The chemical physics major combines course work in chemistry and physics at the introductory and intermediate levels, along with some advanced work in physical chemistry and physics, for a total of between 10 and 12 credits. Laboratory work at the advanced level in either chemistry or physics is required; math courses in linear algebra and multivariable calculus are prerequisites to this work.
In preparation for a major in Chemical Physics, students must complete by the end of the sophomore year:
(1) Chemistry 10/10H and 22;
(2) Physics 5, 7, 8 (Physics 3, 4 can substitute, but the 5, 7, 8 sequence is strongly recommended);
(3) further work appropriate to the major in either Chemistry (44, 45 and/or 46) or Physics (14 and 50);
(4) linear algebra (Math 27, 28, 28s or 28p) and multivariable calculus (Math 33, 34 or 35).
Example of a Special Major in Chemical Physics:
Chemistry 22, 34, 44, 45, 46, 105
Physics 7, 8, 14, 50, 111, 113
NOTE: Chemistry 10, 22 and 44 constitute a minimum set of prerequisites for enrollment in any Chemistry Department seminar. These requirements should be completed by the end of the Fall semester of the junior year. Students should also make note of the Physics and Mathematics prerequisites for Chemistry 44 and 45. Individual seminars carry additional prerequisites, as listed below.
102 - Topics in Modern Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 32.
103 - Topics in Environmental Chemistry: Chemistry 43.
105 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy: Math 33, 34 or
35; familiarity with linear algebra is recommended.
106 - Topics in Bioinorganic Chemistry: Chemistry 38, 46,
Biology 1.
108 - Topics in Biochemistry: Chemistry 38 and Biology
1 required; prior or concurrent enrollment in Biology 10 or 14 or 17 and/or
Chemistry 45 recommended.
110 - Topics in Modern Biophysical Chemistry: Chemistry
38 required; prior or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 45
is recommended.
Each year the chemistry department brings a number of visitors to campus who give lectures on their research and spend the day interacting with faculty and students. Attendance is a requirement for students doing research in the department as well as those students involved in the department's comprehensive examination program.
The comprehensive requirement for chemical physics majors will generally be met by completing the requirements of either the Physics and Astronomy or the Chemistry and Biochemistry Departments for their departmental majors.
The Chemistry and Physics Departments are eager to accommodate the foreign study aspirations of Chemical Physics majors. Because of the sequential nature of the curriculum, however, substantial advance planning is required and interested students are encouraged to consult with the Foreign Study advisor and the Department Chair(s) at the earliest possible opportunity.