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Caltech Course Catalog / 2026-2027 Catalog / Courses 2026-27 / Department / Ch

Courses 2026-27: Chemistry

Ch 1 ab

General Chemistry

part a is 6 units (3-0-3) first term; part b is 9 units (4-0-5) second term   |  first, second terms
First term: An introduction to general chemistry concepts with a focus on structure and bonding. Concepts will be tied to fundamental principles related to energy sustainability. Descriptions of atoms, both the physical and electronic structure with an introduction to quantum mechanics; chemical bonding models building up from molecules to extended solids; periodic trends; electrochemistry; and descriptions of states of matter. Second Term: A continuation of introduction to general chemistry concepts with a focus on chemical reactivity, and properties of complex chemical systems. Concepts related to energy, sustainability and human health will be the focus of the course with coverage of chemical thermodynamics; kinetics; non-covalent interactions; structure and bonding of organic molecules. Graded pass/fail.
Instructors: Agapie (a), Nelson (b)
IC/Ch 1 abc

Integrated Core: General Chemistry with Lab

6 units (3-1-2); 9 units (4-2-3); 6 units (1-3-2)   |  first, second, and third terms
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in other integrated core classes and instructor permission.
An introduction to general chemistry focusing on the molecular level understanding of the structures, properties and reactivities of matter. The course introduces the physical and electronic structures of atoms and molecules, periodic properties, chemical bonding, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, equilibrium thermodynamics, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics, and fundamental reactions of organic and biochemistry. This material provides the foundation to develop the molecular basis of energy production, conversion, storage and transmission in both society and the biosphere, with carbon dioxide used as a reference system in the lectures and the lab to exemplify underlying chemical concepts. Satisfies the core requirements for Ch 1ab and Ch 3a/3x.
Instructors: Rees, Blake
FS/Ch 2

Chemistry and the Policy of Sustainable Energy Technologies

6 units (2-0-4)   |  third term
This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the science and technology of energy systems with an emphasis on environmental and societal impacts. Topics include: global energy resources and consumption; fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal); renewable energy technologies (wind and solar); energy storage systems (batteries, fuel cells, and hydrogen); nuclear energy (fission and fusion); and bioenergetics (photosynthesis, respiration, and biological energy conversion). Through lectures and discussions, the course develops a quantitative and intuitive understanding of energy production, transformation, and sustainability in both natural and engineered systems.
Instructor: Lewis
Ch 3 a

Fundamental Techniques of Experimental Chemistry

6 units (1-3-2)   |  first, second, third terms
Introduces the basic principles and techniques of synthesis and analysis and develops the laboratory skills and precision that are fundamental to experimental chemistry. Limited enrollment. Students must take Ch 3 in their first six terms of residence in order to be graded pass/fail. Ch 3 a and Ch 3 x both satisfy the institute's Core requirement for a Chemistry Laboratory.
Instructor: Mendez
Ch 3 x

Experimental Methods in Solar Energy Conversion

6 units (1-3-2)   |  first, second, third terms
Introduces concepts and laboratory methods in chemistry and materials science centered on the theme of solar energy conversion and storage. Students will perform experiments involving optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry, laser spectroscopy, photochemistry, and photoelectrochemistry, culminating in the construction and testing of dye-sensitized solar cells. Students must take Ch 3 in their first six terms of residence in order to be graded pass/fail. Ch 3 a and Ch 3 x both satisfy the institute's Core requirement for a Chemistry Laboratory.
Instructor: Mendez
Ch 4 ab

Synthesis and Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Compounds

12 units (1-6-5)   |  second, third terms
Prerequisites: Ch 1 (or the equivalent) and Ch 3 a or Ch 3 x. Ch 4 a is a prerequisite for Ch 4 b. Previous or concurrent enrollment in Ch 41 is strongly recommended.
Introduction to methods of synthesis, separation, purification, and characterization used routinely in chemical research laboratories. Ch 4 a focuses on the synthesis and analysis of organic molecules; Ch 4 b focuses on the synthesis and analysis of inorganic and organometallic molecules. Ch 4 a, second term; Ch 4 b, third term.
Instructor: Mendez
Ch 5 ab

Advanced Techniques of Synthesis and Analysis

12 units (1-9-2)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Ch 4 ab. Ch 102 strongly recommended for Ch 5 b.
Modern synthetic chemistry. Specific experiments may change from year to year. Ch 5 a focuses on experiments illustrating the multistep syntheses of natural products. Ch 5 b focuses on the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of coordination and organometallic complexes and their applications in organic and electrochemical catalysis. Methodology will include advanced techniques of synthesis and instrumental characterization. Terms may be taken independently. Part b not offered 2026-27.
Instructor: Nelson (a)
Ch 6 ab

