Chemical Physics Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
Chemical Physics examines the atomic and molecular nature of chemical and physical processes. It combines the theoretical approach with the molecular focus of chemistry. Chemical Physics emphasizes laboratory work and recognizes the links between many areas of Chemistry and Physics, such as the use of X-ray diffraction to determine molecular structure. Students cover issues such as the study of organic, inorganic and biological chemistry and fundamental interactions at the atomic level.
Students also study the use of physical techniques such as spectroscopy, X-ray, nuclear scattering and microscopy to examine the identity and structure of chemical compounds. Overall, the Chemical Physics major provides a broader background than a major in either Physics or Chemistry and opens the door to a wide variety of possible careers.
University of Guelph Advantage
- An international reputation for excellence in research grants awarded to faculty that have been consistently higher than the national average for over a decade
- Five Physics/Biological & Medical Physics faculty members have been named as Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada
Our co-op process responds to your needs. Employers can post, interview and hire throughout the semester and our students are available for 4 or 8 month work terms. The Experience Guelph hiring tool makes hiring Guelph co-op students easy!
Student Strengths
Knowledge
Fundamental knowledge of basic physics, chemistry, math and scientific programming. A solid foundation in circuit theory, wave theory and optics as well as analytical, physical and/or organic chemistry.
Application
Strong lab technique, report writing and spectroscopy skills.
Communication
Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
Chemical Physics Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Chemical Physics Course Sequencing
Based on the 2023/24 undergraduate calendar. Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
Fall
- Integrated Mathematics & Physics I
- General Chemistry I
- Programming
- One Of: Discovering Biodiversity or Biological Concepts of Health or Introduction to Molecular And Cellular Biology
Winter
- Integrated Mathematics & Physics II
- General Chemistry II
- Linear Algebra I
- One Of: Discovering Biodiversity or Biological Concepts of Health or Introduction to Molecular And Cellular Biology
Fall
- Structure and Bonding
- Advanced Calculus I
- Electricity and Magnetism I
- Introduction to Cooperative Education
- 1 Liberal Education Elective
- Applied Differential Equations
Winter
- Structure And Spectroscopy
- Analytical Chemistry I
- Experimental Techniques In Physics
- Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism II
Summer
Work Term OneFall
Work Term TwoWinter
- 2 Electives
- Analytical Chemistry II: Instrumental Analysis
- One Of: Intermediate Programming or 1 Elective
- One Of: Molecular Spectroscopy or 1 Elective
Summer
Work Term Three
Fall
- Quantum Chemistry
- Quantum Mechanics I
- Science Communication
- Mathematical Physics
- One Of: Thermodynamics And Kinetics or Thermal Physics
Winter
Work Term FourSummer
Work Term Five
Fall
- Analytical Chemistry III: Analytical Instrumentation
- One Of: Chemistry of The Elements I or Organic Chemistry Ii or 1 Elective
- Statistical Physics II
- 2 Electives
Winter
- Quantum Mechanics II
- One Of: Molecular Spectroscopy or Topics In Advanced Physical Chemistry or 1 Elective
- Optics: Fundamentals And Applications
- 1 Elective
- Computational Methods In Materials Science
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.