Physical Sciences at UW Bothell includes degrees in Chemistry/Biochemistry and Physics. Our students develop strong knowledge in the Sciences by having close access to top teachers and scholars in Chemistry and Physics. Our faculty have won national awards and funding and have an outstanding reputation in their fields. The PSD website provides an introduction to our degrees and news.
UW Bothell offers the following Chemistry degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA) Bachelor of Science (BS) Bachelor of Science (BS) with a Biochemistry option the BS and BA Chemistry curricula will inform and expose students to the interdisciplinary nature of STEM fields and programs along with training them to solve various technical problems for the general good. Students in both the BS and BA Chemistry programs will get extensive hands-on opportunities with modern chemical instrumentation. This includes a 400 MHz NMR, a Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometer, Flame Atomic Absorption and other high-end instrumentation.
Applicants must complete each prerequisite with a minimum grade of 2.0, and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 to be considered:
• STMATH 124 Calculus I
• STMATH 125 Calculus II
• STMATH 126 Calculus III
• B CHEM 143/144 General Chemistry I w/ Lab
• B CHEM 153/154 General Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 163/164 General Chemistry III w/ Lab
• B CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry I
• *B CHEM 238/241 Organic Chemistry II w/ Lab
• *B CHEM 239/242 Organic Chemistry III w/ Lab
* Internal applicants may apply prior to completing Organic Chemistry II, III, and their accompanying labs.
The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry degree allows students to get a focused STEM degree with an emphasis on chemical education. In consort with the UWB Education program, BA Chemistry students will have the opportunity to complete a Teaching and Learning minor and continue on to get a Washington State secondary teacher certification in Chemistry.
• STMATH 124 Calculus I
• STMATH 125 Calculus II
• STMATH 126 Calculus III
• B CHEM 143/144 General Chemistry I w/ Lab
• B CHEM 153/154 General Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 163/164 General Chemistry III w/ Lab
• B CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry I
• B CHEM 238/241 Organic Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 239/242 Organic Chemistry III w/ Lab
• B PHYS 121 Mechanics
• B PHYS 122 Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion
• B PHYS 123 Waves
• B CHEM 294 Chemistry Seminar
• B CHEM 312 Inorganic Chemistry I
• B CHEM 315 Quantitative Environmental Analysis
• B CHEM 401 Physical Chemistry I
• B CHEM 402 Physical Chemistry II
• B CHEM 495 Investigative Chemistry I
• B CHEM 497 Apprenticeship in Chemistry Education
• Mathematics — Choose one course:
STMATH 307 Introduction to Differential Equations
STMATH 308 Matrix Algebra with Applications
STMATH 324 Multivariable Calculus
• Upper Division Chemistry Electives — Complete 9 credits, including at least one lab. Each elective course is 5 credits unless otherwise noted:
B CHEM 310 Molecular Modeling
B CHEM 313 Inorganic Chemistry II (3 credits)
B CHEM 350 Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution
B CHEM 364 Biochemistry I
B CHEM 365 Biochemistry II
B CHEM 366 Biochemistry Lab (3 credits)
B CHEM 375 Molecular Biology
B CHEM 404 Physical Chemistry Lab (4 credits)
B CHEM 426 Instrumental Analysis
B CHEM 493 Advanced Topics in Chemistry (1-5 credits, max. 15)
B CHEM 494 Special Topics in Biochemistry (3 credits, max. 12)
B CHEM 497 Apprenticeship in Chemistry Education (1-3 credits, max. 6)
• Approved Independent Study in Chemistry (B CHEM 498) (1-5 credits, max. 10)
• Approved Undergraduate Research in Chemistry (B CHEM 499) (1-5 credits, max. 10)
• Additional Courses- As needed to fulfill University General Education Requirements and to equal 180 credits
Students with this background will find good career opportunities as secondary science teachers in public and private schools.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree offers students a curriculum that includes all of the key elements in chemistry and is consistent with the recommendations of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Students may choose a Biochemistry option for their Chemistry BS degree.
