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.
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Preparatory Subject Matter | ||
Chemistry | 15 | |
General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering | ||
General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering | ||
General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering | ||
Physics | 19 | |
Classical Physics | ||
Classical Physics | ||
Classical Physics | ||
Modern Physics | ||
Mathematics | 23-24 | |
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 Subtotal | 57-58 | |
Depth Subject Matter | ||
Chemistry | 35 | |
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 | ||
Physics | 16 | |
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) 1 | 2 | |
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal | 53 | |
Total Units | 110-111 |