Physical and Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory

9 units (1-5-3)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ch 1, Ch 4 a, and Ch 21 or equivalents (may be taken concurrently).
Introduction to modern physical methods in chemistry and biology. Techniques include laser spectroscopy, microwave spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, FT-IR, fluorescence, scanning probe microscopies, and UHV surface methods. Parts a and b will both be offered in the fall term.
Instructors: Okumura (a, b)
Ch 7

Advanced Experimental Methods in Bioorganic Chemistry

9 units (1-6-2)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc, Ch/Bi 110 ab, and Ch 4 a or instructor's permission.
This advanced laboratory course will provide experience in contemporary methods used in chemical biology, including polypeptide synthesis and selective labeling and imaging of glycoproteins in cells. Experiments will address amino acid protecting group strategies, biopolymer assembly and isolation, and product characterization. A strong emphasis will be placed on understanding the chemical basis underlying the successful utilization of these procedures. In addition, experiments to demonstrate the application of commercially available enzymes for useful synthetic organic transformations will be illustrated. Students must attend the Monday pre-lab discussion and both M/W lab sections; Friday afternoons will be available for makeup labs and office hours.
Instructor: Hsieh-Wilson
Ch 8

Procedures of Synthetic Chemistry for Premedical Students

9 units (1-6-2)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ch 1 ab, and Ch 3 a or Ch 3 x. Previous or concurrent enrollment in Ch 41 is strongly recommended.
Introduction to methods of extraction, synthesis, separation and purification, and spectroscopic characterization of Aspirin, Dyes, and an independent project relating to medical test strips. Open to non-premedical students, as space allows.
Instructor: Mendez
Ch/ChE 9

Chemical Synthesis and Characterization for Chemical Engineering

9 units (1-6-2)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch 1 ab and Ch 3 a or Ch 3 x. Previous or concurrent enrollment in Ch 41 is strongly recommended.
Instruction in synthesis, separation, purification, and physical and spectroscopic characterization procedures of model organic compounds. Specifically looking into dye synthesis, methods of isomer identification, and an independent project relating to engineering and organic chemistry. Enrollment priority given to chemical engineering majors.
Instructor: Mendez
Ch 10 abc

Frontiers in Chemistry

1 unit (1-0-0) first, second terms; 6 units (1-4-1) third term.   |  first, second, third terms
Prerequisites: Open for credit to first-year students and sophomores. Ch 10 c prerequisites are Ch 10 ab, Ch 3 a or Ch 3 x, and either Ch 1 ab, Ch 41 ab, or Ch 21 ab, and instructor’s permission.

Ch 10 ab is a weekly seminar by a member of the chemistry department on a topic of current research; the topic will be presented at an informal, introductory level. Ch 10 c is a research-oriented laboratory course, which will be supervised by a chemistry faculty member. Weekly class meetings will provide a forum for participants to discuss their research projects. Graded pass/fail.

Instructor: Hoelz
Ch/Bi 11

Biochemistry Laboratory

9 units (1-5-3)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Open to students in all years, including first-year students and sophomores..
The course will focus on techniques used in modern biochemistry laboratories. Students will learn how to express recombinant proteins in bacteria and purify them with various chromatography techniques. Purified proteins will be characterized by various in vitro assays. This course prepares students for BMB/Ch 230.
Instructors: Hoelz, Chong
Ch 14

Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term
This course has two concurrent components: (1) A physical chemistry-based approach to topics in chemical equilibrium: thermodynamics, solutions, acids, bases, and buffers, electrochemistry, and kinetics. (2) Investigation of the principles behind a suite of analytical instruments and methods in chromatography, spectroscopy, titration, and select electrochemical methods.
Instructor: Dingilian
Ch 15

Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis Laboratory

9 units (0-6-3)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch 1 ab, Ch 3 a or Ch 3 x, Ch 14, or instructor's permission.
Laboratory experiments are used to illustrate modern instrumental techniques that are currently employed in industrial and academic research. Emphasis is on determinations of chemical composition, measurement of equilibrium constants, evaluation of rates of chemical reactions, and trace-metal analysis.
Instructor: Dingilian
Ch 16

Principles of Chemical Measurements

1-3-5   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch 1ab, Ch 3, Ph 1abc and Ma 1abc.
Principles of and modern developments in instrumentation used in chemistry and chemical analysis. Topics include: optical spectroscopy, fourier transform spectroscopy, light and optics, lasers, mass spectrometry, vacuum methods, surface science techniques, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, acoustics, materials characterization, chromatography, sensors, probability, statistics and error analysis. This course meets the Ch major option requirement for either waves (Ph2a) or an advanced elective.
Instructor: Okumura
Ch 21 abc

