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The mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is to provide our students with a solid foundation in the chemical and biochemical sciences and the skills required for scientific analysis and critical thinking. Upon completing the chemistry or biochemistry major the students will be prepared to attend graduate schools (Ph.D. programs) or professional schools (medical, dental, optometry and others). They will be also ready to study and work at various engineering and academic institutions.  The undergraduate Chemistry program aims to prepare students for entry into graduate and professional programs and to become active and engaged members of the chemical scientific community by providing students with traditional chemical education integrated with modern research.

• Understand chemical principles in order to explain the phenomena of the natural world.
• Apply experimental techniques and chemical principles to investigate and solve problems.
• Effectively communicate technical and scientific information both verbally and in writing.
• Generate research ideas and design theoretical and experimental methods to test these ideas with faculty guidance.

Chemistry Major (51 Credits)

Chemistry Requirements are available here.

Core Required Courses (32 credits)

• CHE 1045, General Chemistry I, 3 Credits
• CHE 1046, General Chemistry II, 3 Credits
• CHE 1047, General Chemistry Lab, 2 Credits
• CHE 1213, Organic Chemistry I, 3 Credits
• CHE 1214, Organic Chemistry II, 3 Credits
• CHE 1215, Organic Chemistry Lab, 2 Credits
• CHE 1122, Chemical Analysis, 4 Credits 
• CHE 1415, Physical Chemistry I, 4 Credits
• CHE 1416, Physical Chemistry II, 4 Credits
• CHE 1222, Advanced Laboratory Techniques, 3 Credits
• CHE1937/1938 Chemistry Seminar, 1 Credit

Other Requirements (16 Credits)

• MAT 1412, Calculus I, 4 Credits
• MAT 1413, Calculus II, 4 Credits
• PHY 1031 & 1033, Physics I w/Lab, 4 Credits 
• PHY 1032 & 1034, Physics II w/Lab, 4 Credits 

Electives (1 required, 3 credits minimum)

• CHE 1124, Forensic Chemistry, 3 Credits
• CHE 1232, Medicinal Chemistry, 3 Credits
• CHEM 1233, Synth. & Character, 3 Credits
• CHEM 1372 Bioinformatics, 4 Credits - Honors Course
• CHE 1375, Molecular Biochemistry, 4 Credits
• CHE/BIO 1376, Principles of Biochemistry, 3 Credits
• CHE/BIO 1377, Biochemistry Laboratory, 2 Credits
• CHE 1378, Advanced Biochemistry, 3 Credits - Honors Course
• CHE 1379, Metals in Biology, 4 Credits
• CHE 1415, Physical Chemistry Lab, 3 Credits
• CHE 1607, Inorganic & Structural, 3 Credits
• CHE 1611, Mol. Structure & Dynamics, 3 Credits

Recommended Courses

• BIO 1011 & 1013, Biological Principles I w/Lab, 4 Credits
• BIO 1012 & 1014, Biological Principles II w/Lab, 4 Credits
• CHE 4911, Guided Research, 1-3 Credits

Biochemistry Major Requirements (56 Credits)

For students declaring Fall 2022 and after

Biochemistry Requirements (PDF)

• CHEM 1045, 1046, 1047, General Chemistry - Lecture and Lab, 8 Credits
• BIOL 1011 & 1013, 1012 & 1014, Principles of Biology- Lecture and Lab, 8 Credits
• CHEM 1213, 1214, 1215, Organic Chemistry- Lecture and Lab, 8 Credits
• CHEM 1415 or 1416, Physical Chemistry I or II, 4 Credits
• MATH 1412, Calculus I, 4 Credits
• CHEM 1376, Principles of Biochemistry - Lecture, 3 Credits
• CHEM 1377, Biochemistry Lab - 2 Credits
• CHEM 1378, Advanced Biochemistry - Lecture - 3 Credits
• PHYS 1031 & 1033, 1032 & 1034, Introductory Physics - Lecture and Lab, 8 Credits
• One course from the following list:
  • CHE 1379, Chemistry of Metals in Biology – Lecture & Lab, 4 credits
  • CHE/BIO 1372, Bioinformatics - Lecture & Lab, 4 credits
• An additional course from the following list:
  • BIO 3207, Cell Biology – Lecture & Lab, 4 credits
  • BIO 3513, Genetics – Lecture & Lab, 4 credits
  • BIO 3521, Molecular Biology – Lecture & Lab, 4 credits

For current students declaring prior to Fall 2022 may follow the new requirements or the old requirements below.

