Chemistry

Program Offerings

Offering type
A.B.

The Department of Chemistry offers a flexible program suitable for those who plan to attend graduate school, as well as for premedical students or those intending to pursue a career in secondary school teaching. A chemistry major is appropriate for anyone who wants to attain a broad background of undergraduate training in science.

Goals for Student Learning

The Department of Chemistry offers a flexible program suitable for those who plan to attend graduate school, as well as for premedical students or those intending to pursue a career in secondary school teaching. A chemistry major is appropriate for anyone who wants to attain a broad background of undergraduate training in science. The key learning goals for the chemistry major are:

  • Investigate a scientific question using the scientific method, by designing and conducting experiments. A student will ultimately take both intellectual and practical responsibility for all aspects of a research project, constantly evaluating results to determine the next steps to pursue.
  • Use acquired knowledge to clearly define and solve chemical problems. This includes single step, multistep or integrative problems.
  • Describe chemical transformations in terms of reaction mechanisms. Demonstrate an understanding between the interplay of reactivity and structure in chemical and biological systems.
  • Perform basic laboratory skills (preparing solutions, chemical synthesis techniques, chemical analysis, recordkeeping and laboratory safety).
  • Understand the basic principles and applications of modern instruments, including use of computers for data acquisitions, processing and use of available software packages for data analysis.
  • Appreciate diverse approaches to research, and work in a safe, responsible and ethical manner.
  • Understand the genres of scientific papers and presentations and how these different genres are applicable to the different disciplines in chemistry.
  • Understand the standard structure of a scientific paper and the purpose of each section, and to create both a research proposal (junior year) and formal thesis (senior year) focused on the independent work research project.
  • Deliver independent work results orally in a formal scientific presentation for members of the scientific community.

Advanced Placement

For the Class of 2027 and beyond, a student who received an Advanced Placement Examination score of 5 qualifies for one unit of advanced placement and is eligible to take CHM 215 Advanced General Chemistry–Honors. One term of advanced placement satisfies the B.S.E. chemistry requirement.

A departmental placement examination is given for students who did not have an opportunity to take the Chemistry Advanced Placement Exam or are seeking placement into CHM 301.

Prerequisites

Before entering the department, students are expected to complete:

  1. One year of general chemistry: CHM 201 and CHM 202; CHM 207 and CHM 202; one unit of advanced placement and CHM 202; one unit of advanced placement and CHM 215; or two units of advanced placement credit.
  2. Differential and integral calculus: MAT 103 and MAT 104, or AP credit (5 on Calculus BC exam) and one additional MAT class taken at Princeton, MAT 104 or higher.
  3. One year of general physics: PHY 101 or PHY 103 or PHY 105 and PHY 102 or PHY 104 or PHY 106 or confirmed equivalence through the physics department’s placement test.
  4. One year of organic chemistry: CHM 301 and CHM 302 or CHM 301 and CHM 304. Chemistry majors must complete this sequence at Princeton and by the end of sophomore year.

Prerequisite courses taken at Princeton may not be taken using the pass/D/fail grading option.

 

Program of Study

University regulations require that, before graduation, students take eight courses designated as departmental courses in their major field. These eight courses are divided into four core courses and four cognate courses as defined below. Chemistry majors typically take more than eight courses that qualify as departmental.

Core Courses

Students must take three 300-, 400-numbered courses in chemistry and at least one term of experimental laboratory instruction at Princeton as departmental core courses. These courses must include at least one term each of organic (CHM 301, 302 or 304), physical (CHM 305, 306, or 406) and inorganic chemistry (CHM 411 or 412). The experimental requirement may be fulfilled by taking either CHM 371 or MSE 302 or PHY 312 or CBE 346. Note: The experimental course must be completed by the end of junior year.

Cognates

The remaining four departmental courses of the eight required by the University degree regulations can be in either chemistry or a cognate scientific area (e.g., molecular biology, engineering, geoscience, materials science, computer science, mathematics, neuroscience or physics). Many courses in the sciences at the 300-, 400-, and 500 levels are approved as departmental courses. Courses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To qualify as a departmental, the course must have one or more prerequisites (i.e., be non-introductory) and must have a strong chemistry component. Contact the director of undergraduate studies to discuss whether courses of interest can be counted as cognates.

