Chemical Physics, Bachelor of Science College of Letters & Science
The Major Programs
Chemistry studies 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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Subject Matter | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| CHE 004A | General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering | 5 |
| CHE 004B | General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering | 5 |
| CHE 004C | General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering | 5 |
| Physics | ||
| PHY 009A | Classical Physics | 5 |
| PHY 009B | Classical Physics | 5 |
| PHY 009C | Classical Physics | 5 |
| PHY 009D | Modern Physics | 4 |
| Mathematics | ||
| MAT 021A | Calculus | 4 |
| MAT 021B | Calculus | 4 |
| MAT 021C | Calculus | 4 |
| MAT 021D | Vector Analysis | 4 |
| 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 Subtotal | 57-58 | |
| Depth Subject Matter | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| CHE 105 | Analytical & Physical Chemical Methods | 4 |
| CHE 110A | Physical Chemistry: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| CHE 110B | Physical Chemistry: Properties of Atoms & Molecules | 4 |
| CHE 110C | Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Equilibria & Kinetics | 4 |
| CHE 115 | Instrumental Analysis | 4 |
| CHE 124A | Inorganic Chemistry: Fundamentals | 3 |
| CHE 125 | Advanced Methods in Physical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHE 128A | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 128B | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 129A | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| Physics | ||
| PHY 104A | Introduction to Mathematical Methods in Physics | 4 |
| PHY 105A | Classical Mechanics | 4 |
| PHY 110A | Electricity & Magnetism | 4 |
| 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) 1 | 2 | |
| Depth Subject Matter Subtotal | 53 | |
| Total Units | 110-111 | |