Physical Chemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first, second, third terms
Prerequisites: Ch 1 ab, Ph 2 a or Ph 12 a, Ma 2; Ma 3 is recommended. (Ph 2 a or 12 a and Ma 2 can be taken concurrently.).
Atomic and molecular quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, chemical dynamics, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Instructors: Chan (a), Wei (b), Sharma (c)
Ch 41 abc

Organic Chemistry

9 units (4-0-5)   |  first, second, third terms
Prerequisites: Ch 1 ab or instructor's permission.
The synthesis, structure, and reaction mechanisms of organic compounds.
Instructors: Dougherty (a), Hsieh-Wilson (b), Stoltz (c)
Ch 80

Chemical Research

Units in accordance with work accomplished

Offered to B.S. candidates in chemistry. Units in accordance with work accomplished. Prerequisite: consent of research supervisor. Experimental and theoretical research requiring a report containing an appropriate description of the research work.

Ch 81

Independent Reading in Chemistry

Units by arrangement
Prerequisites: instructor's permission.

Occasional advanced work involving reading assignments and a report on special topics. No more than 12 units in Ch 81 may be used as electives in the chemistry option.

Ch 82

Senior Thesis Research

9 units   |  first, second, third terms
Prerequisites: Instructor's permission.

Three terms of Ch 82 are to be completed during the junior and/or senior year of study. At the end of the third term, students enrolled in Ch 82 will present a thesis of approximately 20 pages (excluding figures and references) to the mentor and the Chemistry Curriculum and Undergraduate Studies Committee. The thesis must be approved by both the research mentor and the CUSC. An oral thesis defense will be arranged by the CUSC in the third term for all enrollees. The first two terms of Ch 82 will be taken on a pass/fail basis, and the third term will carry a letter grade.

Instructors: Agapie, staff
Ch 90

Oral Presentation

3 units (2-0-1)   |  second term

Training in the techniques of oral presentation of chemical and biochemical topics. Practice in the effective organization and delivery of technical reports before groups. Strong oral presentation is an essential skill for successful job interviews and career advancement. Graded pass/fail. Class size limited to 12 students.

Instructor: Bikle
Ch/ChE 91

Scientific Writing

3 units (2-0-1)   |  first, second, third terms

Training in the writing of scientific research papers for chemists and chemical engineers. Fulfills the Institute scientific writing requirement.

Instructors: Parker, Weitekamp
Ch 101

Chemistry Tutorials

3 units (1-0-2)   |  third term
Small group study and discussion on special areas of chemistry, chemical engineering, molecular biology, or biophysics. Instructors drawn from advanced graduate students and postdoctoral staff will lead weekly tutorial sessions and assign short homework assignments, readings, or discussions. Tutorials to be arranged with instructors before registration.
Instructor: Chan
Ch 102

Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

9 units (4-0-5)   |  third term
Structure and bonding of inorganic species with special emphasis on symmetry, spectroscopy, molecular orbital theory, ligand field theory, coordination/organometallic chemistry, and contemporary applied topics.
Instructor: Hadt
Ch 104

Intermediate Organic Chemistry

9 units (4-0-5)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc.

A survey of selected topics beyond introductory organic chemistry, including reaction mechanisms and catalysis.

Instructor: Fu
ChE/Ch/Bi/SEC 107

Social Media for Scientists

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second term

An introduction to the use of social media for scientific communication. Social media platforms are discussed in the context of their use to professionally engage scientific communities and general audiences. Topics will include ethics, privacy, reputation management, ownership and the law, and will focus on the use and impact of social media for personal and professional career development. Lectures will include presentations by invited experts in various specialties, a number of whom will have worldwide recognition. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch/Bi 110 ab

Introduction to Biochemistry

Part a: 12 units (4-0-8); Part b: 9 units (3-0-6)   |  first, second terms
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc or instructor's permission.
Lectures and recitation introducing the molecular basis of life processes. In the first term, topics will include the structure and chemical properties of biological macromolecules, molecular biology methods, and biological catalysis. The second term will cover an overview of metabolism and the biochemistry behind the transmission of genetic information.
Instructors: Fianu (a), Parker (b)
Ch/Bi 111

Biochemistry of Gene Expression

12 units (4-0-8)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch/Bi 110 ab; Bi 8 and Bi 122 recommended.
Lectures and recitation on the molecular basis of biological structure and function. Emphasizes the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information in cells. Specific topics include DNA replication, recombination, repair and mutagenesis, transcription, RNA processing, and chromatin structure.
Instructors: Parker, Semlow
Ch 112

Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ch 102 or instructor's permission.

Introduction to group theory, ligand field theory, and bonding in coordination complexes and organotransition metal compounds. Systematics of bonding, reactivity, and spectroscopy of commonly encountered classes of transition metal compounds.

