Colloquium for Graduate Students: Read Less [-]

Contact Information

Department of chemistry.

419 Latimer Hall

Phone: 510-642-5882

Fax: 510-642-9675

Department Chair

724 Latimer Hall

Phone: 510-643-9915

[email protected]

Sr. Vice Chair of Synthetic Graduate Program

Thomas Maimone

826 Latimer Hall

Phone: 510-642-4488

[email protected]

Vice Chair of Physical Graduate Program

David Limmer

210 Gilman Hall

[email protected]

Vice Chair of Synthetic Graduate Program

Felix Fischer

699 Tan Hall

[email protected]

Student Affairs Officer

Phone: 510-642-5884

[email protected]

Ellen Levitan

Phone: 510-642-5883

[email protected]

Deborah Gray

[email protected]

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Acquire the skills and experience required to thrive in the field of green chemistry

Explore how green technologies are helping future innovations to be built on more sustainable foundations

Apply your expertise to a unique research project examining an area of green, sustainable or environmental science

Course key facts

Qualification, september 2024, £14,650 home, £40,500 overseas, delivered by, department of chemistry, minimum entry standard, 2:1 in chemistry, engineering or a related subject, course overview.

Discover how the application of green technologies is helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels on this Master's course.

You'll explore how greener manufacturing processes are helping minimise the impact of environmental damage on the planet. You'll also examine the new technology that is helping future innovations be built on more sustainable foundations.

During your studies, you'll receive direct insights from industry experts. This includes guest presentations from leading employers working at the forefront of sustainable chemistry.

This will help you better understand how green chemistry can promote the use of environmentally-benign chemicals and chemical processes.

A series of taught modules and journal clubs will develop your research and critical thinking skills. You'll then apply these techniques on an extended research project that explores an area of green chemistry in further detail.

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes .

Please note:  it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

Core modules

• Research project

Optional lectures

You’ll take the following core modules. 

Sustainable Chemistry (lectures)

Explore current applications and challenges in sustainable chemical processes and products.

Recovery of Metals from Waste (lectures)

Analyse key topics relating to metal recovery and recycling.

Journal Club and Renewable Energy Poster

Work on presentations that assess your ability to understand and critique material on an unfamiliar topic. 

You'll present this as part of a group in a clear, engaging and insightful manner, both visually and orally.

Proposal for Green Chemistry Research Project

The proposal assesses your aptitude to critically analyse scientific literature to provide context to your research.

You’ll also plan the work packages necessary to complete the research project and reflect on ethical, safety and commercial/societal considerations.

You'll undertake a research project, which incorporates a research proposal, dissertation, oral exam and oral presentation. The dissertation will evaluate your skills at presenting, describing and critically discussing your own experimental data. At the oral presentation, you'll be assessed on your ability to present your research with the help of visual tools in a concise fashion.

You’ll answer questions relevant to your project in the oral examination, which probes your overall understanding of the work carried out.

You also have access to the following non-assessed lectures.

Advanced Catalysis

Understand catalyst activity and selectivity through mechanistic (kinetic) studies.

Processable Electronics from Materials Chemistry to Device Applications

Broaden your understanding of the operation mechanisms of organic electronics devices and the importance of electrodes in their design.

Renewable Energy from Solar Cells to Fuel Cells

Understand charge generation and flow through a variety of chemical systems of relevance to energy production and storage.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods, assessment methods, entry requirements.

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

• Minimum academic requirement
• English language requirement
• International qualifications

2:1 in chemistry, engineering or a related subject.

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the university.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the  standard university requirement  in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the  English language requirements .

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.

For guidance see our accepted qualifications  though please note that the standards listed are the  minimum for entry to Imperial , and  not specifically this Department .

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team .

How to apply

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application rounds

We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.

Apply by midnight (UK time) on the relevant application round deadline to ensure that you receive the outcome of your application by the decision date.

We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.

• Apply by 3 November 2023
• Decision by 16 December 2023
• Apply by 19 January 2024
• Decision by 9 March 2024
• Apply by 4 April 2024
• Decision by 11 May 2024
• Apply by 24 May 2024
• Decision by 27 July 2024
• Apply by 5 July 2024
• Decision by 3 August 2024

Application fee

There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.

