BS in Chemical Physics

The BS in Chemical Physics is intended for those students who desire a more theoretical physics-oriented education. 

Program Requirements and Policies

  • Seventeen courses and accompanying labs are required to complete the major. 
  • Faculty advisers in the chemistry and physics departments are available for consultation about the chemical physics program.

Course Requirements

  • The following Foundation courses:
    • Chem 1: Chemical Fundamentals w/ Lab (or Chem 11: General Chemistry or Chem 16: Chemistry of Materials)
    • Chem 2: Chemical Principles w/ Lab (or Chem 12: General Chemistry)
    • Physics 1: Introduction to Physics I w/Lab or Physics 11: General Physics I w/Lab
    • Physics 2: Introduction to Physics II w/Lab or Physics 12: General Physics II w/Lab
    • Mathematics 32: Calculus I
    • Mathematics 34: Calculus II
    • Mathematics 42: Calculus III (or Mathematics 39: Honors Calculus I-ii and Mathematics 44: Honors Calculus III)
       
  • Ten more advanced Concentration courses with the following distributions:
    • Four courses in Chemistry that have a prerequisite of Chem 2 or Chem 12. 
    • Four courses in Physics that have a prerequisite of Phys 2 or Phys 12
    • Two courses in Mathematics (Math 70 or courses with a prerequisite of Math 42, Math 44, or Math 70)
  • The Concentration courses must include the following: 
    • Physics 13: Introduction to Modern Physics
    • Either Physics 64: Advanced Experimental Physics (counts as one advanced Physics course) or both Chemistry 33: Physical Chemistry Lab and Chemistry 34: Physical Chemistry Lab
    • Either Chemistry 31: Physical Chemistry I or Physics 52: Thermal Physics
    • Either Chemistry 32: Physical Chemistry II or Physics 61: Quantum Theory
    • Either Chemistry 51: Organic Chemistry I or Chemistry 61: Inorganic Chemistry 

Recommend Course Sequence for Chemical Physics Majors

UL = intermediate or upper-level course

Year Fall Spring
1 Chem 1 or 11
Math 32
Chem 2 or 12
Math 34
Phys 11 (or 1)
2

Phys 12
Math 42
Chem UL

Math UL
Chem UL
3 Phys 13
Math UL
Chem UL
Chem UL
Phys UL
4 Phys UL Phys UL

Alternate Course Sequence for Chemical Physics Majors

UL = intermediate or upper-level course

Year Fall Spring
1 Phys 1 or 11
Math 32
Phys 2 or 12
Chem 1 or 16
Math 34
2 Chem 2
Phys 13
Math 42
Phys UL
Chem UL
Math UL
3 Chem UL
Math UL
Chem UL
Phys UL
4 Chem UL Phys UL