Instructor: Agapie
ChE/Ch/MS 113

Squishy Engineering: Using Soft Materials to Solve Hard Problems

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second term
Prerequisites: ChE 63ab or equivalent, ChE 103ab or equivalent, and ChE 101 or equivalent; or instructor's permission.
The milk we drink in the morning (a colloidal dispersion), the gel we put into our hair (a polymer network), and the plaque that we try to scrub off our teeth (a biofilm)are all familiar examples of soft materials. Such materials also hold great promise in helping to solve engineering challenges like drug delivery, water remediation, and sustainable agriculture, as well as the development of new coatings, displays, formulations, food, and biomaterials. This class will cover fundamental aspects of the science of soft materials, presented within the context of these challenges. We will also have guest speakers describe new applications of soft materials.
Instructor: Datta
Ch 117

Introduction to Electrochemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term

Discussion of the fundamentals and applications of electrochemistry with an emphasis on the structure of electrode-electrolyte interfaces, mechanisms by which charge is transferred across it, kinetics of mass transfer to the interface, experimental techniques used to study electrode reactions, and application of electrochemical techniques to study materials chemistry. Topics may vary but usually include electrochemical thermodynamics, potential step waveforms, the electrical double layer, charge transfer kinetics, mass transfer kinetics, voltammetry, chronocoulometry, EIS, and RDE. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch 120 ab

Nature of the Chemical Bond

Ch 120 a: 9 units (3-0-6), second term; Ch 120 b: (1-1-7), third term   |  second, third terms
Prerequisites: general exposure to quantum mechanics (e.g., Ch 21 a).
Modern ideas of chemical bonding, with an emphasis on concepts useful for predictions of structures, energetics, excited states, and properties. Part a: The quantum mechanical basis for understanding bonding, structures, energetics, dynamics, and properties of materials (polymers, ceramics, metals alloys, semiconductors, and surfaces), including transition metal and organometallic systems with a focus on chemical reactivity. The emphasis is on explaining and predicting chemical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of materials in terms of atomistic concepts.; Part b: The student does an individual research project using modern quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics computer programs to calculate wavefunctions, structures, and properties of real molecules. The final is a draft for a publication.
Instructor: Goddard
Ch 121 ab

Atomic-Level Simulations of Materials and Molecules

Ch 121 a: 9 units (3-0-6) third term; Ch 121 b (1-1-7) first term   |  third, first terms
Prerequisites: Ch 21 a or Ch 125 a.
Application of Atomistic-based methods to predicting the structures and properties of molecules and solids and for simulating the dynamical properties. It is aimed at experimentalists and theorists interested in learning how to apply atomistic theory to understanding structures, properties, and dynamics of molecules and solids. This course emphasizes hands-on use of modern commercial software (such as Jaguar or ORCA for QM on molecules, VASP for QM on periodic systems, and LAMMPS for MD) for practical applications and in such areas as catalysis (heterogeneous, homogeneous, and electrocatalysis), semiconductors (group IV, III-V, surfaces, defects), organo-metallics, inorganic systems (ceramics, zeolites, superconductors, and metals), biological systems (proteins, DNA, carbohydrates, lipids), and polymers (crystals, amorphous systems, co-polymers). The first 5 weeks of Ch 121a covers the basic methods of QM and MD with hands-on applications to systems using modern software. For the midterm each student proposes a short research project to use atomistic simulations for a problem that has not yet been published. For the second 5 weeks of Ch 121a each student addresses this research project with a weekly 5-10 min presentation on progress. The final is a 5 page report on the results. In Ch 121b each student selects a more extensive research project (could be an extension of the Ch 121a project) and uses atomistic simulations to solve it. The final is a draft of a paper for publication.
Instructor: Goddard
Ch 122

Structure Determination by X-ray Crystallography

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ch 21 abc or instructor's permission.

This course provides an introduction to small molecule X-ray crystallography. Topics include symmetry, space groups, diffraction by crystals, the direct and reciprocal lattice, Patterson and direct methods for phase determination, and structure refinement. It will cover both theoretical and applied concepts and include hands-on experience in data collection, structure solution and structure refinement.

Instructor: Takase
Ch 125 abc

The Elements of Quantum Chemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first, second, third terms
Prerequisites: Ch 21 abc or an equivalent brief introduction to quantum mechanics.
A treatment of quantum mechanics with application to molecular and material systems. The basic elements of quantum mechanics, the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, the interactions of radiation fields and matter, and time dependent techniques relevant to spectroscopy will be covered. The course sequence prepares students for Ch 126, Ch 225, and 226. Part c not offered 2026-27.
Instructors: Cushing (a), Weitekamp (b)
Ch 126

Molecular Spectroscopy

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Ch 21 and Ch 125a taken concurrently, or instructor's permission.

Quantum mechanical foundations of the spectroscopy of molecules. Topics include the theory of radiation-matter interactions, applications of group theory to spectroscopy, angular momentum, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, rotational spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, and photoelectron spectroscopy.

