Course 5: Chemistry
Fall
2025 (Archive)
5.511 Synthetic Organic Chemistry I
 ( ); second half of term
Prereq: 5.43 and permission of instructor
Units: 2-0-4
Begins Oct 20. Lecture: MW10-11.30 (4-257)
Presents and discusses important topics in modern synthetic organic chemistry, with the objective of developing problem-solving skills for the design of synthetic routes to complex molecules.
M. Movassaghi
Textbooks (Fall 2025)
5.512 Synthetic Organic Chemistry II
( ); second half of term
Prereq: 5.511
Units: 2-0-4
General methods and strategies for the synthesis of complex organic compounds.
M. Movassaghi
5.52 Tutorial in Chemical Biology
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 2-2-8
Lecture: MW2-4 (2-142)
Provides an overview of the core principles of chemistry that underlie biological systems. Students explore research topics and methods in chemical biology by participating in laboratory rotations, then present on experiments performed during each rotation. Intended for first-year graduate students with a strong interest in chemical biology.
R. Raines
No required or recommended textbooks
5.53 Molecular Structure and Reactivity
()
Prereq: 5.43, 5.601, and 5.602
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: TR10.30-12 (2-105)
Reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry: methods of investigation, relation of structure to reactivity, and reactive intermediates.
A. Wendlandt, M. Elkin
No required or recommended textbooks
5.54J Advances in Chemical Biology
()
(Same subject as 7.540[J], 20.554[J])
Prereq: 5.07, 5.13, 7.06, and permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: TR9-10.30 (4-261)
Introduction to current research at the interface of chemistry, biology, and bioengineering. Topics include imaging of biological processes, metabolic pathway engineering, protein engineering, mechanisms of DNA damage, RNA structure and function, macromolecular machines, protein misfolding and disease, metabolomics, and methods for analyzing signaling network dynamics. Lectures are interspersed with class discussions and student presentations based on current literature.
L. Kiessling, O. Johnson
Textbooks (Fall 2025)
5.55 NMR Spectroscopy and Biochemical Structure Determination
(); second half of term
Prereq: 5.07, 5.08, or permission of instructor
Units: 2-0-4
An exploration in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy applied to problems in biochemistry and chemical biology. Covers the application of NMR to questions of structure and dynamics in proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. NMR applications to ligand binding, including STD and DOSY methods, highlighted. An understanding of the material from 5.46 is preferred, but not required.
W. Massefski
5.56 Molecular Structure and Reactivity II
 (); second half of term
Prereq: 5.53 or permission of instructor
Units: 2-0-4
Application of physical principles and methods to contemporary problems of interest in organic and polymer chemistry.
J. Johnson
5.561 Chemistry in Industry
()
Not offered regularly; consult department
Prereq: 5.03, 5.13, and (5.07 or 7.05)
Units: 2-0-4 [P/D/F]
Examination of recent advances in organic, biological, and inorganic and physical chemical research in industry. Taught in seminar format with participation by scientists from industrial research laboratories.
R. Danheiser
5.601 Thermodynamics I
 (, ); first half of term
Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) and Chemistry (GIR)
Units: 2-0-4
Ends Oct 17. Lecture: MWF10 (4-270) Recitation: MW12 (36-153) or TR11 (36-156) or TR12 (36-156) or TR1 (36-156)
Basic thermodynamics: state of a system, state variables. Work, heat, first law of thermodynamics, thermochemistry. Second and third law of thermodynamics: entropy and free energy, including the molecular basis for these thermodynamic functions. Equilibrium properties of macroscopic systems. Special attention to thermodynamics related to global energy issues and biological systems. Combination of 5.601 and 5.602 counts as a REST subject.
Fall: G. Schlau-Cohen
Spring: A. Willard
Textbooks (Fall 2025)
5.602 Thermodynamics II and Kinetics
(, ); second half of term
Prereq: 5.601
Units: 2-0-4
Begins Oct 20. Lecture: MWF10 (4-270) Recitation: MW12 (36-153) or TR11 (36-156) or TR12 (36-156) or TR1 (36-156)
Free energy and chemical potential. Phase equilibrium and properties of solutions. Chemical equilibrium of reactions. Rates of chemical reactions. Special attention to thermodynamics related to global energy issues and biological systems. Combination of 5.601 and 5.602 counts as a REST subject.