Biochemistry Requirements (PDF)

Chemistry Minor (23 Credits)

Required Courses (20 credits)

• CHE 1045, General Chemistry 1, 3 Credits
• CHE 1046, General Chemistry 2, 3 Credits
• CHE 1047, General Chemistry Lab, 2 Credits
• CHE 1213, Organic Chemistry 1, 3 Credits
• CHE 1214, Organic Chemistry 2, 3 Credits
• CHE 1215, Organic Chemistry Lab, 2 Credits
• CHE 1122/1415, Chemical Analysis/Physical Chemistry 1, 4 Credits 

Electives (1 required, 3 credits minimum)

• CHE 1124, Forensic Chemistry, 3 Credits
• CHE 1222, Advanced Laboratory Techniques, 3 Credits
• CHE 1232, Medicinal Chemistry, 3 Credits
• CHEM 1233, Synth. & Character, 3 Credits
• CHEM 1372 Bioinformatics, 4 credits
• CHE 1375, Molecular Biochemistry, 4 Credits
• CHE/BIO 1376 & 1377, Biochemistry, 5 Credits
• CHE 1378, Advanced Biochemistry, 3 Credits
• CHE 1379, Metals in Biology, 4 Credits
• CHE 1415, Physical Chemistry Lab, 3 Credits
• CHE 1415, Physical Chemistry 1, 4 Credits
• CHE 1416, Physical Chemistry 2, 4 Credits
• CHE 1607, Inorganic & Structural, 3 Credits
• CHE 1611, Mol. Structure & Dynamics, 3 Credits

Please see the Schedule of Classes for the current semester’s offerings. The courses regularly offered by the chemistry department are listed below.

CHE 1023 Science of Chemistry: Everyday Life (Lab) (1 credit)
Focuses on the study of the properties of matter through experimentation. An emphasis is placed on recording careful observations, collecting data, and analysis of results, including graphical analysis and calculations. Designed to cover concepts which complement the lecture topics, not duplicate them. 
Corequisite: CHE 1023.

CHE 1023 Science of Chemistry: Everyday Life (Lecture) (2 credits)
Takes students on a journey from the observations which form the basis of Dalton's atomic theory through the discovery of subatomic particles and atomic structure, leading to trends in bonding. Molecular structures are covered from the simplest hydrogen molecule to DNA, pausing to consider the chemicals encountered in our 'everyday lives.' 
Corequisite: CHE 1023L.

CHE 1024 Science of Chemistry: Global Issues (Lab) (1 credit)
Examines contemporary environment issues through experimentation and provides an understanding of basic laboratory skills. 
Corequisite: CHE 1024.

CHE 1024 Science of Chemistry: Global Issues (Lecture) (2 credits)
Examines contemporary environmental issues, such as fossil fuel consumption, global warming, nuclear power, and ozone depletion with an emphasis on problem-solving and an understanding of basic chemical principles. 
Corequisite: CHE 1024.

CHE 1045, 1046 Honors: General Chemistry I & II (Lecture) (4 credits each)
This honors-level introduction to chemistry offers a rigorous, fast-paced and concept-rich approach that is ideal for students pursuing a major in the sciences or students on a pre-medical, pre-dental, or pre-engineering track. This two course sequence is recommended for chemistry majors and students interested in undergraduate research in chemistry but is also open to all non-science majors who desire a challenging but rewarding introduction to chemistry. Includes laboratory.

CHE 1045, 1046 General Chemistry I & II (4 credits each)
This two-course sequence explores the fundamental concepts of chemistry on both the atomic and macroscopic scales. Topics include atomic structure and stoichiometry; properties of gases, liquids, and solids; thermochemistry; quantum theory and the electronic structure of atoms; the periodic table and periodic properties; chemical bonding and molecular orbital theory; properties of solutions; thermodynamics; acid-base and solubility equilibria; chemical kinetics; electrochemistry; and nuclear chemistry. 
Corequisite for CHE 1046: CHE 1047

CHE 1047 General Chemistry Lab (2 credits)
Laboratory experiments are designed and scheduled to complement lecture topics in CHE1045R and 1046R and enhance students understanding of the principles introduced.  Skills introduced include the transfer and manipulation of substances, synthesis and purification of inorganic compounds, absorption spectroscopy, titrations, quantitative analysis, and chemical kinetics. Students gain experience in scientific writing through sever lab reports.  
Corequisite: CHE 1046.