Instructor: Winkler
Ge/Ch 127

Nuclear Chemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term
Prerequisites: instructor's permission.

A survey course in the properties of nuclei, and in atomic phenomena associated with nuclear-particle detection. Topics include rates of production and decay of radioactive nuclei; interaction of radiation with matter; nuclear masses, shapes, spins, and moments; modes of radioactive decay; nuclear fission and energy generation. Not offered 2026-27.

Instructor: Burnett
Ge/Ch 128

Cosmochemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second term
Prerequisites: instructor's permission.
Examination of the chemistry of the interstellar medium, of protostellar nebulae, and of primitive solar-system objects with a view toward establishing the relationship of the chemical evolution of atoms in the interstellar radiation field to complex molecules and aggregates in the early solar system that may contribute to habitability. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the physical conditions in various objects, timescales for physical and chemical change, chemical processes leading to change, observational constraints, and various models that attempt to describe the chemical state and history of cosmological objects in general and the early solar system in particular. The class is structured as a tutorial, in which small groups of students meet individually with the instructor, and topics are presented by the students. Each student will write papers, give presentations, and lead discussions on 3 topics throughout the term. Course is limited to 12 undergraduate participants, who will be selected at the start of the term based on background, interests, and willingness to commit to the entire term. Fulfills the Institute scientific writing requirement. Given in alternate years; not offered 2026-27.
Instructor: Blake
Ch/BMB 129

Introduction to Biophotonics

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ch 21 abc and Ch 125 recommended.

This course will cover basic optics and introduce modern optical spectroscopy principles and microscopy techniques. Topics include molecular spectroscopy, linear and nonlinear florescence microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, coherent microscopy, single-molecule spectroscopy, and super-resolution imaging.

Instructor: Wei
ChE/Ch/BE 130

Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory

9 units (0-6-3)   |  third term
Prerequisites: BE/ChE 163 or instructor's permission.
Design, construction, and characterization of engineered biological systems. Students propose and execute research projects in biomolecular engineering, synthetic biology, and genetic engineering fields. Projects will cover a broad range of molecular and cell biology, and genetics and genomics lab techniques.
Instructor: Demirer
Ch 135

Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Dynamics

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Ch 21 abc and Ch 41 abc, and Ch 125 a or equivalent, or instructor's permission.

Physical description and computations of chemical reactions and photochemistry with applications in air pollution, planetary atmospheres and condensed phases. Topics include: kinetic modeling, time-dependent quantum mechanics, rate constants, transition state theory intermolecular potentials, classical two-body elastic scattering, reactive scattering, nonadiabatic processes, statistical theories of unimolecular reactions, photochemistry, laser and molecular beam methods, theory of electron transfer, solvent effects, condensed phase dynamics, surface reactions, isotope effects. Not offered 2026-27.

ChE/Ch 137

Data Science for Chemical Systems

9 units (2-1-6)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Ch 41b.
Through lectures, in-class activities, and problem sets, students learn and use methods in data science to execute a project focused on a Quantitative Structure Property Relationship (QSPR). Students complete a typical research-based data science pipeline, including project definition, metric evaluation, data collection, data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, model selection, visualization, and reporting. During data cleaning and exploratory data analysis, students learn key concepts about univariate and multivariate statistics. Throughout the project, students learn about bias and fairness, the reproducibility crisis, statistical paradoxes, and more. Python is the programming language of instruction.
Instructor: Vicic
ChE/Ch 139

Challenges in Data Science for Chemical Systems

9 units (1-0-8)   |  third term
Prerequisites: ChE/Ch 137.

Student groups complete a one-term, data-science project that addresses an instructor-approved chemical engineering challenge. The project may be an original research idea; related to work by a research group at the Institute; an entry in a relevant national/regional contest; a response to an industry relationship; or other meaningful opportunity. There is no lecture, but students participate in weekly progress updates. A student may not select a project too similar to research completed to fulfill requirements for ChE 80 or ChE 90 abc.

Instructor: Vicic
Ch/ChE 140 ab

Principles and Applications of Semiconductor Photoelectrochemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second term
Prerequisites: APh/EE/MS 9 ab or instructor's permission.

The properties and photoelectrochemistry of semiconductors and semiconductor/liquid junction solar cells will be discussed. Topics include optical and electronic properties of semiconductors; electronic properties of semiconductor junctions with metals, liquids, and other semiconductors, in the dark and under illumination, with emphasis on semiconductor/liquid junctions in aqueous and nonaqueous media. Problems currently facing semiconductor/liquid junctions and practical applications of these systems will be highlighted. Part b not offered 2026-27.