If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.

The fee applies per application and not per course.

• £80 for all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
• £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
• £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School.

If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.

Read full details about the application fee and waiver

Application process

Find out more about  how to apply for a Master's course , including references and personal statements.

ATAS certificate (overseas candidates)

Unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.

Nationals from the following countries are exempt: Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and EEA members.

Use this information when applying for an ATAS certificate to study this course:

• CAH code :  CAH07-02-01
• Descriptor : chemistry
• Supervisor name : Professor Oscar Ces

Get guidance and  support for obtaining an ATAS certificate .

ATAS course description

The description of the MRes course that you should use in your ATAS application is the below:

• Title of the research : Green Chemistry
• Description : The MRes course in Green Chemistry at Imperial College London is designed to improve the students’ understanding and experience in all areas of Green Chemistry by promoting the design and efficient use (i.e. resource management) of environmentally benign chemicals and chemical processes. The research project will be based in a multidisciplinary area, supervised by a chemist and another academic. This will often be a chemical engineer, biochemist or biologist, who will provide complementary expertise to the project. The student will be examining areas such as renewable feedstocks, alternative energy sources and environmental technologies. These studies will include a proposal, literature report, dissertation, oral presentations and exams.

Tuition fees

Overseas fee, inflationary increases.

You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.

Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.

Find out more about our  tuition fees payment terms , including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.

Which fee you pay

Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out  how we assess your fee status .

Postgraduate Master's Loan

If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a  Postgraduate Master’s Loan  from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.

The government has not yet published the loan amount for students starting courses in Autumn 2024. As a guide, the maximum value of the loan was £12,167 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2023. 

The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Explore how green chemical technologies can be applied in commercial or academic laboratories.

With over 15 years of experience, this programme is the leader in this subject area.

Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for an earth sciences career.

Your extended research project will prepare you for PhD study.

The Department of Chemistry also has strong sponsorship links with industry for those considering further study at PhD level.

Further links

Contact the department.

• Telephone: T: +44 (0)20 7594 2678 and +44 (0)20 7594 1241
• Email:  [email protected]

Course Directors:  Dr Agnieszka Brandt-Talbot and Dr Andreas Kafizas

View the Department of Chemistry website.

Request info

Find out more about studying at Imperial. Receive updates about life in our community, including event invites and download our latest Study guide.

Events, tasters and talks

Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.

Find an event

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

School of Green Chemistry and Engineering

• Undergraduate Program
• graduate program

Our Mission

The mission of the UToledo School of Green Chemistry and Engineering (SGCE) is to improve the human condition through research, education and outreach activities that promote safe and sustainable use, production and recycle of chemical materials.

Research Opportunities

Our faculty in the SCGE have expertise in many areas. Some research topics include development of renewable feedstocks, atom economical syntheses, catalysis, applications of benign solvents, improved analytical techniques and process design. Visit our Faculty page to find specific research interests and opportunities.

Publications

See what our faculty and students in the UToledo SGCE have been working on! These publications include the results of faculty and student research on topics related to green chemistry and green engineering. View Publications.

Hear from past student Laura Skebba ...

We have 60 green chemistry PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

All disciplines

All locations

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

All Funding

green chemistry PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Epsrc dtp funded chemistry phd: taking photocatalysis for a spin. magnetic field and isotope effects on the reactivity of semiconductor materials for solar-to-chemical energy conversion, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

PhD in Chemistry: Computational design of new heterogeneous catalysts to support net zero: conversion of CO2 to methanol

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Controlling plasma chemistry of cold atmospheric-pressure air plasmas

Cyclic hydrogen storage in chemical bonds using (de)hydrogenation catalysis, funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Fully funded 4-year studentships at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Sustainable Chemical Technologies: A Systems Approach

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training

EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training conduct research and training in priority areas funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Potential PhD topics are usually defined in advance. Students may receive additional training and development opportunities as part of their programme.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Process Industries: Net Zero

A machine learning enhanced digital twin toward sustainable pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing, competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

PhD Position in Fundamental and Applied Chemistry of PN Cages

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Green methods to revalorise wastes: transformation into sustainable materials and chemicals

Epsrc centre for doctoral training in technology enhanced chemical synthesis (tecs), primordial cooperative biological systems, investigation of green bipropellant chemical propulsion systems, enabling blue osmotic–green hydrogen energy coupling.