Required Courses — Complete all of the following:
• STMATH 124 Calculus I
• STMATH 125 Calculus II
• STMATH 126 Calculus III
• B CHEM 143/144 General Chemistry I w/ Lab
• B CHEM 153/154 General Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 163/164 General Chemistry III w/ Lab
• B CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry I
• B CHEM 238/241 Organic Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 239/242 Organic Chemistry III w/ Lab
• B PHYS 121 Mechanics
• B PHYS 122 Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion
• B PHYS 123 Waves
• B CHEM 294 Chemistry Seminar
• B CHEM 312 Inorganic Chemistry I
• B CHEM 313 Inorganic Chemistry II
• B CHEM 315 Quantitative Environmental Analysis
• B CHEM 364 Biochemistry I
• B CHEM 401 Physical Chemistry I
• B CHEM 402 Physical Chemistry II
• B CHEM 404 Physical Chemistry Lab
• B CHEM 426 Instrumental Analysis
• B CHEM 495 Investigative Chemistry I
Mathematics — Choose one course:
• STMATH 307 Introduction to Differential Equations
• STMATH 308 Matrix Algebra with Applications
• STMATH 324 Multivariable Calculus
Upper Division Chemistry Electives — Complete 16 credits. Each elective course is 5 credits unless otherwise noted:
• B CHEM 310 Molecular Modeling
• B CHEM 350 Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution
• B CHEM 365 Biochemistry II
• B CHEM 366 Biochemistry Lab (3 credits)
• B CHEM 375 Molecular Biology
• B CHEM 493 Advanced Topics in Chemistry (1-5 credits, max. 15)
• B CHEM 494 Special Topics in Biochemistry (3 credits, max. 12)
• B CHEM 497 Apprenticeship in Chemistry Education (1-3 credits, max. 6)
• Approved Independent Study in Chemistry (B CHEM 498) (1-5 credits, max. 10)
• Approved Undergraduate Research in Chemistry (B CHEM 499) (1-5 credits, max. 10)
Upper Division STEM Electives — Complete 5 credits:
• Approved 300- or 400-level courses offered by the School of STEM
Additional Courses- as needed to fulfill University General Education Requirements and to equal 180 credits
The BS degree will offer students a curriculum that includes all of the key elements in chemistry and is consistent with the recommendations of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The degree can include a specialization in environmental chemistry, materials chemistry or biochemistry. These topics fit well with the UW Bothell interdisciplinary mission and other teaching and research emphases on campus. As part of the BS degree, students may also choose a biochemistry option, which would appear on the students’ transcripts.
Required Courses — Complete all of the following:
• STMATH 124 Calculus I
• STMATH 125 Calculus II
• STMATH 126 Calculus III
• B CHEM 143/144 General Chemistry I w/ Lab
• B CHEM 153/154 General Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 163/164 General Chemistry III w/ Lab
• B CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry I
• B CHEM 238/241 Organic Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 239/242 Organic Chemistry III w/ Lab
• B PHYS 121 Mechanics
• B PHYS 122 Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion
• B PHYS 123 Waves
• B BIO 180 Introductory Biology I
• B BIO 200 Introductory Biology II
• B CHEM 294 Chemistry Seminar
• B CHEM 315 Quantitative Environmental Analysis
• B CHEM 364 Biochemistry I
• B CHEM 365 Biochemistry II
• B CHEM 366 Biochemistry Lab
• B CHEM 375 Molecular Biology
• B CHEM 401 Physical Chemistry I
• B CHEM 402 Physical Chemistry II
• B CHEM 404 Physical Chemistry Lab
• B CHEM 426 Instrumental Analysis
• B CHEM 495 Investigative Chemistry I
Mathematics — Choose one course:
• STMATH 307 Introduction to Differential Equations
• STMATH 308 Matrix Algebra with Applications
• STMATH 324 Multivariable Calculus
Upper Division Chemistry Electives — Complete 7 credits. Each elective course is 5 credits unless otherwise noted:
• B CHEM 310 Molecular Modeling
• B CHEM 312 Inorganic Chemistry I (3 credits)
• B CHEM 313 Inorganic Chemistry II (3 credits)
• B CHEM 350 Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution
• B CHEM 493 Advanced Topics in Chemistry (1-5 credits, max. 15)
• B CHEM 494 Special Topics in Biochemistry (3 credits, max. 12)
• B CHEM 497 Apprenticeship in Chemistry Education (1-3 credits, max. 6)
• Approved Independent Study in Chemistry (B CHEM 498) (1-5 credits, max. 10)
• Approved Undergraduate Research in Chemistry (B CHEM 499) (1-5 credits, max. 10)
Additional Courses- as needed to fulfill University General Education Requirements and to equal 180 credits
Graduates in Chemistry will have an education that fosters creative thinking, which in turn will allow them to address critical challenges and issues in STEM subjects. UWB Chemistry graduates will be noted for their understanding of the application of chemistry courses to disciplines other than their own. Furthermore, they will acquire skills that will enable them to work effectively by solving problems and communicating results within a growing and diverse field.
