Course Planning

Chemical Physics Major - Planning

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical major plan for this 14 course major.  This is not the only way forward.  Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path. 

First Year

Complete the following through coursework or Advanced Placement Credits

  • General Chemistry I (CHEM 110) and General Chemistry II (CHEM 120)
  • Calculus I (MATH 130) and Calculus II (MATH 140)
Sophomore

Physics I – Workshop (PHYS 235)

Physics II – Workshop (PHYS 245)

Organic I (CHEM 240)

Differential Equations (Math 260)

Junior

Physical Chem I (CHEM 310)

Vibrations & Waves (PHYS 305)

1-2 Chemical Physics Major electives

Senior

Quantum Mechanics (PHYS 430)

1-2 Chemical Physics Major electives

*Many upper-level Chemistry and Physics courses are offered every other year. Please plan accordingly.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year.  The following is a typical plan to complete this 14 course major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.

First Year

-

Sophomore

Complete the following through coursework or Advanced Placement Credits

  • General Chemistry I (CHEM 110) and General Chemistry II (CHEM 120)
  • Calculus I (MATH 130) and Calculus II (MATH 140)
  • Physics I – Workshop (PHYS 235) and Physics II – Workshop (PHYS 245)
Junior

Organic I (CHEM 240)

Differential Equations (MATH 260)

Vibrations & Waves (PHYS 305)

1-2 Chemical Physics Major electives

Senior

Physical Chem I (CHEM 310)

Quantum Physics (PHYS 430)

2-3  Chemical Physics Major electives

*Many upper-level Chemistry and Physics courses are offered every other year. Please plan accordingly.

Planning Recommendations: While research is not required for the Chemical Physics major, interested students should begin to explore possibilities as early as possible. Please consult either the Department chairs (Chemistry or Physics) or individual faculty members of the Departments of Chemistry or Physics.

Capstone Comments:  The Senior Capstone Experience in Chemical Physics consists of completing the Senior Capstone Experience for either the chemistry or physics major. Please see your departmental advisor for more details.