Fall: S. Peng
Spring: S. Peng
Textbooks (Fall 2025)
5.611 Introduction to Spectroscopy
(); first half of term
Prereq: Calculus II (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), and Physics II (GIR)
Units: 2-0-4
Ends Oct 17. Lecture: MWF11 (32-144) Recitation: MW12 (4-261) or TR11 (4-159)
Introductory quantum chemistry; particles and waves; wave mechanics; harmonic oscillator; applications to IR, Microwave and NMR spectroscopy. Combination of 5.611 and 5.612 counts as a REST subject.
M. Hong
Textbooks (Fall 2025)
5.612 Electronic Structure of Molecules
(); second half of term
Prereq: 5.611
Units: 2-0-4
Begins Oct 20. Lecture: MWF11 (32-144) Recitation: MW12 (4-261) or TR11 (4-159) +final
Introductory electronic structure; atomic structure and the Periodic Table; valence and molecular orbital theory; molecular structure, and photochemistry. Combination of 5.611 and 5.612 counts as a REST subject.
R. Griffin
Textbooks (Fall 2025)
5.613 Exploring Quantum Chemistry Using Python
(New)
()
Prereq: 5.612
Units: 2-0-4
Introduces the Python coding language through interactive lectures in order to develop computational thinking and build upon the concepts covered in 5.611 and 5.612 with the end goal of performing quantum chemical calculations. Quantum mechanical topics covered include tunneling, rotational spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, and Hartree-Fock methods of quantum chemistry. Computational topics covered include concepts of modeling, coding, and evaluating results, data visualization, and fundamental concepts of computation such as Fourier analysis, linear algebra, fitting, and optimization. No prior coding knowledge is required.
D. Grimes
5.62 Physical Chemistry
()
Prereq: 5.601, 5.602, 5.611, and 5.612
Units: 4-0-8
Elementary statistical mechanics; transport properties; kinetic theory; solid state; reaction rate theory; and chemical reaction dynamics.
S. Ceyer, K. Nelson
5.64J Advances in Interdisciplinary Science in Human Health and Disease
()
(Same subject as HST.539[J])
Prereq: 5.13, 5.601, 5.602, and (5.07 or 7.05)
Units: 3-0-9
Introduces major principles, concepts, and clinical applications of biophysics, biophysical chemistry, and systems biology. Emphasizes biological macromolecular interactions, biochemical reaction dynamics, and genomics. Discusses current technological frontiers and areas of active research at the interface of basic and clinical science. Provides integrated, interdisciplinary training and core experimental and computational methods in molecular biochemistry and genomics.
A. Shalek, X. Wang
5.65 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Chemical Biology
(); second half of term
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-3
Introduces core concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through the lens of chemical biology. Designed for graduate students with strong backgrounds in chemical biology and no programming experience. Topics include protein structure prediction, drug discovery, and high-throughput data analysis. Students will gain an intuitive understanding of AI/ML models and explore case studies where these tools have transformed research in molecular science. Intended for graduate students in chemical biology or a chemical biology-related program. No prior experience in AI, machine learning, or programming is required.
B. Pentelute
5.68J Kinetics of Chemical Reactions
 ()
(Same subject as 10.652[J])
Prereq: 5.62, 10.37, or 10.65
Units: 3-0-6
Lecture: M1-2.30,F8.30-10 (66-160)
Experimental and theoretical aspects of chemical reaction kinetics, including transition-state theories, molecular beam scattering, classical techniques, quantum and statistical mechanical estimation of rate constants, pressure-dependence and chemical activation, modeling complex reacting mixtures, and uncertainty/ sensitivity analyses. Reactions in the gas phase, liquid phase, and on surfaces are discussed with examples drawn from atmospheric, combustion, industrial, catalytic, and biological chemistry.
W. H. Green
No textbook information available
5.697J Computational Chemistry
()
(Same subject as 10.437[J])
(Subject meets with 5.698[J], 10.637[J])
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: TR11-12.30 (32-124)
Addresses both the theory and application of first-principles computer simulations methods (i.e., quantum, chemical, or electronic structure), including Hartree-Fock theory, density functional theory, and correlated wavefunction methods. Covers enhanced sampling, ab initio molecular dynamics, and transition-path-finding approaches as well as errors and accuracy in total and free energies. Discusses applications such as the study and prediction of properties of chemical systems, including heterogeneous, molecular, and biological catalysts (enzymes), and physical properties of materials. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 35; no listeners.
H. J. Kulik
No required or recommended textbooks
5.698J Computational Chemistry
()
(Same subject as 10.637[J])
(Subject meets with 5.697[J], 10.437[J])
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: TR11-12.30 (32-124)
Addresses both the theory and application of first-principles computer simulations methods (i.e., quantum, chemical, or electronic structure), including Hartree-Fock theory, density functional theory, and correlated wavefunction methods. Covers enhanced sampling, ab initio molecular dynamics, and transition-path-finding approaches as well as errors and accuracy in total and free energies. Discusses applications such as the study and prediction of properties of chemical systems, including heterogeneous, molecular, and biological catalysts (enzymes), and physical properties of materials. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 35; no listeners.