Physics/Mathematics

An understanding of chemistry requires a thorough background in physics and mathematics. Students majoring in chemistry should obtain a broad background in these subjects. In general, it is desirable to take courses in mathematics at least through multivariable calculus (MAT 201 or 203) and linear algebra (MAT 202 or 204). These courses may be counted as departmental courses.

The program described above deliberately allows substantial flexibility and encourages a broad view of chemistry.

Independent Work

Junior Independent Work

First-term Program

The first-term program consists of two components: junior colloquium and reading groups.

  1. The Junior Colloquium: One evening each week throughout the fall term, junior chemistry majors and early majors are required to attend research seminars and departmental trainings. The research seminars, given by the departmental faculty, will introduce students to areas of current research not typically addressed during the coursework. The departmental training sessions include laboratory safety and responsible conduct of research, which prepare students for independent research in the spring.
  2. Reading Groups: Juniors will be assigned to one of several reading groups. Over the course of the semester, every group will meet with three separate instructors, one for each of three four-week reading periods. Reading group instructors will utilize current chemical literature to introduce novel research, and the mechanics of scientific writing and presentation. At the end of each reading period, students will submit a critical analysis of a research article.

The student's final term grade is calculated by the director of undergraduate studies using the grades on the three papers plus the individual's record of attendance at the evening colloquia.

Second-term Program

Each student will select a faculty adviser for spring independent work by the start of the spring semester. During the semester, the student will meet regularly with the faculty adviser and begin working on preliminary research in their chosen field. At the end of the term, the student will submit a research proposal for the senior thesis. The proposal will incorporate the experimental results obtained into support for the projected thesis topics. A student's final term grade is determined by the director of undergraduate studies in conjunction with the faculty adviser's evaluation.

Senior Independent Work

At the end of junior year, each student selects a thesis adviser (who may or may not be the same as the adviser during junior year). The adviser and the student will agree on a topic on which the student will undertake independent original research throughout both terms of senior year. This project will consist largely of original research involving wet laboratory work and/or chemical theory. On or before the University deadline, a written thesis based on this research work must be submitted to the department. The thesis will be evaluated and ranked by a committee of professors, two each from the following areas of study, as appropriate: inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science and biochemistry.

Grading note: The grades for the junior and senior independent work will comply with the University's grading guidelines.

Senior Departmental Examination

The comprehensive exam is an oral thesis presentation, given by each senior student to a group of three members of the faculty, including their thesis adviser, during the first part of the final exam period.

Study Abroad

The department encourages students to consider opportunities for study abroad in the spring term of junior year. Requirements for the junior independent work program are then met at the host institution overseas. In addition, the student may elect to have the number of required departmental courses reduced by one cognate per semester abroad, assuming advanced approval of a chemistry-related course of study at the overseas institution. (This course may not be counted as one of the four required core courses.) Students considering study abroad are urged to discuss their plans with the director of undergraduate studies early in the planning stages to lay out coursework, obtain approvals and set up junior independent work assignments.

Additional Information

Integrated Science Sequence

Completion of the ISC/CHM/MOL/PHY 231, 232, 233, 234 series fulfill the general chemistry and physics prerequisites. For full course descriptions and more information, see the Integrated Science website.

Professional Certification in Chemistry

Students intending to pursue a career in chemistry, whether directly after graduation or following a graduate program, may wish to pursue a course of study leading to professional certification by the American Chemical Society. This certification requires two semesters of organic chemistry (CHM 301 and either 302 or 304), two semesters of physical chemistry (CHM 305 or 405, and 306 or 406), one semester of inorganic chemistry (CHM 411 or 412), one semester of experimental chemistry (CHM 371) and one semester of biochemistry (either CHM 403 or MOL 345). Junior and senior independent work (CHM 981 and 984) must be completed. Two additional courses in the chemistry department, or cross-listed with the chemistry department, must also be taken for subject depth. Courses in multivariable calculus, linear algebra and differential equations are strongly recommended.

