Overview
Chemical physics is a discipline at the interface between chemistry and physics. Chemical physics applies physical methods and theory to study molecular and collective properties of matter. The focus is on understanding complex phenomena from gas phase molecular dynamics, to nanoscale, mesoscale, and biological phenomena, through model systems and fundamental physical principles. The Chemical Physics program allows students to strike a balance between core courses and courses that are better suited to address the student's specific research goals and interests.
Only students that are currently in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department or the Physics department can apply to become part of the Chemical Physics program. Note that this means that if you are applying to graduate school at CU, you must apply to either the Chemistry and Biochemistry department or the Physics department; you cannot apply directly to Chemical Physics. Students must consult with the chemical physics graduate advisors in their parent departments, either Chemistry and Biochemistry (Eaves) or Physics (Nesbitt), to plan their formal course work.
After completing an approved curriculum of formal coursework, the student advances to candidacy in Chemical Physics by passing an oral exam.
The Chemical Physics Program has approved a set of rules and guidelines for graduate students. As part of the program, students must submit an annual progress report form to his/her committee members.
For participating faculty and potential research opportunities in the Chemical Physics Ph.D. program please see the Chemical Physics research page.