UMD Chemical Physics Program

University of MD Chemical Physics Program

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Science and technology today increasingly demand an interdisciplinary approach to solving problems. The Chemical Physics Program at the University of Maryland at College Park provides a firm academic foundation for an expanding range of professional careers that require knowledge of both physics and chemistry.

The program offers Ph.D. and master's degrees in chemical physics. It is intended for students with undergraduate degrees in chemistry or physics as well as students with majors in mathematics or engineering and strong backgrounds in chemistry or physics.

Faculty are drawn from the Institute for Physical Science and Technology, the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Meteorology, Physics, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials and Nuclear Engineering as well as the Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics (IREAP).

Representative research areas include:

atomic/molecular structure

atmospheric chemistry

atmospheric remote sensing

optical/electron spectroscopy

statistical thermodynamics

biophysics/phase transitions

properties of fluids

soft materials

surface science

fluctuation phenomena

quantum electronics

intermolecular energy transfer

statistical physics

polymers

plasma physics

protein folding

x-ray physics

The University of Maryland is located near a high concentration of government research laboratories. Two cooperative programs allow students to pursue thesis work under the joint supervision of a Maryland faculty member and scientists specializing in atomic, molecular, and optical science at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or with scientists specializing in biophysics research at the National Institute of Health (NIH). Additional opportunities are available for graduate students to work jointly with scientists at other government research laboratories, including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Naval Research Laboratory, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Weekly seminar programs introduce students to distinguished scientists working in a variety of fields.

Statement of Mutual Expectations between CHPH and its Graduate Students
Graduate students in CMPS doctoral programs are expected to develop a mastery of their field, and gain familiarity with their discipline from arrival to graduation.

In particular, full-time doctoral students who arrive with a baccalaureate degree normally will:

Become engaged in research no later than during their 2nd year, and often in their 1st year;
Identify a thesis adviser by the end of the second year.
Identify a thesis topic during their 3rd year.
Secure admission to candidacy within 3-4 years.
Submit at least one paper for publication prior to graduation.
Complete all requirements and graduate within 5-6 years.

Graduate students in CMPS doctoral programs normally may expect:

A wide selection of courses relevant to the intended field of study.
Advice and mentoring by faculty in their program prior to the selection of an adviser.
Regular access and advice during the research and thesis preparation.
Training in the preparation of oral and written scholarly presentations; in particular, advice and support for the writing of at least one paper for publication and one formal oral presentation.
Introductions, for example at conferences, to other members of the field.
Assistance and advice with post Ph.D. professional advancement and employment.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Michael Coplan
Director and Professor
301-405-4858
coplan@umd.edu
Computer & Space Sciences Building Room 3215A

Debbie Jenkins
Management Specialist
301-405-4780
dajenkin@umd.edu
Computer & Space Science Building Room 4247

Last update 12/06/03 09:05 PM