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• American Chemical Society
• Funding & Awards
• Scholarships & Fellowships

Heh-Won Chang, PhD Fellowship in Green Chemistry

Fellowship at a glance.

The Heh-Won Chang, Ph.D. Fellowships provide financial support to full-time graduate students conducting research in green chemistry and/or engineering.

Description

The Heh-Won Chang Fellowship was established in 2019 in honor of composites research expert, Dr. Heh-Won Chang. Fellowship funds may be used for any purpose (e.g., conference travel, professional development, and/or living expenses) while the recipients are in graduate school. Heh-Won Chang, Ph.D. Fellowship awardees receive a one-time (non-renewable) payment of $5,000. Two fellowship winners are selected annually.

Eligibility

Full-time graduate students ( U.S. or international ) are eligible to apply for this award. Applicants must demonstrate the relevance of their research to green chemistry and/or engineering (see below, under “Award Scope and Objectives”) and have at least one full year of study remaining in their graduate program from the time of the expected award. (For example, students applying for the 2025 Fellowship should intend to continue research at least through the end of the 2025-26 academic year.)

Conference Participation

Fellowship winners are responsible for meeting the abstract deadline date for the annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference where the awards symposium and ceremony will be held. Winners should be prepared to give an oral or poster presentation relevant to their graduate research. In addition, after the conclusion of the conference, all winners are required to submit a brief report that summarizes their conference experience.

The deadline for the 2025 Heh-Won Chang, Ph.D. Fellowship in Green Chemistry is 11:59 p.m. EDT (GMT-4) on November 1, 2024.

Award Scope and Objectives

Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry encompasses all aspects and types of chemical processes, including synthesis, catalysis, analysis, monitoring, and separations, and reaction conditions that reduce impacts on human health and the environment relative to the current state of the art. Research being conducted by students applying for the Chang Fellowship must address one of the following focus areas:

1. The use of greener synthetic pathways.  This focus area involves designing and implementing novel, greener pathway(s) for the synthesis of a chemical product. Examples include synthetic pathways that:

• Use feedstocks that are of lower inherent hazard to humans or the environment, and/or that are renewable (e.g., biomass, natural oils).
• Use novel reagents or catalysts, especially those that use earth-abundant metals, organocatalysts, biocatalysts, and microorganisms. Catalytic systems that contain precious metals (e.g., Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ag, Os, Ir, Au) at concentrations greater than 10 ppm are strongly discouraged unless they are heterogeneous and greater than 95% recyclable.
• Are natural processes, such as fermentation or use biomimetic processes.
• Are mass and energy efficient and show economy of process (number of steps, separations, purifications, etc.).

2. The use of greener reaction conditions.  This focus area involves improving conditions other than the overall design or redesign of a synthetic pathway. Greener analytical methods often fall within this focus area. Examples include reaction conditions that:

• Replace hazardous chemicals (starting materials, reagents, etc.) and solvents with alternatives that have a lower impact on human health and the environment.
• Use solventless reaction conditions and solid-state reactions.
• Use novel processing methods that prevent pollution at its source.
• Eliminate energy- or material-intensive separation and purification steps.
• Improve energy efficiency, including reactions running closer to ambient conditions (temperature and pressure).

3. The design of greener chemicals.  This focus area involves designing and implementing chemical products that are less hazardous than the products or technologies they replace. Examples include chemical products that are:

• Less hazardous (environmental, health and safety) than current products.
• Inherently safer with regard to accident potential.
• Recyclable or biodegradable after use.
• Safer for the environment (e.g., do not deplete ozone or form smog).

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted starting September 1, 2024. Applicants must be summited through the ACS Green Chemistry Institute application portal . To use the portal, you will need to have or create a free ACS ID.