A major in physics gives students the opportunity to master fundamental laws and model-building techniques, awakens them to the power of the universe, and supports knowledge in mathematics, engineering, and other fields. Physics students develop high-demand skills, such as numeracy, problem solving, data analysis, and the communication of complex ideas, that are valued in industry and all types of organizations.
Students obtaining the Bachelor of Arts in Physics degree use physics as a background for study in other fields. This program will appeal to students interested in a broader and more interdisciplinary physics experience. For example, a student could pair this major with a 4-year teaching certificate program from the School of Educational Studies if they are interested in teaching science.
Required Courses — Complete all of the following:
Required STEM courses (67 credits)
• B PHYS 121 Mechanics (5 cr)
• B PHYS 122 Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion (5 cr)
• B PHYS 123 Waves (5 cr)
• B PHYS 221 Classical Mechanics (5 cr)
• B PHYS 222 Modern Physics (5 cr)
• B PHYS 224 Thermal Physics (5 cr)
• B PHYS 433 Senior Project (5 cr)
• B PHYS 484 Physics, Society and Industry (5 cr)
• B PHYS 494 Physics Seminar [1 cr]
• STMATH 124 Calculus I [5 cr]
• STMATH 125 Calculus II [5 cr]
• STMATH 126 Calculus III [5 cr]
• STMATH 307 Differential Equations [5 cr]
• B CHEM 143 General Chemistry I [4 cr]
• B CHEM 144 General Chemistry I Lab [2 cr]
Physics elective courses- 10 credits from the approved list of BPHYS courses:
• BPHYS 231 Introduction to Experimental Physics [3 cr]
• BPHYS 293 Special Topics in Physics (1-5 credits, max. 15)
• BPHYS 311 Introduction to Astrophysics I (5 cr]
• BPHYS 312 Introduction to Astrophysics II [5 cr]
• BPHYS 314 Introduction to Cosmology [5 cr]
• BPHYS 317 Mathematical Physics [5 cr]
• BPHYS 321 Electricity and Magnetism | [5 cr]
• BPHYS 322 Electricity and Magnetism II [5 cr]
• BPHYS 323 Electricity and Magnetism III [5 cr]
• BPHYS 324 Quantum Mechanics [5 cr]
• BPHYS 325 Quantum Mechanics II [5 cr]
• BPHYS 328 Statistical Physics [5 cr]
• BPHYS 431 Experimental Physics: Analog Circuits [5 cr]
• BPHYS 432 Experimental Physics: Digital Circuits and Instrumentation [5 cr]
• BPHYS 441 Condensed Matter Physics 1 [5 cr]
• BPHYS 442 Condensed Matter Physics II [5 cr]
• BPHYS 450 Computational and Theoretical Modeling in Physics [5 cr]
• BPHYS 493 Advanced Topics in Physics (1-5 credits, max. 15)
• Approved B PHYS 498 Independent Study (1-5 credits, max. 10)
• Approved B PHYS 499 Research (1-5 credits, max. 10)
Additional Courses- as needed to fulfill University General Education Requirements and to equal 180 credits
The Physics major creates opportunities for students to acquire critical thinking and reasoning skills, problem-solving abilities, and modeling skills. These skills and abilities will enable physics majors to contemplate careers and graduate school in multiple physics sub-disciplines, engineering, technology, and other mathematical and science related subjects. Students will acquire fundamental knowledge that positions them to be successful and responsible global citizens and lifelong learners.
