Admissions cycle:
Fall
Application deadline:
March 1st
Assistantships:
teaching, research
Two Departments. One cutting-edge degree.
An interdisciplinary curriculum between the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Physics offers students a hands-on education with the resources of two leading research-active departments.
The Chemical Physics doctoral program provides students with state-of-the-art facilities and tools to explore chemical processes through the lens of physics. This fascinating sub-discipline of chemistry and physics includes instruction and research in heterogeneous structures, alignment and surface phenomena, quantum theory, mathematical physics, statistical and classical mechanics, chemical kinetics, and laser physics.
To view pertinent information on the courses, examinations, and other requirements in our graduate programs, review the program handbook.
Sergey A. Varganov
Graduate Program Director
Email: svarganov@unr.edu
Phone: (775) 784-1406
Fax: (775) 784-6804
Office: Chemistry Building (CB) 317B
Why choose our program?
Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue high-level research positions, either in academic or industrial settings. The University offers only a Ph.D. program in the area of Chemical Physics. Students of the program will build strengths in the following areas:
- Theoretical knowledge
- Research methods, planning and experiment design
- Literature research and communication skills
- Scientific creativity and independence
Although this program requires students to complete a rigorous selection of courses outlining the foundations of modern chemical physics, it also offers extreme flexibility in the choice of dissertation topic. Students may choose any of the affiliated faculty in either the chemistry or physics departments to serve as a research adviser.
The faculty in this program come from both departments, and possess expertise in topics such as:
- Theoretical physics
- Ultracold atomic and molecular physics
- Atomic and microelectromechanical physics
- Electrochemical methods for energy conversion
- Semiconductor surface science
- Biophysical theoretical chemistry
- Electronic structure theory
- Open quantum systems and quantum biology
- Molecular dynamics
Additionally, students in the program enjoy the use of the numerous chemistry laboratories at the University, as well as the extensive DeLaMare Science and Engineering Library, which subscribes to thousands of print and electronic scientific journals.
This program is eligible for the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), a tuition-savings program that makes out-of-state graduate studies more affordable for students.
How to apply
Admission into the program is handled separately by the Departments of Chemistry and Physics. Interested students whose background is primarily in chemistry are encouraged to apply through the Department of Chemistry, listing "chemical physics" as the specific area of chemistry on the application form. Those students whose background is in physics should likewise seek admission through the Department of Physics. The individual departments provide financial support through teaching and research fellowships to the chemical physics students that they admit.
All applicants must meet the admission requirements of the University's Graduate School and satisfy the Ph.D. admission requirements of either the Department of Chemistry or Department of Physics.
About our city
Reno is a vibrant community that has something to offer everyone. Whether you want to hit the slopes in the Sierras, relax on the beaches of Tahoe, or just find a great place to study for that exam, we've got you covered. We learn in an environment that encourages exploration and recreation.
Funding
This program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), a tuition-savings program that makes out-of-state graduate studies more affordable for students. Through WRGP, you will receive a reduced tuition rate, giving you more educational options for your money.
Ready to start your application?
Begin your application to the Department of Chemistry graduate programs.