Please Note: Applicants may not apply for multiple Green Chemistry awards during a given year; only one application per person is allowed. Please be certain that you meet the requirements for the Heh-Won Chang, Ph.D. Fellowship before applying and do not submit applications for other awards (Breen, CIBA, McClelland, Hancock) administered by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute.

Be prepared to submit the following information: 

• Name and contact information,
• Name of applicant's faculty advisor and contact information,
• Academic information including institution, department or field of study, degree expected, projected date of degree completion, green chemistry research interests, and career plans,
• A description of the applicant’s research in green chemistry or engineering, addressing one or more of the focus areas described in the “Award scope and objectives” section. This description should include a title and abstract of the research. Where applicable, applicants should specifically address the potential human health and/or environmental benefits of the research, as well as the innovation and scientific merit of the project. A discussion of impacts across the lifecycle should be included if such data are available. (5 page maximum)
• Field of study, degrees (including month and year earned or expected), education experience, including GPA or another measure of class standing, and work experience (if any).
• List of recent presentations and publications (if any).
• Letter of nomination from the applicant's faculty advisor, supervisor, or department chair (Word or PDF file no more than two pages in length). The applicant will send their advisor a link to directly upload the letter into the portal.
• Brief statement of financial need for travel support from the applicant’s advisor, supervisor, or department chair (Word or PDF file not exceeding one page). The applicant will send their advisor a link to directly upload the statement into the portal.

Judging Process

An independent panel of experts selected by the ACS GCI will judge the applications. This panel may include members of the scientific, educational, industrial, government, and environmental communities. The judging panel may request verification of any activities described or claims made in applications that are selected as finalists. The judges will select the students whose projects best meet the selection criteria for the award.

Notifications

The ACS Green Chemistry Institute will notify applicants of award acceptance on or before   January 24, 2025. The ACS will transfer the award via direct deposit upon acceptance of the fellowship and submission of relevant paperwork.

ACS Green Chemistry Institute®

Contact Information

Email  gci@acs.org  

The Heh-Won Chang Fellowship was established in 2019 in honor of composites research expert, Dr. Heh-Won Chang. Born in 1939, Heh-Won Chang earned a B.S. in chemistry at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, in 1961. He then moved to the U.S. to earn an M.S. in 1969 and a Ph.D. in 1971, both in physical chemistry from Kansas State University.

After serving as an instructor and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rochester and the University of Toronto, he joined Bendix Research Laboratories in Southfield, Michigan, conducting research on carbon-carbon composites for aircraft brakes. In 1980, he transferred to the Bendix Advanced Technology Center in Columbia, Maryland, researching the physical properties of polymers and continuous fiber composites. For the last ten years of his career, Chang was a manager for Allied-Signal’s Spectra composite business. He and his team developed more than 50 applications for customers across 15 countries.

Chang is credited with numerous papers in publications including the Journal of the American Chemical Society and the Journal of Chemical Physics, and he presented his research at many industry conferences.

He died in 1994, but his memory lives on in the green chemistry award bearing his name, the Heh-Won Chang, PhD Fellowship in Green Chemistry, which was established in 2019 by his wife, Cecilia P. Chang.

Past Recipients

Georgia Douglas, University of Victoria Research: Chitosan-based hydrogels for arsenic detection in drinking water

David Kenney, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Research: Sustainably maximizing carbon throughput from post-consumer municipal solid waste

Elanna Neppel ,  Michigan State University Research: Zero to Hero: Zero-Valued Plastic Waste Upcycled into Kevlar®

Ming-en Fei ,  Washington State University Research: Modifications of epoxy vitrimer systems and their applications

Jianan Gao ,  New Jersey Institute of Technology Research Focus: Electrified membrane flow-cell technology for more sustainable water filtration and the upcycling of nitrate removed to valuable commodity chemicals.

Cristián Pacheco Woroch ,  Stanford University Research Focus: Sustainable performance-advantaged polyamides sourced from lignocellulose and CO2.

