Chemical Physics, Bachelor

Centre’s major program in chemical physics serves students who have vital overlapping interests in the fields of chemistry and physics. Usually, these interests focus on the spectra and structure of atoms and molecules. A person interested in chemical physics can choose from various occupations, including spectroscopist, physical chemist, metallurgist, or physicist.

The chemical physics program often has prepared students for graduate study and subsequent careers in research and academe. In this program, students receive a solid theoretical background in the physical sciences. Majors also study a variety of experimental techniques and become proficient in the communication of scientific information. The theoretical basis of some branches of chemistry and physics overlap considerably. For example, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between condensed matter physics and physical chemistry since both use similar mathematical models to describe matter's behaviour. Students take core chemistry and physics courses (first-year and sophomore level) and courses in advanced physics and physical chemistry. Students also achieve a strong foundation in mathematics.

Careers

A person interested in chemical physics can choose a career that deals with branches of the physical sciences involving the physical and theoretical nature of matter. Generally, students interested in these branches of physical science continue their studies in a graduate program. Centre students have an outstanding record of gaining admission to graduate programs and excelling in their graduate studies.  Internships

Valuable skills within the field are gained through on- and off-campus research experiences such as internships, summer programs at national laboratories, and university summer institutes.

Centre students will:

Study abroad

Have an internship or research opportunity

Graduate in four years

Centre College offers more than 50 majors, minors, pre-professional and dual-degree programs, and graduate partnerships. You can design your own major in consultation with your advisor. Throughout history, Centre has remained steadfast in its mission of providing superior education in the liberal arts tradition.

Centre College and its people have had much to be proud of and thankful for in the past: outstanding leaders who demonstrated a consistent preference for quality over quantity, generations of devoted teachers and students, and an exceptionally successful body of alumni. But equally important among these qualities is a sense of connection with the past, giving added meaning to the present and providing inspiration for this tradition to be continued in the future.

Centre College students will study abroad, have an internship or research opportunity, and graduate in four years. Both internships and research experiences challenge students to go beyond learning about their chosen academic field by “doing” the discipline they are studying in the classroom. We back our promise of a deeply engaging and intensely personal education with a guarantee. If you meet regular academic and social expectations, you will complete all three parts of the Centre Commitment, or the College will provide up to an additional year of study tuition-free.

Centre College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Science degree.