The Computational Chemistry & Chemical Physics concentration is an interdisciplinary field at the crossroads of chemistry and physics and is administered jointly by the Chemistry and Physics Departments. The concentration provides students with a broad-based understanding in fundamental molecular sciences, as well as a background for graduate studies in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or molecular engineering. Concentrators are required to take twenty courses in chemistry, physics, computational science, and mathematics, although approved courses in applied mathematics, biology, geological sciences, or engineering may be substitutes. Computational Chemistry & Chemical Physics concentrators are also advised to take at least six courses in the humanities and social sciences. Computational Chemistry & Chemical Physics concentrators at all levels (first-year through seniors) are actively involved in research with faculty members in both departments.
Standard program for the Sc.B. degree
Twenty semester courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, with a minimum of three semester courses in mathematics. Core courses are:
| Foundational Coursework 1 | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure | 1 |
| CHEM 0350 | Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 0500 | Inorganic Chemistry | 1 |
| PHYS 0070 | Analytical Mechanics | 1 |
| PHYS 0470 | Electricity and Magnetism | 1 |
| One Foundational Computation Course | 1 | |
| Computing Foundations: Data | ||
| Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science | ||
| Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction | ||
| Accelerated Introduction to Computer Science | ||
| Applied Statistics in Python | ||
| Hands-on Data Science | ||
| Data Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Computing | ||
| Introduction to Modeling | ||
| One Experimental or Computational Laboratory Course | 1 | |
| Computational Chemistry 2 | ||
| Accelerating Chemical Discovery 2 | ||
| Computational Physics 2 | ||
| Introduction to Computational Physics and Data Analysis 2 | ||
| Physical Chemistry Laboratory 3 | ||
| Experiments in Modern Physics 3 | ||
| Modern Physics Laboratory 3 | ||
| One Quantum Mechanics Course | 1 | |
| Quantum Mechanics A (Select One: Quantum Mechanics) | ||
| Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry (Select one: Quantum Mechanics) | ||
| One Statistical Mechanics Course | 1 | |
| Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Three Mathematics Courses 4 | 3 | |
| Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering) | ||
| Multivariable Calculus (Physics/Engineering) | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Six courses, primarily at the 1000 or 2000 level, in chemistry, physics or computer science. | 6 | |
| Two Semesters of Independent Study | 2 | |
| Senior Conference Course | ||
| Undergraduate Research | ||
| Total Credits | 20 | |
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Students can continue to replace these courses with more advanced chemistry and physics courses if they have satisfied the prerequisites.
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Recommended for students interested in molecular modeling.
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Recommended for students interested in experimental chemical physics.
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Students can replace these courses with more advanced mathematics courses if they have satisfied the prerequisites.
Requirements for Honors
All Computational Chemistry and Chemical Physics concentrators who have grades of A or S with distinction in a majority of their concentration courses will be considered for Honors; no separate application is necessary.
The requirements for Honors in Computational Chemistry and Chemical Physics are:
* Grades of A or S with distinction in a majority of courses taken for the concentration.
* Two semesters of Independent Study ( CHEM 0980 or equivalent. Guidelines and requirements associated with Independent Study are in the Undergraduate Concentration Handbook which can be found at the department website.
* A Thesis in a form approved and recommended by the research advisor. Additional information about thesis guidelines will be provided to seniors by the Concentration Advisor.
* A Poster presentation at the chemistry department's spring undergraduate poster session and presentation at the end-of-year thesis presentations.