CHE 1122 Chemical Analysis (4 credits)
This one-semester course introduces science majors and pre-health students to the principles and practice of analytical chemistry. The course begins with an introduction to analytical chemistry, including the analytical process, sampling, sources of error, statistics, and data interpretation. The course also covers major types of analyses, including wet methods, spectroscopy, chromatography, and potentiometric techniques. Classroom topics, discussions and problem-solving exercises are closely coordinated with laboratory analyses. 
Prerequisite: CHE 1045, 1046, 1047.

CHE 1215 Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2 credits)
Organic Chemistry Laboratory covers the most common basic experimental techniques in organic chemistry. Emphasis is placed on basic techniques in separation, purification, identification and preparation of organic compounds. Students gain experience in scientific writing through several laboratory reports. 
Prerequisite: CHE 1046 & 1047.
Corequisite: CHE 1213

CHE 1213, 1214 Organic Chemistry I & II (Lecture) (3 credits each)
Organic chemistry explores the rich chemistry of carbon. Topics include the structure, synthesis, properties, and reaction mechanisms of the main classes of organic compounds, including compounds of biological importance. 
Prerequisite: CHE 1046 and CHE 1047.
Corequisite: CHE 1215

CHE 1232 Medicinal Chemistry (3 credits)
The course covers the basic chemical and biological concepts underlying medicinal chemistry. The course content includes an overview of drugs and their action, approaches to drug discovery, quantitative structure-activity relationships, drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and drug metabolism. Laboratory classes include the modification of a drug's chemical structure with both chemical and biological characterization of the product, determination of acidity and lipophilic/lipophobic drug character, synthesis of a combinatorial drug library, and an antimicrobial bioassay.
Prerequisite: CHE 1046 and CHE 1047.
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 1213 & 1215.

CHE 1233 Synthesis and Characterization of Organic and Inorganic Compounds (4 credits)
Advanced laboratory techniques; purification and characterization of compounds by physical and chemical methods including NMR spectrometry, UV-VIS and FTIR spectrophotometry, gas and high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. 
Prerequisite: CHE 1214 & 1215.

CHE 1372 Bioinformatics (4 credits)
Modern Biology is data driven and bioinformatics is the combination of Biology and computing.  With the data floods, analysis has become challenging.  Bioinformatics has developed powerful tools to study problems that include large scale genetic sequencing and studies to understand how certain genes originate and change during evolution. This course will introduce students to some important tools in Bioinformatics that are necessary for the practice of modern biology and medicine. The course will introduce students to basic web-based tools for searching for similar sequences in proteins and nucleotides, accessing databases for protein structures and genes, visualizing molecular structures, to name a few.  The course will also train students to read and interpret primary literature articles, write research reports, and make oral presentations. 
Prerequisites: CHE1046, BIO1012 & 1014 
[Crosslisted as BIO 1372]

CHE 1375 Molecular Biochemistry (4 credits)
Molecular biochemistry covers the biological aspects of cellular structure, metabolism, regulation, and replication from a chemist's perspective. The topics will range from the sequence of nucleic acids that give rise to functional proteins to the bioenergetic aspects of oxidative phosphorylation involved in cellular respiration. Particular emphasis will be placed on hot topics in modern biochemistry including protein-ligand interactions, DNA polymerization, and membrane transport.
Prerequisite: CHE 1046 & CHE1047, BIO 1011 & 1013.
[Crosslisted as BIO 1375]

CHE 1376 Principles of Biochemistry (3 credits)
Structure and function of biological molecules, enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, metabolism, storage and transmission of genetic information, recombinant DNA technology, and selected topics such as membrane transport, hormone action, and muscle contraction. 
Prerequisite: BIO 1012 & 1014, CHE 1213 & CHE 1215.
[Crosslisted as BIO 1376]

CHE 1377 Biochemistry Laboratory (2 credits)
Illustration of the properties of biochemical substances; design and analysis of experiments. Techniques include chromatography, electrophoresis, differential centrifugation, and various types of enzyme assays, including spectrophotometric and radioactive. 
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 1376. [Crosslisted as BIO 1376]

CHE 1378 Advanced Biochemistry (3 credits)
Students will apply previously learned Biochemistry principles to study metabolic pathways, as well as the synthesis and metabolism of biomolecules. Students should be familiar with the molecular properties of biological macromolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates) and lipids; understand the relationship between the structure and function of biomolecules; demonstrate knowledge of enzyme catalysis and reactions that make up metabolic pathways. 
Prerequisite: CHE 1376
Corequisite: CHE 1377

CHE 1379 Chemistry of Metals in Biology (Lecture & Lab) (4 credits)
This course offers a chemical view of the metals in biological systems. Course content includes introductory coordination chemistry, spectroscopic methods used to study metal ions and metal complexes in biological system, and the catalytic properties of important metallo-proteins. 
Prerequisite: CHE 1046 & CHE 1047.

