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Programs of Study, 1997-1999
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
CHEMICAL PHYSICS
Head of the Department of Chemistry: Paul H. Bohn
Head of the Department of Physics: David K. Campbell
Correspondence and Information: Students with undergraduate degrees in chemistry should direct inquiries and applications to the head, Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 108 Noyes Laboratory, 505 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801. Students with undergraduate degrees in physics should direct inquiries and applications to the Graduate Advising Office, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 227 Loomis Laboratory of Physics, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801-3080. E-mail: chemadm@aries.scs.uiuc.edu. URL: http://www.scs.uiuc.edu/chem
Prospective students may contact: Karen York, (217) 244-6245.
GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
A chemical physics program leading to the doctor of philosophy makes it possible for students to gain the necessary background and perform original research in this interdisciplinary field of science. Fundamental research on many properties of molecular and solid-state systems is based on an understanding of chemistry, physics, and mathematics that can best be obtained by training in more than one department. Students may use the facilities in both the School of Chemical Sciences and the Department of Physics.
ADMISSION
Graduate College admission requirements apply. To be considered for admission, applicants should have an undergraduate degree in chemistry or physics with a strong background in the major field of chemistry or physics and more than the usual training in the other area. Those who received their degree in physics should have the equivalent of one semester each of organic and inorganic chemistry and one year of physical chemistry. Those who received their degree in chemistry should have the equivalent of one semester each of intermediate mechanics and intermediate electricity and magnetism. One year of mathematics beyond calculus is recommended. Any deficiencies should be removed during the first year of study. The GRE and chemistry subject test are strongly recommended. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 is required. In addition, the University requires a satisfactory score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) for a contact teaching assistant appointment. Applicants whose native language is not English are therefore expected to provide TSE scores in order to receive full consideration for admission and financial aid. Admission for the spring semester is possible.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
In addition to taking a series of appropriate courses determined mainly by their research interests, students must pass either the qualifying examination in the Department of Physics or the set of cumulative examinations given in physical chemistry. A knowledge of basic quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics must also be demonstrated (for example, by passing the final examination in appropriate courses). In addition, students must pass an oral preliminary examination concerned with their preparation for doing research. Research for the thesis is performed under the direction of faculty members who are currently active in chemical physics. Many of these staff members are affiliated with the Materials Research Laboratory (MRL). MRL is a multidisciplinary facility shared by staff and students from the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and other related departments that have common interests in materials science.
FINANCIAL AID
Students may apply for fellowships and assistantships from either the Department of Chemistry or the Department of Physics.
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