[Compaq]

Hi,

I just finished my bachelor's degree in chemistry, in which I have made sure to get some extra mathematics and statistics (introduction to calculus, linear algebra, and linear differential equations; experimental design, ANOVA, advanced regression). I feel pretty covered here and ready for starting my master's degree.

However, I feel I really lack knowledge in physics, because I have not studied that since high school (and then I didn't really care). I have recently grown interested in solid-state chemistry, or chemistry more tangent to material science, and I have noticed that have a general understanding of quantum mechanics (applied to chemistry) really is important to fully understand electronic structures and in the end properties. There is a fine line between chemistry and physics at that level, and I would really like to take a year to "catch up".

I applied for a master's degree, but did not make it - mostly because I failed to send in all required documents! So, that is disappointing, but somehow I got a little relieved. I can now take a year to take some physics courses, and hopefully end with an introductory course in quantum mechanics. Being versatile is important.

My academic writing professor repeatedly said that good science is about finding new connections. Good research finds connections that no-one has considered before, and explains something in terms of something new. This has stuck to me, and I feel by being more versatile in my "academic areas" will do nothing but good.

With this (lengthy) preface to my situation, here comes my question: What kinds of physics courses should a chemistry student focus on to better understand chemistry and build versatility? I see myself having to start at the bottom with some kind of "Introduction to physics" and moving on to "General Mechanics" and "Classical Physics", moving on to "Thermodynamics" or something like that. Much of this will be familiar but with new applications, but maybe I could skip some courses that "I do not need"? I know that kind of defeats my idea of being versatile, but I hope you get my point.

I really thank anyone who helps me in this. I do plan on talking with my supervisors, but I hoped to be a little informed before doing so. Again, thank you in advance!

Sincerely,
Anders

[Corribus]

A good quality, year long introductory college level (calculus based, preferably) physics course should be more than sufficient.  To be honest I would not study quantum from a physics perspective. The chemists take on the subject is quite different and you may end up becoming confused. You'd be better off taking upper level physical chemistry courses. You may also look into courses in the materials science department at your university, which should include some solid state physics offerings that are a little more in the "chemistry language".

[Compaq]

Thank you.

The problem is that my current university (where I got my bachelor) does not offer much in material sciences. This is the only course: http://www.umb.no/search/courses/tbm200

There are plenty of physics courses, however: http://www.umb.no/search/emner/?string=fys

There only were one course in physical chemistry, and that was mandatory in my program. If you follow the link, you see that we have a course called "Physics for Chemical Engineers".