CHE 1415 Physical Chemistry Laboratory (3 credits)
Emphasizes the measurements and computations of physical chemistry. Experiments illustrate theoretical principles and provide basic experience with quantitative physical measurements including thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, electrochemistry, spectrophotometry and computer interfacing. Applications to biochemical systems. 
Corequisite or Pre-requisite: CHE 1415.

CHE 1415, 1416 Physical Chemistry I & II (Lecture) (4 credits)
Physical chemistry explores the underlying physical and mathematical relationships that interconnect a diverse range of chemical concepts. The first semester considers the fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics, thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, phases of matter, aqueous solutions, electrochemistry, and the kinetic molecular theory of gases. The second semester explores the quantum mechanical nature of atoms and molecules, solutions to the Schrodinger equation, vibrational, rotational and electronic spectroscopies, the electronic structure of multi-electron atoms and molecules and chemical bonding. 
Prerequisite: CHE 1046 & CHE 1047, MAT 1412/1413.
Prerequisite or corequisite: PHY 1031 & 1033 /1032 & 1034 or 1051 & 1053/1052 & 1054.

CHE 1607 Inorganic and Structural Chemistry (3 credits)
This course introduces students to an advanced physical understanding of inorganic chemistry. Students will learn to use the theories of chemical bonding to predict the electronic structures of compounds and how those electronic structures then give rise to observed chemical and physical properties. Specifically, the transition between two-electron energies of weak ligand fields and one-electron energies of strong ligand fields will be highlighted to describe phenomena found in nature. Students who finish the course will understand how symmetry may be used to predict molecular properties, which metal complexes will be more stable than others, and how interactions between light, electrons, and nuclei are responsible for much of what we see in everyday life.
Prerequisite: CHE 1046 & 1047, MAT 1413.

CHE 1609 Bioinorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
Elucidates key inorganic chemistry concepts, including chemical bonding, structure, reactions and characterization methods and their applications in biology and medicine. Bioinorganic chemistry is a rapidly expanding interdisciplinary field. Topics include metalloenzymes, iron transport proteins, biomineralization in bones and shells and chemotherapeutic agents. 
Prerequisite: CHE 1046 & 1047

CHE 1611 Molecular Structure, and Dynamics (3 credits)
This course introduces the structure of molecules through molecular modelling and covers the theoretical prediction of the electronic structure and properties of molecules, the manipulation and visualtion of structures, simulation techniques such as molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo methods, and familiarity with commonly used software packages. This course incorporates a workship based approach within an integrated lecture and computer laboratory format. Prerequisite: CHE 1046 & 1047

CHE 1930 Selected Topics (2 credits)
Seminar in current problems and literature in chemistry for seniors majoring in chemistry and selected juniors. Assigned topics, regular conferences and a report. Prerequisite: By permission of the instructor.

CHE 1936 Introduction to Chemical Research (0.5 credits)
This course offers students an early exposure to the current research interests of our faculty as well as information about modern chemistry careers. This course is ideal for students with minimal background in chemistry or undergraduate research and serves to help students (particularly future majors) choose a research mentor during their undergraduate years. Students will have the opportunity to visit faculty research laboratories and obtain first-hand experience of chemical research. 
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 1046 & 1047

CHE 1937, 1938 Seminar in Advanced Chemistry (1 credit)
Seminar meeting two hours every two weeks. Topics in all fields of chemistry. 
Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHE 1213 & 1215 or by permission of the instructor.

CHE 4911 Research in Chemistry (1-3 credits)
Department approval required; final approval required from Academic Standards in order to proceed. Laboratory fee on an individual basis.

