PhD in Physics: Chemical Physics
The PhD in Physics: Chemical Physics is offered in conjunction with the Department of Chemistry and melds the curriculum requirements of the two departments. The curriculum has more emphasis on chemical synthesis than the core program in Physics and more electricity and magnetism than the core program in Chemistry. These greater core requirements are balanced with a greater flexibility in the elective courses
Program Requirements and Policies
- Graduate TA should register on SIS for PHY 405 (counting as 3 credits); Graduate RA should register on SIS for PHY 406 (counting as 3 credits).
- Students who are working on a thesis or dissertation project for their doctoral degree should also register for PHY 502 FT (Doctoral Degree Continuation) in each semester.
Course Requirements
Seven graduate level courses, at least three of which must be in Chemistry and at least three of which must be in Physics:
- Two courses in quantum/structure:
- One chosen from:
- CHEM 133: Quantum Mechanics
- PHY 163: Quantum Theory I, and
- And one chosen from:
- CHEM 136: Spectroscopy and Molecular Structure
- PHY 164: Quantum Theory II
- One chosen from:
- One course in electricity and magnetism:
- PHY 145: Classical Electromagnetic Theory I
- One course in statistical-thermodynamics, chosen from the following
- CHEM 131: Chemical Thermodynamics
- PHY 153: Statistical Mechanics
- One course in structure/bonding, chosen from the following:
- CHEM 150: Intermediate Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 151: Physical Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 152: Advanced Organic Synthesis
- CHEM 161: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 162: Chemistry of Transition Elements
- Two additional elective courses chosen from the following:
- CHEM 132: Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics
- CHEM 151: Physical Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 162: Chemistry of Transition Elements
- PHY 131: Advanced Classical Mechanics
- PHY 146: Classical Electromagnetic Theory II
- PHY 173: Solid State Physics I
- PHY 174: Solid State Physics II
Public Seminar
By the end of the fourth semester, the student must give a public seminar. This is an oral presentation based on current literature and can be presented in either the Chemistry or Physics department. The seminar is evaluated by the research committee.
Oral Presentation to Research Committee
In the student's fifth semester, he or she must give an oral presentation to his or her research committee. The topic for the presentation to the committee is chosen by the student in consultation with the committee. This presentation maybe waived for students having at least a 3.3 average in the five core courses in parts (A) - (D) in Section I above.
Dissertation proposal
The student must prepare a written, original research proposal by the end of the eighth semester. This proposal shall be somewhat distinct from the thesis work and must be defended orally before the advisory committee.
Independent research
After completion of the dissertation proposal, the candidate undertakes a program of independent research under the guidance of their research advisor and committee, culminating in the preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation.