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
Chemistry15
General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
Physics19
Classical Physics
Classical Physics
Classical Physics
Modern Physics
Mathematics23-24
Calculus
Calculus
Calculus
Vector Analysis
Choose One:
Linear Algebra
and Linear Algebra Computer Laboratory
Linear Algebra with Applications to Biology
Choose One:
Differential Equations
Differential Equations with Applications to Biology
Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal57-58
Depth Subject Matter
Chemistry35
Analytical & Physical Chemical Methods
Physical Chemistry: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Physical Chemistry: Properties of Atoms & Molecules
Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Equilibria & Kinetics
Instrumental Analysis
Inorganic Chemistry: Fundamentals
Advanced Methods in Physical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Physics16
Introduction to Mathematical Methods in Physics
Classical Mechanics
Electricity & Magnetism
Choose at least one:
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.