Ephraim Jacobson received the Dr. Samuel Soloveichik Prize for Excellence in the Study of Natural Sciences:

Ezra Rosenbaum received the Rabbi Chaim Danishefsky Z"L Award for a Graduating Student from Yeshiva College for Distinguished Achievement in Chemistry:

March 19th, 2025 - Daniel Tso, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Physiology at SUNY Upstate Medical School; Visiting Lecture Series with SUNY Upstate: "It's a Colorful World"

March 3rd, 2025 - Arie Borenstein, Ph.D., Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University; "Recent progress in Laser-induced Graphene for Energy system"

February 12th, 2025 - Open House!

  Assistant Professor of Chemistry
   Ph.D. Utah State University
   B. Eng. University "Politehnica" of Bucharest
   Research Interests: Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, RNA Structure and Folding,Regulatory RNAs, Advanced Light Microscopy
   Full Faculty Profile

Instructor in Chemistry, Emerita

  Associate Professor & Co-Chair
   PhD The Hebrew University
   Research Interests: Biochemistry, Antifreeze proteins, Microscopy
   Full Faculty Profile

   Senior Laboratory Instructional Specialist
   PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1982
   BS, Wayne State University, 1977
   Research Interests: Chemical Education, Biophysical Chemistry
   Full Faculty Profile

Senior Laboratory Technician

   Associate Professor of Chemistry
   PhD, State University of New York at Stony Brook
   BS, Peking University
   Research Interests: Inorganic Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry

anna.jackowski@yu.edu

Clinical Assistant Professor
PhD, New York Univeristy, 
Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Biology ad hoc, with CIS, Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, New York, NY
Research Interests:  Computational Modeling and Experimental Validation to Address Real-World Challenges in Chemistry and Biochemistry
 

   Assistant Professor
   PhD, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2010 
   Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2004
   Research Interests: Bioluminescence
   Full Faculty Profile
 

   Associate Professor or Chemistry, Co-Chair
   PhD, Columbia University
   MA, Columbia University
   BA, Columbia University
   Research Interests: Computational Chemistry, Protein Structure and Function
   Full Faculty Profile

Laboratory Specialist

   Professor of Chemistry, Co-Chair
   PhD, Oklahoma State University
   MS, BSC, Madras University
   Research Interests: Computational Chemistry, Computational Biology,  Protein-Protein Interactions
   Full Faculty Profile

Clinical Assistant Professor
Ph.D. (Chemistry) University of Victoria 
M.Sc. (Chemistry) University of Victoria
B.Sc. (1st class Hons, Chemistry) St. Francis Xavier University
B.Eng. (Chemical Engineering) |Changzhou University
Research Interests:  Metal catalysis and organic reaction discovery

• Benchtop Nanalysis 100MHz ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F benchtop NMR spectrometer
• Nicolet 380 FT-IR spectrometer
• Nicolet iS10 FT-IR spectrometer
• Biotage Initiator microwave reactor
• Biotage Isolera One chromatography station
• Glass Contours solvent purification system
• CH Instruments 630D electrochemical analyzer
• MBraun Unilab 2000 double glovebox
• Mettler-Toledo XS105 analytical balance
• Cary 3500 UV-VIS spectrometer with temperature controller
• Agilent 7820A GC with autosampler and FID detector
• Shimadzu 2010/QP2010 GC-MS
• Waters 1525/2487 HPLC system
• Buchi R200 rotovaps
• Perkin Elmer AAnalyst 300 atomic absorption spectrometer
• PTI 2798 fluorimeter
• Hettich Rotana 460R refrigerated centrifuge
• Various analytical balances and Schlenk lines
• Oxford Nanopore MinION Mk1B with dedicated laptop

• Perkin Elmer DSC 4000 differential scanning calorimeter
• Perkin Elmer Enspire multimore plate reader
• (3) Erlab portable fume hoods
• Anasazi EFT-60 NMR spectrometer
• SI Analytics Trito Line automatic titrator
• LabSynergy automatic titrator
• Rudolph Autopol II polarimiter
• Perkin Elmer LS50B luminescence spectrometer
• Perkin Elmer Lambda 2 UV-Vis spectrometer with Peltier controller
• Perkin Elmer Lambda 40 UV-Vis spectrometer
• Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100 infrared spectrometer
• Eppendorf 5414 centrifuge
• Sorval RC5C+ centrifuge
• rotavaps and various analytical balances

Information and applications for undergraduate research programs may be found in the following sites:

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• YU Career Center
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American Chemical Society's

Biochemical Society's

Royal Society of Chemistry's

Sloan Career Cornerstone Center's   

US Bureau of Labor Statistics