H. J. Kulik
No required or recommended textbooks
5.70J Statistical Thermodynamics
()
(Same subject as 10.546[J])
Prereq: 5.601 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: MWF9 (4-153) +final
Develops classical equilibrium statistical mechanical concepts for application to chemical physics problems. Basic concepts of ensemble theory formulated on the basis of thermodynamic fluctuations. Examples of applications include Ising models, lattice models of binding, ionic and non-ionic solutions, liquid theory, polymer and protein conformations, phase transition, and pattern formation. Introduces computational techniques with examples of liquid and polymer simulations.
B. Zhang, J. Cao
Textbooks (Fall 2025)
5.72 Statistical Mechanics
(); second half of term
Prereq: 5.70 or permission of instructor
Units: 2-0-4
Principles and methods of statistical mechanics. Classical and quantum statistics, grand ensembles, fluctuations, molecular distribution functions, and other topics in equilibrium statistical mechanics. Topics in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of irreversible processes.
J. Cao
5.73 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I
()
Prereq: 5.611, 5.612, 8.03, and 18.03
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: TR9.30-11 (4-159) +final
Presents the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics: wave properties, uncertainty principles, Schrodinger equation, and operator and matrix methods. Includes applications to one-dimensional potentials (harmonic oscillator), three-dimensional centrosymetric potentials (hydrogen atom), and angular momentum and spin. Approximation methods include WKB, variational principle, and perturbation theory.
M. Bawendi, R. Griffin
Textbooks (Fall 2025)
5.74 Introductory Quantum Mechanics II
()
Prereq: 5.73
Units: 3-0-9
Time-dependent quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. Topics include perturbation theory, two-level systems, light-matter interactions, relaxation in quantum systems, correlation functions and linear response theory, and nonlinear spectroscopy.
K. Nelson, G. Schlau-Cohen
5.78 Biophysical Chemistry Techniques
()
(Subject meets with 7.71)
Prereq: 5.07 or 7.05
Units: 2-0-4
Presents principles of macromolecular crystallography that are essential for structure determinations. Topics include crystallization, diffraction theory, symmetry and space groups, data collection, phase determination methods, model building, and refinement. Discussion of crystallography theory complemented with exercises such as crystallization, data processing, and model building. Meets with 7.71 when offered concurrently. Enrollment limited.
C. Drennan, T. Schwartz
5.80 Advanced Topics of Current Special Interest
(, )
Prereq: None
Units arranged
TBA.
Advanced topics of current special interest.
Fall: Staff
Spring: Staff
No required or recommended textbooks
5.81J United States Energy Policy: Lessons Learned for the Future
(); second half of term
(Same subject as 15.029[J])
(Subject meets with 5.811[J], 15.0291[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-4
Compares the US policy responses, from the Nixon administration to the current administration, on issues ranging from oil import dependence to nuclear nonproliferation. Examines what lessons were learned from these issues and how they have shaped the country's current climate change policy. Prepares students to be informed and effective participants in policy deliberations that require difficult decisions and trade-offs. Addresses both domestic and international policy aspects. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
J. Deutch
5.811J United States Energy Policy: Lessons Learned for the Future
(); second half of term
(Same subject as 15.0291[J])
(Subject meets with 5.81[J], 15.029[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-4
Compares the US policy responses, from the Nixon administration to the current administration, on issues ranging from oil import dependence to nuclear nonproliferation. Examines what lessons were learned from these issues and how they have shaped the country's current climate change policy. Prepares students to be informed and effective participants in policy deliberations that require difficult decisions and trade-offs. Addresses both domestic and international policy aspects. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
J. Deutch
5.812J Principles of Innovation
(); second half of term
(Same subject as 10.258[J])
(Subject meets with 5.82[J], 10.582[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-4
Presents the key elements required for new technical ideas and business practices to be successfully deployed in an open economy, subject to international trade and external environmental costs. Examines the challenges of climate change and increased international competitiveness as they relate to innovation. Offers recommendations for major policy changes to how innovation is encouraged in the United States and the global economy. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
J. Deutch
5.82J Principles of Innovation
(); second half of term
(Same subject as 10.582[J])
(Subject meets with 5.812[J], 10.258[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-4
Presents the key elements required for new technical ideas and business practices to be successfully deployed in an open economy, subject to international trade and external environmental costs. Examines the challenges of climate change and increased international competitiveness as they relate to innovation. Offers recommendations for major policy changes to how innovation is encouraged in the United States and the global economy. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
J. Deutch
5.83 Advanced NMR Spectroscopy
(); first half of term
Prereq: 5.73 or permission of instructor
Units: 2-0-4
Offers a classical and quantum mechanical description of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The former includes key concepts such as nuclear spin magnetic moment, Larmor precession, Bloch equations, the rotating frame, radio-frequency pulses, vector model of pulsed NMR, Fourier transformation in 1D and nD NMR, orientation dependence of nuclear spin frequencies, and NMR relaxation. The latter covers nuclear spin Hamiltonians, density operator and its time evolution, the interaction representation, Average Hamiltonian Theory for multi-pulse experiments, and analysis of some common pulse sequences in solution and solid-state NMR.
