Chemical Physics, Bachelor of Science College of Letters & Science

Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter, its structure, and the means by which it is converted from one form to another.

The Program

We offer several degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.). To meet and discuss these programs with our staff advisors, see Academic Advising.

The B.S. degree in Chemical Physics provides students with an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry, focusing on areas at the interface of chemistry and physics. These include, for example, the experimental measurement and theoretical calculation of the detailed properties and behavior of atoms and molecules. An important experimental tool in chemical physics is spectroscopy, which uses conventional or laser light to probe the atomic and molecular properties of matter.

Career Alternatives

Graduates in Chemical Physics will be prepared for employment in technology, energy, laser science, material science, solid-state chemistry, and other fields requiring a strong background in both chemistry and physics. They will also be well-suited for graduate study in a range of areas including chemistry, chemical physics, computational chemistry, material science, nanomaterials, and laser science.

Major Advisor

To contact a major advisor in the Department of Chemistry, see Academic Advising.

Honors & Honors Program

The student must take courses CHE 194HA, CHE 194HB, and CHE 194HC, and complete a capstone research project (typically a written honors thesis). For more information, see Undergraduate Research.

Graduate Study

The Department of Chemistry offers programs of study and research leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry. Detailed information regarding graduate study may be obtained by contacting the Graduate Advisor, Department of Chemistry. See also Graduate Studies.

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Chemical Physics Bachelor of Science is 110.

Preparatory Subject Matter
Chemistry
CHE 004AGeneral Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering5
CHE 004BGeneral Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering5
CHE 004CGeneral Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering5
Physics
PHY 009AClassical Physics5
PHY 009BClassical Physics5
PHY 009CClassical Physics5
PHY 009DModern Physics4
Mathematics
MAT 021ACalculus4
MAT 021BCalculus4
MAT 021CCalculus4
MAT 021DVector Analysis4
Choose One:4
Linear Algebra
and Linear Algebra Computer Laboratory
Linear Algebra with Applications to Biology
Choose One:3-4
Differential Equations
Differential Equations with Applications to Biology
Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal57-58
Depth Subject Matter
Chemistry
CHE 105Analytical & Physical Chemical Methods4
CHE 110APhysical Chemistry: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics4
CHE 110BPhysical Chemistry: Properties of Atoms & Molecules4
CHE 110CPhysical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Equilibria & Kinetics 4
CHE 115Instrumental Analysis4
CHE 124AInorganic Chemistry: Fundamentals3
CHE 125Advanced Methods in Physical Chemistry4
CHE 128AOrganic Chemistry3
CHE 128BOrganic Chemistry3
CHE 129AOrganic Chemistry Laboratory2
Physics
PHY 104AIntroduction to Mathematical Methods in Physics4
PHY 105AClassical Mechanics4
PHY 110AElectricity & Magnetism4
Choose at least one:4
Analytical Mechanics
Electricity & Magnetism
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
Foundation of Quantum Mechanics
Introduction to Solid State Physics
At least 2 additional upper division units in Chemistry (CHE) 12
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal53
Total Units110-111
1

Except CHE 107A, CHE 107B.