Gabriela Gastelu ,  National University of Córdoba, Argentina Research Focus: Design of new synthetic strategies for the utilization of captured CO2 to make organocatalysts that assist in the transformation of CO2 into C1 building blocks.

Tessa Myren ,  University of Colorado, Boulder Research Focus: Greener and safer closed-loop recycling of CO2 and plastics using electrochemistry, mild conditions and earth-abundant electrocatalysts to break down polymers into CO and building material (carbonate).

Heather LeClerc ,  Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA Research Focus: Hydrothermal liquefaction to produce bio-crude from municipal food waste.

Nakisha Mark ,  University of the West Indies, Trinidad Research Focus: The conversion of furfural into biofuels using nanocatalysts comprised of earth-abundant metals.

Related Opportunities

ACS International Research Experience for Students (IRES) Program Enabling talented young chemical and materials scientists to spend a summer conducting research in another country.

Joseph Breen Memorial Fellowship Supporting the participation of a young international green chemistry scholar in a green chemistry technical meeting, conference, or training program.

The Jonathan L. Sessler Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Bioinorganic and Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry Recognizing emerging leaders in bioinorganic and medicinal inorganic chemistry.

Teaching Green Fellowship This award will be given to a pedagogical innovator who has reimagined one or more parts of the chemistry curriculum to better prepare students for future careers in which they can work toward addressing grand global challenges such as those addressed by the U.N. SDGs. The award will consist of a certificate, $10,000 dedicated to faculty summer salary, $5,000 for summer stipend(s) for student(s) working in conjunction with faculty on greener curriculum materials, and travel support for the awardee and one student (up to $1,000 each) to attend the annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference to receive the award and present their work.

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GreenSI @ChemCU

Green chemistry & sustainability.

The First International Graduate Curriculum for Green Chemistry and Sustainability in ASEAN

Learn more about the program

What is green chemistry and sustainability? Learn more about our objectives and goals

Learn more about our research projects, research supervisors, and research facilities

Graduate Studies

Learn more about our curricula (MSc and PhD), required and elective courses, application and scholarship

Research projects

The project topics in our curriculum are based on the “12 Principles of Green Chemistry” and the “17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” , with the ultimate goal of making the world a better place.

College of Science

Chemist uncovers better way to produce green hydrogen

Researchers from the College of Science, including graduate students, have developed a material that shows a remarkable ability to convert sunlight and water into clean energy.

Led by Assistant Professor Kyriakos Stylianou, the researchers created a photocatalyst that enables the high-speed, high-efficiency production of hydrogen, used in fuel cells for cars as well as in the manufacture of many chemicals including ammonia, in the refining of metals and in making plastics.

The findings represent a potential new tool to use against greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, said Stylianou, whose research focuses on crystalline, porous materials known as metal organic frameworks, usually abbreviated as MOFs.

Made up of positively charged metal ions surrounded by organic “linker” molecules, MOFs have nanosized pores and tunable structural properties. They can be designed with a variety of components that determine the MOF’s properties.

In this study, researchers used a MOF to derive a metal oxide heterojunction – a combination of two materials with complementary properties – to make a catalyst that, when exposed to sunlight, quickly and efficiently splits water into hydrogen.

The heterojunction, which they refer to as RTTA, features MOF-derived ruthenium oxide and titanium oxide doped with sulfur and nitrogen. They tested multiple RTTAs with different amounts of the oxides and found a clear winner.

To read the full article, click here.

Image depicting how the photocatalyst splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Read more stories about: osu press releases , news , faculty and staff , graduate students , chemistry , materials science , research , economic impact , innovation , interdisciplinary

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Department of Chemistry

Chemist uncovers better way to produce green hydrogen

Researchers from the College of Science, including graduate students, have developed a material that shows a remarkable ability to convert sunlight and water into clean energy.

Led by Assistant Professor Kyriakos Stylianou, the researchers created a photocatalyst that enables the high-speed, high-efficiency production of hydrogen, used in fuel cells for cars as well as in the manufacture of many chemicals including ammonia, in the refining of metals and in making plastics.

