Course variations

Course summary

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.

Program modules

General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-6C or 6AH-6CH, and 6BL, or equivalent), Calculus and linear algebra (Math. 20A-20F, or equivalent), Calculus-based physics including laboratory (Phys. 2A-2D or equivalent, and either 2BL, 2CL or 2DL. Phys. 2CL is recommended). Two quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-B or 141A-B), One year of physical chemistry (Chem. 131-133), Two quarters of inorganic chemistry (Chem. 120A-120B). Chem. 114A can substitute for Chem. 120B, Six upper-division chemistry labs: Chem. 100A, 100B, 143AM or 143A, 143B or 143C, 105A, and one of the following: 105B, 112A, 112B, 123, 143B, 143C, or 143D, Molecular spectroscopy (Chem. 135), Partial differential equations (Math. 110), Two quarters of physics (Phys. 110A-110B, or Phys. 100A-100B).

Entry requirement for international students

Students should have a 3.4 GPA or higher, ACT Assessment plus ACT Writing Test (scores must be from the same sitting) or SAT Reasoning Test with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores (scores must be from the same sitting), two SAT Subject Tests in two different subject areas are History/ social science, English literature, Mathematics (Level 2 only), Laboratory science, Language other than English, May not be writing or Math 1C.

Qualification

Bachelor degree

Awarding body

University Of California, San Diego

Department name

Division of Physical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Undergraduate)