Instructor: Lewis (a)
ESE/Ge/Ch 142

Aquatic Chemistry of Natural Waters

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch 1 or instructor's permission.
Inorganic chemistry of natural waters with an emphasis on equilibrium solutions to problems in rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Topics will include, acid-base chemistry, precipitation, complexation, redox reactions, and surface chemistry. Examples will largely be drawn from geochemistry and geobiology. Selected topics in kinetics will be covered based on interest and time.
Instructor: Adkins
Ch 143

NMR Spectroscopy for Structural Identification

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc.

This course will address both one-dimensional and two-dimensional techniques in NMR spectroscopy which are essential to elucidating structures of organic and organometallic samples. Dynamic NMR phenomena, multinuclear, paramagnetic and NOE effects will also be covered. An extensive survey of multipulse NMR methods will also contribute to a clear understanding of two-dimensional experiments. (Examples for Varian NMR instrumentation will be included.) Not offered 2026-27.

Ch 144 ab

Advanced Organic Chemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first and second terms
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc; Ch 21 abc recommended.

An advanced survey of selected topics in modern organic chemistry. Topics vary from year to year and may include structural and theoretical organic chemistry; materials chemistry; macromolecular chemistry; mechanochemistry; molecular recognition/supramolecular chemistry; reaction mechanisms; reactive intermediates; pericyclic reactions; and photochemistry. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch/Bi 145

Advanced Chemical Biology

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc; Ch/Bi 110 ab recommended.
An overview of chemical approaches used to study, target, and rewire biology. Topics covered will include bioorganic chemistry, bioconjugation and bioorthogonal chemistries, fluorophores and chemical probes, crosslinking and proximity labeling, chemical genetics, new modalities in pharmacology and screening, photopharmacology, reprogramming genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic codes.
Instructor: Morstein
Ch 146

Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch 41 ab.

The course will examine the bioorganic chemistry of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA structures, molecular recognition, and mechanistic analyses of covalent modification of nucleic acids. Topics include synthetic methods for the construction of DNA and RNA; separation techniques; recognition of duplex DNA by peptide analogs, proteins, and oligonucleotide-directed triple helical formation; RNA structure and RNA as catalysts (ribozymes). Not offered 2026-27.

Ch/ChE 147

Polymer Chemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc.

An introduction to the chemistry of polymers, including synthetic methods and mechanisms of macromolecule formation, characterization techniques, reactivity, and applications. Not offered 2026-27.

ChE/Ch 148

Polymer Physics

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term
An introduction to the physics that govern the structure and dynamics of polymeric liquids, and to the physical basis of characterization methods used in polymer science. The course emphasizes the scaling aspects of the various physical properties. Topics include conformation of a single polymer, a chain under different solvent conditions; dilute and semi-dilute solutions; thermodynamics of polymer blends and block copolymers; polyelectrolytes; rubber elasticity; polymer gels; linear viscoelasticity of polymer solutions and melts.
Instructor: Wang
Ch 149

Tutorial in Organic Chemistry

6 units (2-0-4)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc and instructor's permission.
Discussion of key principles in organic chemistry, with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms and problem-solving. This course is intended primarily for first-year graduate students with a strong foundation in organic chemistry. Meets during the first three weeks of the term. Graded pass/fail.
Instructors: Fu, Virgil
ChE/Ch 152

Electrocatalytic Reaction Engineering

12 units (3-0-9)   |  third term
Prerequisites: ChE 101 or instructor's permission.
Course covers advanced topics in kinetics and reaction engineering, in the context of electrically-driven processes. The course is organized into several modules, which cover 1) the basics of electrocatalytic systems, 2) the thermodynamic basis of electrifying chemical reactions, 3) the kinetic underpinnings of electron transfer reactions, 4) the coupling of transport and kinetics in electrocatalytic systems, and 5) special topics.
Instructor: Manthiram
Ch 153 abc

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second, third terms
Prerequisites: Ch 112 and Ch 21 abc or concurrent registration.
Ch 153 a: Topics in modern inorganic chemistry. Electronic structure, spectroscopy, and photochemistry with emphasis on examples from the research literature. Ch 153 b: Applications of physical methods to the characterization of inorganic and bioinorganic species, with an emphasis on the practical application of Moessbauer, EPR, and pulse EPR spectroscopies. Ch 153 c: Theoretical and spectroscopic approaches to understanding the electronic structure of transition metal ions. Topics in the 153 bc alternate sequence may include saturation magnetization and zero-field splitting in magnetic circular dichroism and molecular magnetism, hyperfine interactions in electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, Moessbauer and magnetic Moessbauer spectroscopy, vibronic interactions in electronic absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopy, and bonding analyses using x-ray absorption and/or emission spectroscopies. Parts b and c will both be offered in the spring term.
Instructors: Gray, Winkler (a), Peters, Oyala (b), Hadt (c)
Ch 154 ab

Organometallic Chemistry

9 units (4-0-5)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Ch 112 or equivalent.

