B.S. Chemistry, Chemical Physics
At Elizabethtown College, our chemical physics concentration is based in the chemistry department with coursework focused in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. After completing our chemical physics track, students will be prepared to pursue graduate degrees or begin careers as theoretical or computational chemists.
What Does a Chemical Physicist Do?
Chemical physicists study and analyze molecules and their components as they undergo chemical changes. Chemical physicists work in a variety of fields including: biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
Why Study Chemical Physics at Etown?
Students who complete our chemical physics track will study chemistry and physics theory and practice, gain laboratory experience, and learn about chemistry in the modern world. Our program offers:
Interdisciplinary Coursework
Our diverse chemical physics curriculum is designed to ensure that students receive the necessary skills they’ll need in graduate school or in their future careers. Students who pursue the chemical physics track will receive instruction in chemistry, physics, and mathematics that looks at the theoretical and hands-on aspects of understanding matter. This interdisciplinary approach helps students learn about all facets of the chemical physics field from a variety of perspectives.
Hands-On Lab Experience
Our chemical physics track students have hands-on experience in learning computational chemistry and its application to a variety of fields. Students have access to a cluster computer with 160 processors to perform theoretical modeling of chemical systems. This provides an opportunity to relate these skills to many projects they will engage with in other laboratory courses.
Real-World Application
Before completing our chemical physics track, students will participate in a two-part chemistry seminar. Through this capstone course, students are challenged to critically evaluate the modern chemistry industry and their methods of communication throughout. Throughout the seminar, students will attend and evaluate chemistry presentations and create their own written piece and oral presentation. In addition, students will have the opportunity to complete original research under the supervision of our faculty members.
Chemical Physics Courses
Coursework in our chemical physics track is focused on quantum chemistry, molecular behavior theory and the laws of physics. Students will complete courses such as:
- CH 344 - Physical Chemistry II
- CH 455 - Integrated Chemistry Laboratory
- MA 321 - Differential Equations
- PHY 203 - College Physics III