| |  | | Chemical Physics | Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information—Chemical Physics Program, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 137 Smith Hall, 207 Pleasant Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-626-7444; fax 612-626-7541; inquiry@chem.umn.edu; www.chem.umn.edu/chemphys).
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General
Information section of this catalog for Graduate School requirements that
apply
to all major fields.
Curriculum—Chemical physics focuses on areas where the techniques of chemistry and physics are brought together for the study of atoms and molecules; their interactions in gases, liquids, and solids; and the detailed structure and dynamics of material changes. Areas of research and specialization include spectroscopy, optical properties, laser applications, molecular collisions, chemical dynamics, quantum mechanics, computational chemistry, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, low-temperature behavior, polymers and macromolecules, surface science, biochemistry, and biochemical and heterogeneous catalysis.
Prerequisites for Admission—Applicants should have adequate preparation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. For financial support, applicants should apply either to the Department of Chemistry or the Department of Physics. Applicants not requiring financial support have their academic qualifications reviewed by the director of graduate studies in chemical physics.
Special Application Requirements—Three letters of recommendation are required.
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, MELAB).
 For an online application or for more information about Graduate School admissions, see the General Information section in this catalog, or visit the Graduate School Web site.
Courses—Refer to Chemistry (CHEM), Physics (PHYS), Chemical Engineering (CHEN), Materials Science (MATS), Mathematics (MATH), Chemical Physics (CHPH) and Scientific Computation (SCIC) in University Courses for courses pertaining to the program.
Use of 4xxx Courses—Only 4xxx courses from departments other than chemistry or physics are allowed. Approval is not needed for one 4xxx course; a second course may be allowed subject to director of graduate studies and adviser approval. |
M.S. Plan A Degree Requirements | | The M.S. degree is offered only under Plan A (with thesis) and requires at least 20 course credits and 10 or more thesis credits. The course credits must include at least 6 credits each in chemistry and physics or at least 3 credits each in quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics.
Language Requirements—None.
Final Exam—The final exam is oral. | Ph.D. Degree Requirements | A proficiency exam in physical chemistry is required. The Ph.D. program ordinarily consists of at least 24 course credits that include coursework in chemistry and/or physics with options for coursework in quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical physics, and chemical dynamics. Students must also complete 24 thesis credits.
Language Requirements—None.
Minor Requirements for Students Majoring in Other Fields—Ph.D. minor requirements are determined by the director of graduate studies, the student, and the adviser. | Faculty | | For latest graduate faculty listings, see <www.grad.umn.edu/faculty_rosters/faculty.html>. Key to membership categories (abbreviations after faculty names).
Regents Professor
H. Ted Davis, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, SM
Lanny D. Schmidt, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, SM
Donald G. Truhlar, Chemistry, SM
Professor
Barry C. Carter, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, SM
Christopher J. Cramer, Chemistry, SM
Jiali Gao, Chemistry, SM
David M. Ferguson, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, SM
Allen M. Goldman, Physics, SM
J. Woods Halley, Physics, SM
Cheng-Cher Huang, Physics, SM
Kenneth R. Leopold, Chemistry, SM
Sanford Lipsky, Chemistry, SM
Jeffrey T. Roberts, Chemistry, SM
J. Ilja Siepmann, Chemistry, SM
David D. Thomas, Biochemistry, SM
Renata M. Wentzcovitch, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, SM
Xiaoyang Zhu, Chemistry, SM
Associate Professor
David A. Blank, Chemistry, SM
Doreen G. Leopold, Chemistry, SM
David C. Morse, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, SM
Gianluigi Veglia, Chemistry, SM
Darrin M. York, Chemistry, SM
Assistant Professor
Aaron Massari, Chemistry, SM | | | | | |
