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Curriculum and Completion Requirements

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Victoria Sharma

Victoria Sharma
Program Director

Courtney Gomas

Courtney Gomas
Online Program Coordinator

The Essentials of Green Chemistry

EDP 402421

Green chemistry enables scientists and engineers to design chemicals and materials with minimal use and generation of hazardous substances. Growing public concern about product safety, along with new chemical policies in the United States and the European Union, poses an imperative for decision makers in business, government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to understand the business strategy and market drivers for green chemistry. In addition to new opportunities for growth and competitive advantage, businesses have new job positions in green chemistry opening at points throughout the supply chain. The Certificate Program in the Essentials of Green Chemistry, developed in association with the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and an advisory board, provides a flexible, multidisciplinary curriculum that meets a variety of needs. The approved curriculum—taught by professionals with many years of practical experience—trains professionals in chemistry, engineering, public policy, toxicology and business so that they can collaborate with green chemistry colleagues in the U.S. and beyond. Join our email list to stay informed about this certificate.

Courses

The table contains the required courses for the Certificate Program in the Essentials of Green Chemistry, as well as the terms they are typically available for enrollment.

5 Required Courses, Varied Number of Electives, 14 Semester Units (210 Hours of Instruction)

Required Courses Course Number UNITS/ CEU Classroom Online
Principles of Green Chemistry X413 2 Fall Fall
Spring
Summer
Alternatives Assessment: Chemicals, Materials, Products and Processes (offered future term) X415 2    
Business and Financial Planning for Green Chemistry Innovation X413.8 2 Fall
Spring
Summer
Fall
Spring
Summer
Current Topics in Green Chemistry X414 3 Spring  
Green Chemistry and Chemicals Policy X400.8 2 Fall
Spring
Summer
Toxicology and Risk Assessment
or
Decision Making and Comparative Risk Assessment
X403.2
2 Spring  
X473
2 Spring Fall
Spring
Summer
VIEW ALL Electives FOR THIS CERTIFICATE Course Number Units/ CEU Classroom Online

Course availability is subject to change. Courses offered in both online and classroom environments are interchangeable, and you may choose either format.

To enroll, click on a course title above and choose a section.

You may enroll in individual courses without registering for the Certificate Program in the Essentials of Green Chemistry.

Online or Classroom Format

This professional certificate is available in both classroom and online formats. You can take courses online, in class or a combination of both. Choose the format that works for your schedule. Find out more about online learning at Extension.

Who Will Benefit

This certificate is ideal if you are interested in learning and applying the principles of green chemistry to promote sustainable business practices and policies—especially if you are an environmental manager, sustainability consultant, health professional, product designer, engineer, chemist, biologist, product manager, materials scientist, project manager or otherwise responsible for ensuring your organization establishes safety protocols or meets regulatory requirements. It is also appropriate if you are considering a career change.

Prerequisites for Admission

There are no prerequisites for the Certificate Program in the Essentials of Green Chemistry, but a bachelor's degree is recommended.

Curriculum Requirements

The curriculum comprises 5 required courses—Principles of Green Chemistry X413 and any 4 of the other required courses (10 semester units)—and a varied number of elective courses for a minimum of 14 semester units (210 hours of instruction). (Principles of Green Chemistry does not need to be taken first.) Candidates must pay a nonrefundable certificate registration fee.

All coursework must be completed within five years of registering for the certificate. However, requirements may be updated based on new developments in the field of study; we recommend completing the curriculum in a timely fashion. For more information, please see the completion requirements and the substitutions, waivers and transfer credit policies.

How to Register for This Professional Certificate

By registering, you declare your intention to complete the curriculum. To register for the Certificate Program in the Essentials of Green Chemistry, submit the online registration form with your credit card information or complete the mail-in registration form. The certificate registration fee is nonrefundable.

You should register for the certificate before you complete your first course in the curriculum. You are responsible for meeting any future curricular changes or modified program requirements if you do not register during this time.

Estimated Cost

Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The certificate has an estimated cost of $4,000 (not including course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.

Contact Information

To contact the department office, email science@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 643-0598.

For details about online courses, email online@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-7343.

Advisory Board

John Arnold, Ph.D.
Director, Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry
Professor of Chemistry

UC Berkeley

Ann Blake, Ph.D.
Principal
Environmental and Public Health Consulting

Joseph Guth, J.D., Ph.D.
Law and Policy Curriculum Director
Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry
Legal Director

Science and Environmental Health Network

Tony Kingsbury
Executive-in-Residence, Sustainable Products and Solutions Program
Center for Responsible Business

Haas School of Business
UC Berkeley

Michael Kirschner
President
Design Chain Associates

Martin Mulvihill, Ph.D.
Curriculum Director
Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry
Chemist

UC Berkeley

Julie Schoenung, Ph.D.
Professor, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
UC Davis

Megan Schwartzman, M.D., M.P.H.
Research Scientist, School of Public Health
UC Berkeley

Jennifer Tripp, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor, Chemistry
San Francisco State University

Chris Vulpe, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Nutritional Science and Toxicology
UC Berkeley

Michael Wilson, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Research Scientist, School of Public Health Center for Occupational and Environmental Health
UC Berkeley

Zack Wong, Ph.D.
Toxicologist
Retired Manager
Chevron Energy Technology Company