A general discussion of the reaction mechanisms and the synthetic and catalytic uses of transition metal organometallic compounds. Not offered 2026-27.

ChE/Ch 155

Electrified catalytic synthesis

9 units (1.5-0-7.5)   |  third term
Prerequisites: ChE 63ab or equivalent, ChE 103ab or equivalent, and ChE 101 or equivalent; or instructor's permission.

Discussion of fundamental and applied aspects of electron transfer steps involved in making and breaking chemical bonds at catalytic sites, with examples ranging from abiotic to biotic systems. Foundational principles are rooted in thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport. The course alternates between lecture and semi-structured student-driven projects. Not offered 2026-27.

Instructor: Manthiram
ChE/Ch 164

Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ch 21 abc or instructor's permission.
An introduction to the fundamentals and simple applications of statistical thermodynamics. Foundation of statistical mechanics; partition functions for various ensembles and their connection to thermodynamics; fluctuations; noninteracting quantum and classical gases; heat capacity of solids; adsorption; phase transitions and order parameters; linear response theory; structure of classical fluids; computer simulation methods.
Instructors: Sharma, Staff
ChE/Ch 165

Chemical Thermodynamics

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first term
Prerequisites: ChE 63 ab or instructor's permission.

An advanced course emphasizing the conceptual structure of modern thermodynamics and its applications. Review of the laws of thermodynamics; thermodynamic potentials and Legendre transform; equilibrium and stability conditions; metastability and phase separation kinetics; thermodynamics of single-component fluid and binary mixtures; models for solutions; phase and chemical equilibria; surface and interface thermodynamics; electrolytes and polymeric liquids.

Instructors: Datta, Wang
BMB/Bi/Ch 170

Biochemistry and Biophysics of Macromolecules and Molecular Assemblies

9 units (3- 0-6)
Prerequisites: Ch/Bi 110.

Detailed analysis of the structures of the four classes of biological molecules and the forces that shape them. Introduction to molecular biological and visualization techniques. Not offered 2026-27.

ESE/Ge/Ch 171

Atmospheric Chemistry I

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Ch 1 or equivalent.
A detailed course about chemical transformation in Earth's atmosphere. Kinetics, radiation and photochemistry; sources, sinks, and lifetimes of trace atmospheric species; gas-phase chemistry of the stratosphere and troposphere; ozone chemistry, oxidation mechanisms in the troposphere; aerosol formation mechanisms, composition, and atmospheric processing.
Instructor: Ng
BMB/Bi/Ch 173

Biophysical/Structural Methods

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term
Basic principles of modern structural and biophysical methods used to interrogate macromolecules from the atomic to cellular levels, including light and electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, single molecule spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, and molecular dynamics and systems biology simulations.
Instructor: Chong
BMB/Bi/Ch 174

Macromolecular Machines of the Central Dogma

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ch/Bi 110 ab or equivalent.
The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. Each step in this process depends on different macromolecular machines that copy, transcribe, and decode the information stored in DNA. This course will focus on the function of such assemblies, including the replisome, RNA Pol II, the spliceosome, the ribosome, and translocons. The course will be taught through a combination of lectures and student-led discussions of the primary literature that has shaped our understanding of how macromolecular machines operate. Students will also prepare a short research proposal that will be peer reviewed and discussed at the end of the term at a mock NIH-style study section.
Instructor: Semlow
BMB/Ch 178

Macromolecular Function: kinetics, energetics, and mechanisms

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Ch/Bi 110a or equivalent.
Discussion of the energetic principles and molecular mechanisms that underlie enzyme's catalytic proficiency and exquisite specificity. Principles of selectivity, allostery, and force generation in biology. Practical kinetics and their application to more complex biological systems, including steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics, and kinetic simulations.
Instructor: Shan
Ch 180

Chemical Research

Units by arrangement

Offered to M.S. candidates in chemistry. Graded pass/fail.

BMB/Ch 202 abc

Biochemistry Seminar Course

1 unit   |  first, second, third terms
Prerequisites: Graduate students only. Undergrads require special instructor permission to enroll.
The course focuses on a seminar on selected topics from outside faculty on recent advances in biochemistry. Components for each faculty visit include participation in a recitation, a formal discussion section with visiting faculty, and attendance of the Biochemistry seminar. Biochemistry Seminars take place 1-2 times per month (usually 4pm on Thursdays).
Instructor: Shan
Ch 206

Chemical Physics Seminar

2-0-4   |  first term
Prerequisites: Open to first year graduate students only.
An introduction to independent research in chemical physics, including training in relevant professional skills and use of Caltech resources, proposal preparation, and discussion of current research areas with Caltech faculty, postdocs, and students. One meeting per week, plus mandatory attendance of seminars. For each seminar, students are required to participate in a formal discussion section with visiting faculty and attend the Chemical Physics or related seminar (usually Tuesdays 4pm). Graded Pass/Fail.
Instructors: Okumura, Wei
Ch 212

Bioinorganic Chemistry

9 units (3-0-6)
Prerequisites: Ch 112 and Ch/Bi 110 or equivalent.

