Chemistry and Biochemistry

CHEMICAL PHYSICS (CH32)

Requirements for the CHEMICAL PHYSICS B.S. Degree

The Chemical Physics major applies the concepts and quantitative methods of physics to the descriptions of atoms and molecules, analyzes matter as a statistical assembly of molecular building blocks, and develops and exploits physical (largely spectroscopic) experimental tools with which to test and refine such theories.

The chemical physics major is designed as a preparation for graduate work in chemistry, physics, or other interdisciplinary areas.



The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. General chemistry including laboratory (CHEM 6A-6C or 6AH-6CH, and 7L, or equivalent).
  2. Calculus and linear algebra (Math. 20A-20F, or equivalent).
  3. Calculus-based physics including laboratory (PHYS 2A-2D or equivalent, and either 2BL, 2CL or 2DL.  PHYS 2CL is recommended and is the prerequisite for CHEM 105A). 

It is recommended that the above requirements be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Two quarters of organic chemistry (CHEM 140A-B).
  2. One year of physical chemistry (CHEM 131-133).
  3. Two quarters of inorganic chemistry (CHEM 120A-120B). CHEM 114A can substitute for CHEM 120B.
  4. Six upper-division chemistry labs: CHEM 100A, 100B/BL, 143AH or 143A, 143B or 143C, 105A, and one of the following: 105B, 108, 109, 123, 143B, 143C, or 143D.
  5. Molecular spectroscopy (CHEM 135).
  6. Partial differential equations (MATH 110A).
  7. Two quarters of a physics sequence (PHYS 110A-110B, or PHYS 100A-100B).
  8. One additional course in physical chemistry or related areas as approved by the department.  CHEM 199 may be petitioned.


Suggested Program for Chemical Physics B.S. Major

(Talk to your college for planning general education courses)

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING
FRESHMAN YEAR
CHEM 6A CHEM 6B CHEM 6C
Math 20A Math 20B CHEM 7L


MATH 20C


PHYS 2A
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Phys 2B
 CHEM 140B CHEM 100A
CHEM 140A* CHEM 143AH MATH 20F
Math 20D Phys 2C PHYS 2D

Math 20E
JUNIOR YEAR
CHEM 143C PHYS 110B/100B CHEM 100BL
CHEM 133*
 CHEM 131 CHEM 132
Phys 110A/100A
 Phys 2CL



SENIOR YEAR
CHEM 120A CHEM 120B**
 CHEM 135
CHEM 105A
 Elective Lab
 Elective

MATH 110A

* Best time to study abroad. Education Abroad Program deadlines for upcoming year vary by country. See EAP website. See the Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Advisor for assistance in planning to study abroad.
** Chem. 114A (fall or winter quarter) may be substituted.


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