Research
Chemical Physics is a separate interdisciplinary graduate program, with graduate faculty consisting of members of the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, and Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry.

Course work typically consists of courses in both chemistry and physics. For a more detailed discussion of this program and how it differs from the programs in chemistry and physics, see our separate Chemical Physics student handbook, available upon request. Some students begin as chemistry or physics majors and later switch to chemical physics if they find that the graduate course program in chemical physics better suits their needs and educational objectives. Financial support commitments and research/thesis options for accepted chemistry students switching to chemical physics are unchanged.

Graduate course requirements:
The Chemical Physics program provides the flexibility needed for students to take courses from a number of different departments to provide optimum preparation for their research interests, which are often interdisciplinary in nature. The program is designed to enable students with typical undergraduate backgrounds (in either chemistry, physics, or related subjects) to begin research during the summer of their first year in residence. Course programs are individually tailored to each studentís needs and research goals in consultation with her or his faculty advisors.

Ordinarily course programs for Ph.D. students include at least 24 semester credits of graduate courses. Typically each one-semester course is 4 credits, and students take about three courses per semester, so the course work requirements can, if desired, be completed during the first year. These 24 graduate credits must include either (a) at least 5 credits in chemistry and at least 5 credits in physics, or (b) a total of at least 16 credits in chemistry and/or physics combined, including at least 5 credits of quantum mechanics and at least 5 credits chosen from the areas of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, statistical physics, and chemical dynamics. There is no minor or supporting field requirement, and no foreign language requirement. The candidacy exams may be taken in physical chemistry, physics, or chemical physics.

Chemical Physics students and faculty also attend the departmental seminars and colloquia in chemistry and physics which provides twice weekly lectures by outstanding scientists from around the country and the world. In addition, Chemical Physics students attend the Waves and Beams student seminar series and present a seminar on their own research in their third and/or fourth years.

Graduate Student Stipends and Financial Aid:
The Chemical Physics program offers three types of financial support: fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships (see below). The stipends are very competive and range from about $1800/month to $2500/month. In addition, all graduate students that are appointed for at least half-time as research or teaching assistants receive full tuition benefits and generous health benefits.
Fellowships are awarded by the Graduate School, the Chemistry Department, or the Chemical Physics Program to highly qualified students. There is a substantial number of fellowships available for both entering students and more advanced students. Furthermore, some of our chemical physics students have received nationally competitive fellowships.
Research assistantships are funded from grant support given to faculty members for specific research projects. Major sponsors of chemical physics related research projects are various government agencies, charitable foundations, and industry.
Teaching assistantships are awarded by the Chemistry Department. Teaching assistants supervise laboratory work, hold recitation sections, and/or grade homework assignments and exams for a total of approximately twelve hours per week.

Major Research Instrumentation:
Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (www.msi.umn.edu): Enabling cutting-edge computational projects in the chemical physics arena.

How to enroll:
Prospective graduate students should have adequate undergraduate preparation in chemistry, physics and mathematics. Students must be accepted for graduate study by the Graduate School and for financial support (in the form of a teaching assistantship or a fellowship) by the Chemistry or Physics Department, or by one of the other departments represented on our faculty. Current Ph.D. students with a teaching assistantship, fellowship, or research assistantship who wish to switch their degree program to Chemical Physics can do so upon approval from the Chemical Physics Graduate Committee. Upon their arrival at the University, new graduate students take a proficiency examination in physical chemistry, which presupposes knowledge equivalent to a full year study of undergraduate physical chemistry.

Web-Based Application:
You can use the web to apply to the Chemical Physics Graduate Program. (www.chem.umn.edu/grad/notice.html - same application form as for the chemistry program, but please specify Chemical Physics as your major area of interest) and to the Graduate School (http://www.grad.umn.edu/application.html).

Telephone: (612) 626-7444 (metro calls)
or 1 (800) 777-2431
Fax: 1 (612) 626-7541
Email: inquiry@chem.umn.edu