The Faculty of CCB share a commitment to undergraduate education. This commitment is shown by the diverse offering of undergraduate concentrations and courses as well as the opportunity for hands-on research in labs. In addition to these formal experiences, the CCB Faculty are dedicated to nurturing students during their scientific journeys.
The academic diversity of the CCB Faculty is reflected in three undergraduate concentrations outlined below: Chemistry, Chemistry & Physics, and Chemical & Physical Biology.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of the structure, properties, and reactions of matter. It is both a basic science, fundamental to an understanding of the world we live in, and a practical science with an enormous number and variety of important applications. Knowledge of chemistry is fundamental to an understanding of biology and biochemistry and of certain aspects of geology, astronomy, physics, and engineering.
Read more about concentrating in chemistry in the Harvard College Handbook for Students.
Chemistry & Physics
The Chemistry & Physics concentration is structured to assure that all concentrators are introduced to the core subjects of chemistry (organic, inorganic, and physical); of physics (mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum theory); and of mathematics. Beyond this core, students take additional courses in chemistry, physics, or related sciences, according to their personal interests and objectives.
Read more about concentrating in chemistry and physics in the Harvard College Handbook for Students.
Chemical & Physical Biology
The Chemical and Physical Biology (CPB) concentration provides students with a broad foundation in the physical and life sciences. This concentration is designed for students interested in applying quantitative tools, physical concepts, and chemical principles to the study of biology.
Interested in concentrating in chemistry? Start here:
Get in with Gregg Tucci, who can help you strategize how to navigate your undergraduate studies, and generate and upload a plan of study to the documents section of your my.harvard.edu account. If/when you wish to declare your concentration, submit a declaration concentration request on my.harvard.edu.
Concurrent Masters
If you're intereseted in a Concurrent Masters in Chemistry, we advise you to discuss your decision with your Resident Dean and Gregg Tucci, Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies. For application information or to confirm your application submission, contact Kathy Oakley
The first step will be to meet with Gregg Tucci to create a plan of study. A successful candidate will already have the following:
- All are actively working in research
- Have completed a total of six or more courses in chemistry
- Have completed at least one graduate chemistry class that will count toward their master's degree
- Have at least one letter from a chemistry faculty member either here or elsewhere
More information is available at:
AB/AM Program
If you're intereseted in the joint AB/AM degree in Chemistry, we advise you to discuss your decision with your Resident Dean and Gregg Tucci, Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies. For application information or to confirm your application submission, contact Kathy Oakley. Please see the following links for more information:
Activities & Resources
The Chemistry Club is a meeting place for Harvard undergraduate chemists and a venue for chemical education initiatives tailored for the pre-graduate students. Open to Chemistry Concentrators and all students interested in Chemistry, the Chemistry Club holds regular social gatherings, lectures by distinguished faculty and researchers from prominent universities and corporations, hosts dinners with invited guests at the Faculty Club, and promotes chemical education initiatives such as the Big Brother/Big Sister Program, student research colloquia, and graduate school admission forums.
The Bureau of Study Counsel offers academic counseling, workshops and discussions, peer tutoring, and more.
The Office of Career Services offers guidance and programming to help you feel confident and prepared to take the first steps in your career. Learn to create strong resumes, CVs, and cover letters; find summer internships, fellowships and jobs.
Teaching Laboratory Safety Program
Our safety trainings, policies, and procedures ensure the safety of our students and laboratory teaching staff. Teaching staff develop expertise in the particular hazards involved in each experiment. And, our labs undergo regular inspections and audits to confirm they meet our rigorous safety standards.
If you have questions about our Lab Planning Group or safety information, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Laboratories, Heidi Vollmer-Snarr.