Undergraduate Programs

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 Fields of Concentration.

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 Fields of Concentration..

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. Read more about concentrating in chemical and physical biology in the Fields of Concentration.

 

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.

Subscribe here to keep in touch with the Office of Undergraduate Studies in Chemistry and receive weekly Undergraduate Chemistry Newsletters.

Watch the Undergraduate Chemistry Information Session (recorded on Aug 2, 2023): link to the video, link to the slides

 

To the first-year and sophomore students considering taking chemistry courses, here are two resources:

  • Understanding Your Placement Scores in Chemistry and Biology: In this 10-min video, Dr. Gregg Tucci first went over the three fall courses in Chemistry and Biology (Life and Physical Sciences A, Life Sciences 1a, and CHEM 10) and classes in Organic Chemistry, and then discussed how to explore and find courses that are best for you.
  • 2-page Chemistry Courses Introduction Brochure on suggestions of chemistry courses to take during the first two years of college and introduction of two new courses: CHEM 10 and CHEM 4C. 

Concurrent Master's Degree in Chemistry

If you're intereseted in a Concurrent Master's Degree in Chemistry, we advise you to discuss your decision with your Resident Dean and Lu Wang, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies. You can read about the requirements for applying for the Concurrent Master's Degree in Chemistry here.

The first step will be to meet with Lu Wang to create a plan of study.

The general information on concurrent master's degrees at Harvard is available at: Concurrent Master's Program. To confirm your application submission, contact Kathy Oakley.

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, Director of Undergraduate Studies. For application information or to confirm your application submission, contact Kathy Oakley. Please see the following links for more information:

Fourth Year Masters

Advanced Standing

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. Click here for the Guide to Chemistry (2023-2024) produced by the Chemistry Club.

The Academic Resources Center 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 Advanced Undergraduate Laboratories, Heidi Vollmer-Snarr.