CHEMICAL PHYSICS

Head of the Department of Chemistry: Gregory S. Girolami

chemistry
Interim Head of the Department of Physics: J. D. Sullivan

Correspondence and Admission Information: Students with undergraduate degrees in chemistry should direct inquiries and applications to the head, Department of Chemistry, 106 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, 227 Loomis Laboratory of Physics, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801-3080

URL: www.scs.uiuc.edu/chem

GRAD UATE 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

Applicants who have fulfilled the usual undergraduate course requirements, including at least 25 semester hours in chemistry (properly distributed) and a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0), may be considered for admission to the graduate programs. Applications from students with less than the usual preparation in chemistry or with grade point averages below 3.0 may be considered on an individual basis. In addition, applicants must sub mit results from the Graduate Record Examination general test and the Graduate Record Examination chemistry subject test.

International students whose native language is not English are required to have a minimum paper-based TOEFL score of 580 (237 on the computer-based test). In addition, teaching is a requirement in the Chemistry graduate program and there are special requirements for applicants whose native language is not English. The University requires a minimum Test of Spoken English (TSE) score of 50 for a contact teaching assistant appointment. Any applicant whose native language is not English is expected to provide TSE scores in order to receive full consideration for admission and financial aid.

Please contact chemistry graduate admissions for further information.

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 formal review in the Department of Chemistry. 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.