Current topics in bioinorganic chemistry will be discussed, including metal storage and regulation, metalloenzyme structure and reactions, biological electron transfer, metalloprotein design, and metal-nucleic acid interactions and reactions. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch 213 abc

Advanced Ligand Field Theory

12 units (1-0-11)   |  first, second, third terms
Prerequisites: Ch 21 abc or concurrent registration.

A tutorial course of problem solving in the more advanced aspects of ligand field theory. Recommended only for students interested in detailed theoretical work in the inorganic field.

Instructor: Gray
Ch 225

Advanced Quantum Chemistry

9 units (3-0-6)
Prerequisites: Ch 125 ab or equivalent, or permission of instructors.

The electronic structure of atoms and molecules, the interactions of radiation fields and matter, scattering theory, and reaction rate theory. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch 226

Optical and Nonlinear Spectroscopy

9 units (3-0-6)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Ch 125 ab, or equivalent instruction in quantum mechanics.

Quantum mechanical foundations of optical spectroscopy as applied to chemical and material systems. Topics include optical properties of materials, nonlinear and quantum optics, and multidimensional spectroscopy.

Instructors: Blake, Cushing
BMB/Ch 230

Macromolecular Structure Determination with Modern X-ray Crystallography Methods

12 units (2-4-6)   |  third term
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Advanced course in macromolecular crystallography integrating lecture and laboratory treatment of diffraction theory, crystallization (proteins, nucleic acids and macromolecular complexes), crystal characterization, X-ray sources and optics, crystal freezing, X-ray diffraction data collection (in-house and synchrotron), data reduction, multiple isomorphous replacement, single- and multi-wavelength anomalous diffraction phasing techniques, molecular replacement, electron density interpretation, structure refinement, structure validation, coordinate deposition and structure presentation. In the laboratory component, one or more proteins will be crystallized and the structure(s) determined by several methods, in parallel with lectures on the theory and discussions of the techniques. Students who have taken Ch/Bi 11 are encouraged to take BMB/Ch 230.
Instructor: Hoelz
Ch 242 ab

Chemical Synthesis

9 units (4-0-5)   |  first, second terms
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc.
An integrated approach to synthetic problem solving featuring an extensive review of modern synthetic reactions with concurrent development of strategies for synthesis design. Part a will focus on the application of modern methods of stereocontrol in the construction of stereochemically complex acyclic systems. Part b will focus on strategies and reactions for the synthesis of cyclic systems.
Instructors: Stoltz (a), Reisman, Virgil (b)
Ch 247

Organic Reaction Mechanisms

9 units (3-0-6)
Prerequisites: Ch 41 abc, Ch 242 a recommended.

This course will discuss and uncover useful strategies and tactics for approaching complex reaction mechanisms prevalent in organic reactions. Topics include: cycloaddition chemistry, rearrangements, radical reactions, metal-catalyzed processes, photochemical reactions among others. Recommended only for students interested in advanced study in organic chemistry or related fields. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch 250

Advanced Topics in Chemistry

3 units

Content will vary from year to year; topics are chosen according to the interests of students and staff. Visiting faculty may present portions of this course. In Spring 2020 the class will be a seminar course in pharmaceutical chemistry with lectures by industrial researchers from both discovery (medicinal chemistry) and development (process chemistry) departments. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch 251

Advanced Topics in Chemical Biology

9 units (3-0-6)
Prerequisites: Ch 145 or 146 or consent of the instructor.

Advanced Topics in Chemical Biology. Hours and units to be arranged. Content will vary from year to year; topics are chosen according to the interests of students and staff. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch 252

Advanced Topics in Chemical Physics

Hours and units to be arranged   |  first term

Content will vary from year to year; topics are chosen according to the interests of students and staff. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch/Bi 253

Advanced Topics in Biochemistry

6 units (2-0-4)

Hours and units to be arranged. Content will vary from year to year; topics are chosen according to the interests of students and staff. Not offered 2026-27.

Ch 279

Rotations in Chemistry

Variable units as arranged with the advising faculty member   |  first, second, third terms

By arrangement with members of the faculty, properly qualified graduate students will have the opportunity to engage in a short-term research project culminating in a presentation to their peers enrolled in the course and participating laboratories. (Pass-Fail only).

Ch 280

Chemical Research

Hours and units by arrangement

By arrangement with members of the faculty, properly qualified graduate students are directed in research in chemistry.

Published Date: Aug. 19, 2026