Chemistry Outreach Program

Nothing serves to foster excitement about science more than well-planned chemical demonstrations and activities. Many chemistry faculty, staff and students participate in programs for local schools, museums, community groups and youth organizations. The Chemistry Outreach Program gives chemistry majors hands-on experience with demonstrations and presentations, and the opportunity to increase interest in science in the schools and the community. After a brief series of training sessions, chemistry outreach students, in concert with faculty and staff, present programs for visitors to Princeton and at local schools, museums or libraries. The training sessions emphasize effective presentation, safe practices, the choice of age-appropriate activities and coordination with local educational requirements. They include laboratory sessions in which students master demonstrations and activities tested by the department or by the American Chemical Society. Students may also develop or help to develop new demonstrations or activities, and they may help with other science programs, such as the New Jersey State Science Olympiad.

Faculty

  • Chair

    • Paul J. Chirik

  • Associate Chair

    • Todd K. Hyster (acting)
    • Robert R. Knowles (on leave)

  • Director of Undergraduate Studies

    • Robert P. L'Esperance
    • Susan K. VanderKam (associate)

  • Director of Graduate Studies

    • Erik J. Sorensen

  • Professor

    • Andrew B. Bocarsly
    • Roberto Car
    • Robert Joseph Cava
    • Christopher J. Chang
    • Michelle C. Chang
    • Paul J. Chirik
    • John T. Groves
    • Sharon Hammes-Schiffer
    • Michael H. Hecht
    • Todd K. Hyster
    • Robert R. Knowles
    • David W. MacMillan
    • Tom Muir
    • Joshua D. Rabinowitz
    • Herschel A. Rabitz
    • Gregory D. Scholes
    • Leslie M. Schoop
    • Annabella Selloni
    • Martin F. Semmelhack
    • Mohammad R. Seyedsayamdost
    • Erik J. Sorensen
    • Joseph E. Subotnik
    • Salvatore Torquato
    • Haw Yang

  • Associate Professor

    • Jannette Carey
    • Ralph E. Kleiner

  • Assistant Professor

    • William M. Jacobs
    • Alice Kunin
    • Jose B. Roque
    • Erin E. Stache
    • Marissa L. Weichman
    • Lilia S. Xie

  • Associated Faculty

    • Bonnie L. Bassler, Molecular Biology
    • Emily C. Davidson, Chemical and Biological Eng
    • Kelsey B. Hatzell, Mechanical & Aerospace Eng
    • Frederick M. Hughson, Molecular Biology
    • Jerelle A. Joseph, Chemical and Biological Eng
    • A. James Link, Chemical and Biological Eng
    • Cameron A. Myhrvold, Molecular Biology
    • Satish C. Myneni, Geosciences
    • Sabine Petry, Molecular Biology
    • Michele L. Sarazen, Chemical and Biological Eng
    • Michael A. Skinnider, Integrative Genomics
    • Jeffry B. Stock, Molecular Biology
    • Martin Helmut Wühr, Molecular Biology

  • Senior Lecturer

    • Sonja A. Francis
    • Robert P. L'Esperance
    • Susan K. VanderKam

  • Lecturer

    • Corey Clapp
    • Michael T. Kelly
    • Sandra L. Knowles
    • Ana Mostafavi
    • István Pelczer
    • Chia-Ying Wang

For a full list of faculty members and fellows please visit the department or program website.

Courses

CHM 201 - General Chemistry I Fall SEL

An introductory course. Principles of chemistry; understanding the world around us; structure and reactions of atoms and molecules; laboratory manipulations, preparations, and analysis. Fulfills medical school entrance requirements in general chemistry and qualitative analysis. Three lectures, one class, one three-hour laboratory. M. Hecht, R. L'Esperance, S. Francis

CHM 202 - General Chemistry II Spring SEL

Continuation of 201. Principles of chemistry; introduction to chemical bonding and solid state structure; chemical kinetics, nuclear chemistry; descriptive inorganic chemistry; laboratory manipulations, preparations, and analysis. Fulfills medical school entrance requirements in general chemistry and qualitative analysis. Three lectures, one class, one three-hour laboratory. A. Bocarsly, R. L'Esperance, S. Francis