The findings represent a potential new tool to use against greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, said Stylianou, whose research focuses on crystalline, porous materials known as metal organic frameworks, usually abbreviated as MOFs.

Made up of positively charged metal ions surrounded by organic “linker” molecules, MOFs have nanosized pores and tunable structural properties. They can be designed with a variety of components that determine the MOF’s properties.

In this study, researchers used a MOF to derive a metal oxide heterojunction – a combination of two materials with complementary properties – to make a catalyst that, when exposed to sunlight, quickly and efficiently splits water into hydrogen.

The heterojunction, which they refer to as RTTA, features MOF-derived ruthenium oxide and titanium oxide doped with sulfur and nitrogen. They tested multiple RTTAs with different amounts of the oxides and found a clear winner.

To read the full article, click here.

Image depicting how the photocatalyst splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Read more stories about: osu press releases , news , faculty and staff , graduate students , chemistry , materials science , research , economic impact , innovation , interdisciplinary

Related Stories

Across the department, explore related stories.

Ignite inSTEM summer camp mentors underrepresented students in chemistry

A budding chemist and reigning gold medalist: Oregon state rower finishes strong

Iron could be key to less expensive, greener lithium-ion batteries, research finds

International chemistry senior finds her footing at Oregon State

• MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

Seven graduate students honored with Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (7/18/2024) – Seven graduate students advised by Department of Chemistry faculty members were recently awarded the University of Minnesota’s Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship. The seven students honored by this prestigious award are Kaylee Barr, Brylon Denman, Madeline Honig, Chris Seong, Sneha Venkatachalapathy, Murphi Williams, and Caini Zheng.

Kaylee Barr , a Chemical Engineering and Materials Science PhD student, is entering her fifth year in the Reineke Group . Before making the move to Minnesota, she received her BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kansas. “I came to the University of Minnesota because of the department's developments in polymer science, and because I was interested in the intersection of polymer science and drug delivery in Theresa Reineke's lab,” she says. Here at UMN, Kaylee studies how bottlebrush polymer architecture affects pH-responsive oral drug delivery. This summer, she is excited to grow professionally and as a scientist in an intern position at Genentech.

Brylon Denman is a Chemistry PhD candidate in the Roberts Group . She joined the UMN community in 2020 after completing her BS in Biochemistry at St. Louis University. “My research in the Roberts group seeks to resolve regioselectivity and reactivity issues within aryne methodology via ligand control,” Brylon says. “To accomplish this task, I have taken a mechanistic and hypothesis driven approach to understand how key molecular parameters modify regioselectivity and reactivity. I hope to use the knowledge I have gained from these studies to both improve the synthetic utility of aryne intermediates, and improve the sustainability of aryne reactions.” Brylon is also passionate about sustainable and green chemistry. As a founding member of the Sustainable and Green Chemistry committee, Brylon strives to collaborate with other department teammates to strengthen the culture of green and sustainable chemistry through integration into teaching, research, and community engagement. “In my career I aim to continue this advocacy and use my breadth of knowledge to enact sustainable change at a major pharmaceutical company as emphasizing sustainability on such a large scale can lead to a large impact,” she says. As she works through her internship at AbbVie this summer, Brylon is looking towards the future to outline her next steps after graduation.

Madeline Honig first experienced Chemistry at UMN during a summer REU experience in the Bühlmann Lab . She formally joined the Prof. Bühlmann's team in Fall 2020 after earning her BA in Chemistry from Earlham College. Her research here at UMN  has focused on the development and improved understanding of polymeric membrane-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). “One of my projects involves developing a quantitative parameter to better define the upper detection limits of these sensors which can be used to more accurately define sensor performance and predict the working range under different conditions,” Madeline says. “This research led us to investigate the unexplained 'super-Nernstian' responses of some pH-selective electrodes and expand the phase boundary model (the quantitative model that predicts ISE behavior) to include the formation of complexes between protonated ionophores and counter-ions in the sensing membrane. ISEs have been widely used for decades in clinical blood analysis among many other applications so it's exciting that I was still able to add to our fundamental understanding of how these sensors function.” One of Madeline’s goals is to use her research to enable the development of improved sensors that can be used in a wider range of conditions. Over the course of her graduate studies, Madeline has had the opportunity to be a graduate student mentor for two other students: Ariki Haba, a visiting master's student from Japan, and Katie O'Leary, a summer REU student, who both made significant contributions to the project. “Acting as a graduate mentor was really cool and I hope I can also make graduate-level chemistry research more approachable for everyone that I work with,” Madeline says. For her significant research efforts, Madeline was also recently selected in a national competition as one of the four winners of the 2024 Eastern Analytical Symposium Graduate Student Research Award. She will accept the award in November in Plainsboro NJ at the Eastern Analytical Symposium.