R. Griffin
5.891 Independent Study in Chemistry for Undergraduates
(,  , ,  ) 
Prereq: None
Units arranged
TBA.
Program of independent study under direction of Chemistry faculty member. May not substitute for required courses for the Chemistry major or minor.
Fall: J. Weisman
IAP: J. Weisman
Spring: J. Weisman
No required or recommended textbooks
5.892 Independent Study in Chemistry for Undergraduates
(, , , )
Prereq: None
Units arranged [P/D/F]
TBA.
Program of independent study under direction of Chemistry faculty member. May not substitute for required courses for the Chemistry major or minor.
Fall: J. Weisman
IAP: J. Weisman
Spring: J. Weisman
No required or recommended textbooks
5.893 Practical Internship Experience in Chemistry
()
Prereq: None
Units: 0-1-0 [P/D/F]
For Course 5 and 5-7 students participating in curriculum-related off-campus internship experiences in chemistry. Before enrolling, students must consult the Chemistry Education Office for details on procedures and restrictions, and have approval from their faculty advisor. Subject to department approval. Upon completion, the student must submit a write-up of the experience, approved by their faculty advisor.
Staff
No textbook information available
5.90 Problems in Chemistry
(, , )
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units arranged [P/D/F]
TBA.
Directed research and study of special chemical problems. For Chemistry graduate students only.
Fall: J. Weisman
Spring: J. Weisman
No required or recommended textbooks
5.91 Teaching Experience in the Chemical Sciences
(, )
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Lecture: F1-2.30 (3-270)
For students in the chemistry graduate program while teaching. Classroom or laboratory teaching under the supervision of a faculty member and classroom-based instruction on timely topics related to education and modern teaching practices. Limited to chemistry graduate students who are teaching the same term.
Fall: E. Nolan
Spring: E. Nolan
No required or recommended textbooks
5.913 Seminar in Organic Chemistry
(, )
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 1-0-0 [P/D/F]
Lecture: R EVE (4-6 PM) (6-120)
Discusses current journal publications in organic chemistry.
Fall: R. Danheiser
Spring: R. Danheiser
No required or recommended textbooks
5.921 Seminar in Chemical Biology
(, )
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 1-0-0 [P/D/F]
Lecture: M EVE (4-6 PM) (4-270)
Discusses topics of current interest in chemical biology.
Fall: R. Raines
Spring: R. Raines
No required or recommended textbooks
5.931 Seminar in Physical Chemistry
(, )
Prereq: 5.60
Units: 1-0-0 [P/D/F]
Lecture: T EVE (4-6 PM) (6-120)
Discusses topics of current interest in physical chemistry.
Fall: B. McGuire, S. Peng
Spring: B. McGuire, S. Peng
No required or recommended textbooks
5.941 Seminar in Inorganic Chemistry
(, )
Prereq: 5.03
Units: 1-0-0 [P/D/F]
Lecture: W EVE (4-6 PM) (4-370)
Discusses current research in inorganic chemistry.
Fall: C. Cummins
Spring: C. Cummins
No required or recommended textbooks
5.95J Teaching College-Level Science and Engineering
()
(Same subject as 1.95[J], 7.59[J], 8.395[J], 18.094[J])
(Subject meets with 2.978)
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-2 [P/D/F]
Participatory seminar focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching science and engineering in higher education. Topics include theories of adult learning; course development; promoting active learning, problemsolving, and critical thinking in students; communicating with a diverse student body; using educational technology to further learning; lecturing; creating effective tests and assignments; and assessment and evaluation. Students research and present a relevant topic of particular interest. Appropriate for both novices and those with teaching experience.