CHM 207 - General Chemistry: Applications in Modern Technology Fall SEL

Introduction to the basic concepts of chemistry: stoichiometry, types of reactions, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and chemical bonding. Introduction to the structure, chemistry, and properties of technologically important materials: metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and polymers. Fulfills medical school requirements in general chemistry and qualitative analysis. Three lecture hours, one class, one three-hour laboratory. A. Bocarsly, R. L'Esperance, S. Francis

CHM 215 - Advanced General Chemistry: Honors Course Spring SEL

An intensive study of fundamental theoretical and experimental principles. Topics are drawn from physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. For students with excellent preparation who are considering scientific careers. Fulfills medical school entrance requirements in general chemistry and qualitative analysis. Completion of 215 qualifies the student for 300-level courses and some 400-level courses after consultation with the instructor of the upper-level course. Three lectures, one class, one three-hour laboratory. Not open to students who have completed CHM 201 or 207 or 202. P. Chirik, R. L'Esperance, S. Francis

CHM 301 - Organic Chemistry I: Biological Emphasis Fall SEL

This course is designed as part of a three-semester sequence, CHM 301 and CHM 304, and MOL 345. CHM 301 will introduce the principles of organic chemistry, including structures, properties, and reactivity of organic compounds. The emphasis will be on bonding and structure, structural analysis by spectroscopy, and an introduction to the mechanisms of organic reactions. Examples will be taken from biology when appropriate. For a complete presentation of the subject, the course should be followed by CHM 304 in the spring. Three lectures, one class, one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite is CHM 215 or CHM 202. R. L'Esperance, S. Knowles, E. Stache

CHM 302 - Organic Chemistry II with Biological Emphasis Not offered this year SEL

The concepts introduced in CHM 301 are extended to the structures and reactions of more complex molecules, with an emphasis on how organic chemistry provides the framework for understanding molecular processes in biology. The fundamental concepts of organic chemistry are illustrated, as often as possible, with examples drawn from biological systems. Appropriate for chemistry and engineering majors, premedical students, and students with an interest in organic chemistry and its central position in the life sciences. Prerequisite: CHM 301. Two 90-minute lectures, one class, one three-hour laboratory. Staff

CHM 304 - Organic Chemistry II: Foundations of Chemical Reactivity and Synthesis Spring SEL

Continuation of CHM 301. The concepts introduced in CHM 301 will be extended to the structures and reactions of more complex molecules, with an emphasis on how organic chemistry provides the framework for understanding molecular processes in biology. The fundamental concepts of organic chemistry will be illustrated, as often as possible, with examples drawn from biological systems. Prerequisite: 301. Three lectures, one class, one three-hour laboratory. E. Sorensen

CHM 305 - The Quantum World Fall SEN

An intro to quantum mechanics for students interested in the relevance to chemistry, molecular biology and energy science. A conceptual understanding is emphasized. Covers some historical development of quantum theory to show how quantum theory was a step-change in thinking. Examines ways quantum systems are different from classical systems. Includes the discussion of modern examples, including molecular electronic structure calculations, organic solar cells, photosynthesis, nanoscience, quantum computing, and quantum biology. Three lectures, one preceptorial. Prerequisites: CHM 201-202 or CHM 215; MAT 103-104; PHY 101-102 or PHY 103-104. M. Weichman

CHM 306 - Physical Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics Spring SEN

Introduction to chemical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetics. Special emphasis on biological problems, including nerve conduction, muscle contraction, ion transport, enzyme mechanisms, and macromolecular properties in solutions. Prerequisites: CHM 201 and CHM 202, or CHM 207 and CHM 202, or CHM 215; MAT 104; PHY 101 and 102, or PHY 103 and 104; or instructor's permission. Three lectures, one class. M. Kelly

