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 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 |