J. Rankin
5.961J Leadership and Professional Strategies & Skills Training (LEAPS), Part I: Advancing Your Professional Strategies and Skills
(); second half of term
(Same subject as 8.396[J], 9.980[J], 12.396[J], 18.896[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-1 [P/D/F]
Part I (of two parts) of the LEAPS graduate career development and training series. Topics include: navigating and charting an academic career with confidence; convincing an audience with clear writing and arguments; mastering public speaking and communications; networking at conferences and building a brand; identifying transferable skills; preparing for a successful job application package and job interviews; understanding group dynamics and different leadership styles; leading a group or team with purpose and confidence. Postdocs encouraged to attend as non-registered participants. Limited to 80.
A. Frebel
5.962J Leadership and Professional Strategies & Skills Training (LEAPS), Part II: Developing Your Leadership Competencies
(); first half of term
(Same subject as 8.397[J], 9.981[J], 12.397[J], 18.897[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-1 [P/D/F]
Part II (of two parts) of the LEAPS graduate career development and training series. Topics covered include gaining self awareness and awareness of others, and communicating with different personality types; learning about team building practices; strategies for recognizing and resolving conflict and bias; advocating for diversity and inclusion; becoming organizationally savvy; having the courage to be an ethical leader; coaching, mentoring, and developing others; championing, accepting, and implementing change. Postdocs encouraged to attend as non-registered participants. Limited to 80.
D. Rigos
5.S00 Special Subject in Chemistry
(); second half of term
Not offered regularly; consult department
Prereq: None
Units arranged
Organized lecture, subject consisting of material in the broadly-defined field of chemistry not offered in regularly scheduled subjects.
J. Deutch
5.S64 Special Subject in Chemistry
(); first half of term
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-4
Organized lecture consisting of material in the broadly-defined field of chemistry not offered in regularly scheduled subjects.
X. Wang
5.S72 Special Subject in Chemistry
()
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
Organized lecture consisting of material in the broadly defined field of chemistry not offered in regularly scheduled subjects.
J. Cao, B. Zhang
5.S75 Special Subject in Chemistry
(); first half of term
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-4
Organized lecture consisting of material in the broadly-defined field of chemistry not offered in regularly scheduled subjects.
L. Kiessling
5.THG Graduate Thesis
(, , , )
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units arranged
TBA.
Program of research leading to the writing of a PhD thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty member.
Fall: J. Weisman
IAP: J. Weisman
Spring: J. Weisman
Summer: J. Weisman
No required or recommended textbooks
5.THU Undergraduate Thesis
(, , , )
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units arranged
TBA.
Program of original research under supervision of a chemistry faculty member, culminating with the preparation of a thesis. Ordinarily requires equivalent of two terms of research with chemistry department faculty member.
Fall: J. Weisman
IAP: J. Weisman
Spring: J. Weisman
No required or recommended textbooks
5.UARJ Climate and Sustainability Undergraduate Advanced Research
(, )
Not offered regularly; consult department
(Same subject as 1.UAR[J], 3.UAR[J], 11.UAR[J], 12.UAR[J], 15.UAR[J], 22.UAR[J])
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 2-0-4
Provides instruction in elective research, experiential projects, internships, and externships, including choosing and refining problems, surveying previous work and publications, industry best practices, design for robustness, technical presentation, authorship and collaboration, and ethics. Supporting content includes background and context pertaining to climate change and sustainability, as well as tools for sustainable design. Focus for project work includes research topics relevant to the MIT Climate & Sustainability Consortium (MCSC). Students engage in extensive written and oral communication exercises, in the context of an approved advanced research project. A total of 12 units of credit is awarded for completion of the fall and spring term offerings. Application required; consult MCSC website for more information.
Fall: Staff
Spring: Staff
5.UR Undergraduate Research
(, , , )
Prereq: None
Units arranged [P/D/F]
TBA.
Program of research to be arranged by the student and a departmental faculty member. Research can be applied toward undergraduate thesis.
Fall: A. Radosevich
IAP: A. Radosevich
Spring: A. Radosevich
Summer: A. Radosevich
Textbooks arranged individually (Summer 2025); No required or recommended textbooks (Fall 2025)
5.URG Undergraduate Research
(, , , )
Prereq: None
Units arranged
TBA.
Program of research to be arranged by the student and a departmental faculty member. May be taken for up to 12 units per term, not to exceed a cumulative total of 48 units. A 10-page paper summarizing research is required.
Fall: A. Radosevich
IAP: A. Radosevich
Spring: A. Radosevich
Summer: A. Radosevich
Textbooks arranged individually (Summer 2025); No required or recommended textbooks (Fall 2025)
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