CHM 371 - Experimental Chemistry Fall SEL

This course addresses the principles of experimental design, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation, and presentation of experimental results. Students are exposed to a broad range of quantitative laboratory methods in preparation for thesis work in chemical sciences. Typical laboratory exercises include inorganic synthesis, physical characterization, spectroscopy, kinetics, thermodynamics, instrument design and computational chemistry. Prerequisites: CHM 202, 204 or 215 or equivalent. CHM 373 prerequisite or concomitant enrollment in CHM 373 required. Two lectures and two three-hour laboratories per week. M. Kelly, C. Wang

CHM 403 - Advanced Biochemistry Fall SEN

Applies the principles of organic chemistry to biochemistry. Explores enzymology through the lenses of physical organic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, catalysis. Covers how proteins orchestrate the reactivity of functional groups, the range of cofactors employed to extend the scope and diversity of biocatalysis, enzymatic systems controlled by their kinetics, and how knowledge of enzyme reaction mechanisms enables modern drug design. Prerequisites: CHM 301 and CHM 302/CHM 304. Two 90-minute lectures, one preceptorial. J. Groves, M. Seyedsayamdost

CHM 405 - Advanced Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics Not offered this year SEN

Introduction to quantum theory, atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy. This course will emphasize the development of fundamental underlying principles and illustrative examples. Prerequisites: 202, 204, or 215; MAT 201 or 203 (required); MAT 202 or 204 (very helpful, even if taken concurrently); PHY 103 (may be taken concurrently) or AP Physics. Three lectures, one preceptorial. Staff

CHM 406 - Advanced Physical Chemistry: Chemical Dynamics and Thermodynamics Spring SEN

Statistical thermodynamics, kinetics, and molecular reaction dynamics. Prerequisites: background in thermodynamics as developed in CHM 202, CHM 204, or CHM 215; MAT 201 or equivalent. Two 90-minute lectures. C. Wang, W. Jacobs

CHM 411 - Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity Fall SEN

Structural principles and bonding theories are discussed for the various classes of inorganic and organometallic compounds. The topics include an introduction to group theory, vibrational spectroscopy, molecular orbital theory, electronic structure of d-orbitals, and ligand field theory. Additional topics will include reactions of coordination compounds and organometallic species, kinetic mechanistic analysis, and homogeneous catalysis systems. Prerequisites: CHM 301 and 302 or CHM 301 and 304 or equivalent are required. Note: CHM 337 does not provide adequate preparation for this course. Three lectures, one preceptorial. S. VanderKam

CHM 412 - Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and Materials Spring SEN

Structural principles and bonding theories are discussed for various classes of main group inorganic and transition metal coordination compounds. The topics include an introduction to group theory, vibrational spectroscopy, molecular orbital theory, electronic structure of d-orbitals, and ligand field theory. Additional topics will include topics in the areas of solid-state chemistry, inorganic materials chemistry, and nanoscience. Prerequisites: CHM 301 and 302 or CHM 301 and 304 or equivalent are required. Note: CHM 337 does not provide adequate preparation for this course. Three lectures, one preceptorial. S. VanderKam

AST 255 - Life in the Universe (also CHM 255/GEO 255) Not offered this year QCR or SEN

This course introduces students to a new field, Astrobiology, where scientists trained in biology, chemistry, astrophysics and geology combine their skills to investigate life's origins and to seek extraterrestrial life. Topics include: the origin of life on earth, the prospects of life on Mars, Europa, Titan, Enceladues and extra-solar planets, as well as the cosmological setting for life and the prospects for SETI. AST 255 is the core course for the planets and life certificate. C. Chyba

CBE 415 - Polymers (also CHM 415/MSE 425) Not offered this year SEN

Broad introduction to polymer science and technology, including polymer chemistry (major synthetic routes to polymers), polymer physics (solution and melt behavior, solid-state morphology and properties), and polymer engineering (overview of reaction engineering and melt processing methods). Two lectures. Prerequisites: CHM 301 or CHM 337, which may be taken concurrently, and MAT 104, or permission of the instructor. R. Register

