Course Offerings | Chemical Physics

Division of Science and Mathematics

Philip Lockett (chair), William Crummett, Keith Dunn, Jeff Fieberg , Ed Montgomery

Centre’s major program in chemical physics serves students who have strong interests in overlapping subfields of chemistry and physics. Usually these interests focus on the spectra and structure of atoms and molecules. The Chemical Physics Program often has prepared students for graduate study and subsequent careers in research and/or academe.

In this program students receive a strong theoretical background in the physical sciences. Majors also study a variety of experimental techniques and become proficient in the communication of scientific information.

Recommended Freshman-Sophomore Preparation

CHE 131and 132 or CHE 135, CHE 241;
MAT 141 or 170, 171, 230, 240;
PHY 110, 210, 230.

Requirements for the Major

CHE 131and 132 or CHE 135, CHE 241;
MAT 141 or 170, 171, 230, 240;
PHY 210, 230;
An approved sequence of 18 credit hours of CHP courses numbered 300 and above. At least two of these courses must include laboratory work. Upon approval of the CHP Program Committee, CHE and PHY courses may be used to fulfill the CHP major requirements.

Note: Freshmen interested in taking physics courses and perhaps majoring in physics, chemistry, or chemical physics, should consult a member of the physics program early in their freshman year for proper placement in either PHY 110 or PHY 210. Other students registering for 100- or 200-level physics courses should do likewise.

Chemical Physics Courses

CHP 310, 320 Modern Physics-I, II (four credit hours each)
A study of relativity, atomic and molecular structure, physics of the solid state, nuclear structure, quark theory, and associated phenomena. Laboratory work is required. Prerequisite: PHY 230, MAT 230 and 360, or permission of the instructor. CHP 310 is a prerequisite for CHP 320. (Also listed as PHY 310, 320.)

CHP 361 Physical Chemistry-I (four credit hours)
A study of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Topics include the laws of thermodynamics, thermochemistry, phase behavior, the thermodynamics of ideal and real solutions, rate laws, reaction rate theory, factors affecting reaction rates, and catalysis. Prerequisite: CHE 132, MAT 171, and PHY 110 or 210. Laboratory work is required. (Also listed as CHE 361.)

CHP 362 Physical Chemistry-II (four credit hours)
A study of quantum mechanics, molecular spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics. Topics include the the Schödinger equation and its application to melecular systems, molecular orbital theory and its chemical ramifications, the development of the partition function, the Boltzman distribution law, and the significance of statistical behavior in molecular systems. Prerequisite: CHE 132, MAT 171, and PHY 110 or 210. Laboratory work is required. (Also listed as CHE 362.)

CHP 399 Introductory Quantum Mechanics
A study of the concepts and ideas of quantum theory with applications to physical and chemical structures. Emphasis is placed on the experimental foundations of quantum theory and on the postulatory development of principles. Topics include one-dimensional systems, barriers and wells, the harmonic oscillator, ladder operators, angular momentum, and the one-electron atom. Prerequisite: PHY 330 or permission of the instructor. (Also listed as PHY 399.)

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