Goals and Scope
UCI has one of the largest and most accomplished research programs in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (TCC) worldwide. Since 2017, UCI’s Department of Chemistry offers a unique new Concentration in TCC for Chemistry majors with the following goals:
- Provide a world-class, modern, rigorous, and transdisciplinary education in TCC to UCI undergraduates
- Prepare UCI TCC students for top graduate programs in a wide range of science-related fields
- Prepare UCI TCC students for industrial incubator and start-up programs in science-related fields
- Give chemistry undergraduates interested in computation and theory the flexibility to explore their interests and adjust their curriculum
- Enable students to apply mathematical and theoretical models to chemical science and test them through computation
- Recruit students who would not otherwise consider a degree in chemistry
- Provide research opportunities for undergraduates
Who is eligible?
Incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current undergraduates in chemistry can join. Prerequisites and degree requirements are listed on the Chemistry Catalogue. Additional information about prerequisites are available on the Chemistry KnAC website.
Graduate students who would like to improve their TCC education may enroll in the graduate Chem 250 and Chem 250L courses.
What is in it for you?
- A unique, rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on TCC that sets you apart and will change the way you look at molecules, materials and the world around you
- Learn how to model chemical behavior from first principles, writing your own codes, and relating the results to experiment. These skills are in very high demand in academia and industry.
- Have the opportunity to take extra courses in math, physics, and computer science, whereas some experimental chemistry labs are optional
- Choose from 12 active groups in TCC plus external programs for year-round research opportunities
- Meet at least quarterly with the TCC area adviser as well as other concentration students and alumni
Contacts:
Prof. Filipp Furche, area adviser
Don Williams, Physical Sciences counseling office