Fundamental research on properties of molecular and solid-state systems often requires an understanding of chemistry, physics, and mathematics that can best be obtained by training in more than one department. This type of research includes aspects of biophysical chemistry (the dynamics of protein folding, electronic structure and coupling in proteins, the theory of complex biological reaction networks), research in condensed matter (electronic properties of conjugated polymers, shock dynamics in solids, collective properties in disordered materials), and fundamental research into the properties of many-body systems (single molecule dynamics, cluster chemistry, quantum control of molecular relaxation). Examples of research in all these areas may be found on the web pages of faculty members with research interests in Chemical Physics and also on the Department of Physics website.
The Chemical Physics program at the University of Illinois makes it possible for students to gain the necessary background and perform original research in this interdisciplinary field of science. After admission to the Ph.D. program in either the Chemistry Department or the Department of Physics, students may enter the program. Students may choose to work for faculty in either department, and may use the facilities in both the School of Chemical Sciences and the Department of Physics. Upon fulfilling the program requirements, students receive a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics. For further information, please contact us.