Chris Seong , an international student from New Zealand and PhD candidate in the Roberts Group, came to UMN after completing his BA with Distinction in Chemistry at St. Olaf College in 2020. Chris’ overarching chemistry interests involve the development of methods to utilize naturally abundant carboxylic acids as feedstock to synthesize medicinally relevant products, which are traditionally made with non-renewable starting materials derived from fossil fuels. “My earlier work has been focused on making alkyl-alkyl bonds through decarboxylation, but lately, in true Roberts Group fashion, I have turned my attention to using a similar mechanism to do aryne chemistry,” Chris says. He is currently working to publish a paper on the aryne project that he has been working on with two talented group mates; Sal Kargbo and Felicia Yu. “I am really excited to share this cool chemistry with the world,” he says. Outside of the lab, Chris is working on expanding his network to apply for jobs in the pharmaceutical industry – specifically in the early process space.

Sneha Venkatachalapathy is a member of the Distefano Group and an international student from India. She completed her BS in Chemistry with a minor degree in Biotechnology from Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India in 2020. “Chemistry has always been my passion since high school. I still remember my first successful brown ring test that has left a remarkable fascination and interest towards chemistry,” Sneha says. “This early fascination has driven my academic journey, guided by mentors like Dr. Subhabrata Sen, who encouraged me to pursue a PhD in the United States.” Sneha was drawn towards working in the Chemical Biology research field where she could directly contribute to developing human life. “Joining Dr. Mark Distefano’s lab at UMN provided me with the chance to collaborate with Dr. Mohammad Rashidian from Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Together, we work towards expanding the scope of protein prenylation to construct protein-based cancer diagnostic tools,” she says. Sneha’s goal for her time in the UMN PhD program is to create innovative protein-based tools for cancer detection and treatment, aiming to enhance patient’s quality of life. She says she is looking forward to continuing to develop her leadership skills as she continues her doctorate, and is also exploring future opportunities beyond UMN. “One thing that motivates me daily is the belief that my research contributions to the scientific community would enhance our understanding of cancer diagnostic methods, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes worldwide,” she says.

Murphi Williams  completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, then joined the Bhagi-Damodaran at UMN in 2020. When it comes to research, Murphi is interested in chemical biology, more specifically, looking into proteins involved in important biological problems. “One of my major projects is developing and characterizing a potential inhibitor for  Mycobacterium tuberculosis , the bacteria that causes tuberculosis,” Murphi says. “Tuberculosis is the leading infectious disease so my projects center on understanding and inhibiting heme proteins important for the bacteria. Specifically, a previous lab member identified a small molecule that I've been characterizing the activity of in cells.” Her current research goal is to express and purify the protein targets for her small molecule inhibitor in the lab to further demonstrate the in vitro activity. She is also contemplating a future career in science communication. Outside of the lab, she enjoys working on her garden. 

Caini Zheng joined the Chemistry at the UMN in 2019 after finishing her undergraduate studies at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She is currently a sixth-year graduate student co-advised by Profs. Tim Lodge and Ilja Siepmann . Her research focuses on the phase behavior of soft materials, including polymers and oligomers. Her DDF statement is titled "Self-Assembly of Polymers and Amphiphiles into Bicontinuous Phases". Caini is currently working on a project to elucidate the self-assembly of glycolipids through molecular dynamics simulations coupled with machine learning methods. In the future, she wants to work in the industry on bridging data science with traditional material research.

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