CBE 421 - Green and Catalytic Chemistry (also CHM 421/ENE 421) Fall

Concepts of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis applied to industrial processes associated with fuel refining and manufacturing of commodity chemicals and petrochemicals. Available routes for similar conversions using alternative, more sustainable feedstocks and processes will be discussed in the context of green chemistry and engineering principles. These case studies will serve as platforms to the fundamentals of heterogeneous acid and metal catalysis, including techniques of catalyst synthesis and characterization, as well as understanding of how reactions occur on surfaces. Two lectures. Prerequisite: CHM 301 organic chemistry. M. Sarazen

CEE 311 - Global Air Pollution (also CHM 311/ENE 311/GEO 311) Spring

Students will study the chemical and physical processes involved in the sources, transformation, transport, and sinks of air pollutants on local to global scales. Societal problems such as photochemical smog, particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and stratospheric ozone depletion will be investigated using fundamental concepts in chemistry, physics, and engineering. For the class project, students will select a trace gas species or family of gases and analyze recent field and remote sensing data based upon material covered in the course. Environments to be studied include very clean, remote portions of the globe to urban air quality. M. Zondlo

GEO 363 - Environmental Chemistry: Chemistry of the Natural Systems (also CHM 331/ENV 331) Fall SEN

Covers topics including origin of elements; formation of the Earth; evolution of the atmosphere and oceans; atomic theory and chemical bonding; crystal chemistry and ionic substitution in crystals; reaction equilibria and kinetics in aqueous and biological systems; chemistry of high-temperature melts and crystallization process; and chemistry of the atmosphere, soil, marine, and riverine environments. The biogeochemistry of contaminants and their influence on the environment will also be discussed. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisite: one term of college chemistry or instructor's permission. S. Myneni

GEO 418 - Environmental Aqueous Geochemistry (also CHM 418) Spring

Application of quantitative chemical principles to the study of natural waters. Includes equilibrium computations, weathering and diagenetic processes, precipitation of chemical sediments, and pollution of natural waters. Two lectures. Prerequisite: one year of college chemistry. Previous or concurrent enrollment in CHM 306 recommended. A. Kraepiel-Morel

GEO 470 - Environmental Chemistry of Soils (also CHM 470/ENV 472) Spring

Focuses on the inorganic and organic constituents of aqueous, solid, and gaseous phases of soils, and fundamental chemical principles and processes governing the reactions between different constituents. The role of soil chemical processes in the major and trace element cycles, and the biogeochemical transformation of different soil contaminants will be discussed in the later parts of the course. Prerequisites: GEO363/CHM331/ENV331, or any other basic chemistry course. Two 90-minute lectures. S. Myneni

ISC 231 - An Integrated, Quantitative Introduction to Life Sciences I (also CHM 231/MOL 231/PHY 231) Fall QCR or SEL

The four-course sequence ISC 231-234 integrates introductory topics in calculus-based physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and scientific computing with Python, with an emphasis on laboratory experimentation, quantitative reasoning, and data-oriented thinking. It best suits students interested in complex problems in living organisms and prepares them for interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. The fall courses ISC 231 and 232 must be taken together. See ISC website for details on course equivalencies and recommended academic paths from ISC. M. Wühr, T. Gregor, B. Zhang

ISC 232 - An Integrated, Quantitative Introduction to Life Sciences I (also CHM 232/MOL 232/PHY 232) Fall QCR or SEL

The four-course sequence ISC 231-234 integrates introductory topics in calculus-based physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and scientific computing with Python, with an emphasis on laboratory experimentation, quantitative reasoning, and data-oriented thinking. It best suits students interested in complex problems in living organisms and prepares them for interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. The fall courses ISC 231 and 232 must be taken together. See ISC website for details on course equivalencies and recommended academic paths from ISC. B. Adamson, M. Skinnider, J. Gadd-Reum

MOL 345 - Biochemistry (also CHM 345) Fall/Spring SEN

Fundamental concepts of biomolecular structure and function will be discussed, with an emphasis on principles of thermodynamics, binding and catalysis. A major portion of the course will focus on metabolism and its logic and regulation. Prerequisites: MOL 214 and either CHM 302, 304, 304B, or 337. Staff