Required Courses — Complete all of the following:
• STMATH 124 Calculus I
• STMATH 125 Calculus II
• STMATH 126 Calculus III
• STMATH 307 Differential Equations
• STMATH 308 Matrix Algebra
• STMATH 324 Multivariable Calculus
• CSS 112 Introduction to Programming for Scientific Applications (4 Cr)
• B PHYS 121 Mechanics
• B PHYS 122 Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion
• B PHYS 123 Waves
• B PHYS 221 Classical Mechanics
• B PHYS 222 Modern Physics
• B PHYS 224 Thermal Physics
• B PHYS 231 Introduction to Experimental Physics
• B PHYS 321 Electricity and Magnetism I
• B PHYS 322 Electricity and Magnetism II
• B PHYS 324 Quantum Mechanics I
• B PHYS 433 Senior Project
• B PHYS 484 Physics, Society and Industry
• B PHYS 494 Physics Seminar (1 cr)
• At least one course from this list:
o B PHYS 431 Experimental Physics Lab I
o B PHYS 432 Experimental Physics Lab II
o B PHYS 450 Computational and Theoretical Modeling in Physics
Upper Division Physics Electives — Choose 20 credits from the following courses. Each elective course is 5 credits unless otherwise noted:
• B PHYS 293 Special Topics in Physics (1-5 credits, max. 15)
• B PHYS 311 Introduction to Astrophysics I
• B PHYS 312 Introduction to Astrophysics II
• B PHYS 314 Introduction to Cosmology
• B PHYS 317 Mathematical Physics
• B PHYS 323 Electricity and Magnetism III
• B PHYS 325 Quantum Mechanics II
• B PHYS 328 Statistical Physics
• B PHYS 431 Experimental Physics Lab I
• B PHYS 432 Experimental Physics Lab II
• B PHYS 441 Condensed Matter Physics
• B PHYS 442 Condensed Matter Physics II
• B PHYS 450 Computational and Theoretical Modeling in Physics
• B PHYS 493 Advanced Topics in Physics (1-5 credits, max. 15)
• Approved B PHYS 498 Independent Study (1-5 credits, max. 10)
• Approved B PHYS 499 Research (1-5 credits, max. 10)
Additional Courses- as needed to fulfill University General Education Requirements and to equal 180 credits
Through the physics major, students will be gain the ability to:
• Apply critical thinking skills and quantitative reasoning abilities to the physical world.
• Apply the principles and theories of physics to a variety of areas in the sciences and other evidence-based endeavors .
• Understand the history, organization, and underlying principles of physics and the application of these principles to the physical world.
• Anticipate and assess trajectories of technological change in a variety of industries using physics, along with critical thinking abilities developed in physics courses.
• Utilize thermodynamics, modern physics, and other physics principles, in the design and optimization of new technologies.
• Understand the ethical implications of physics in nature and society.
• Teach physics in secondary schools.
The Chemistry minor at UW Bothell provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of the chemical sciences through a combination of coursework and practical laboratory experience. Students gain a working knowledge of the principles of Chemistry and the methodologies needed to solve complex problems and communicate their ideas to the scientific community in general. A minor in Chemistry is beneficial to students majoring in fields such as biology, physics, engineering, environmental science, and mathematics, and those preparing for further study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, and forensics. It is also an asset for students considering professional work in laboratory or manufacturing fields where background and experience in chemistry is valuable.
The Chemistry minor at UW Bothell provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of the chemical sciences through a combination of coursework and practical laboratory experience. Students gain a working knowledge of the principles of Chemistry and the methodologies needed to solve complex problems and communicate their ideas to the scientific community in general. A minor in Chemistry is beneficial to students majoring in fields such as biology, physics, engineering, environmental science, and mathematics, and those preparing for further study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, and forensics. It is also an asset for students considering professional work in laboratory or manufacturing fields where background and experience in chemistry is valuable.
Required Courses (29 credits) – Complete the following:
• B CHEM 143/144 General Chemistry I w/ Lab
• B CHEM 153/154 General Chemistry II w/ Lab
• B CHEM 163/164 General Chemistry III w/ Lab
• B CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry I
• B CHEM 238/241 Organic Chemistry II w/ Lab
Elective Courses (18 or more credits) – A total of five (5) or more upper division courses chosen from a list of approved courses that fulfill the following requirements:
• A minimum of one (1) lab course.
• At least 1 course in 3 of the 5 areas of chemistry: Analytical, Biochemistry, Chemistry Education, Inorganic and Physical.
The Physics minor and covers a flexible subset of the major degree, with applications to other scientific and science-related fields. Students of biology, business, engineering, environmental science, chemistry, mathematics, and other disciplines will find relevant courses in the minor to further their education goals.
Required Courses (15 credits) — Complete all of the following:
• B PHYS 122 Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion
• B PHYS 123 Waves
• B PHYS 224 Thermal Physics
Elective Courses— Choose 15 credits from the following courses. Each elective course is 5 credits unless otherwise noted:
• B PHYS 221 Classical Mechanics
• B PHYS 222 Modern Physics
• B PHYS 229 Biophysics I
• B PHYS 231 Introduction to Experimental Physics (3 credits)
• B PHYS 293 Special Topics in Physics (1-5 credits, max. 15)
• B PHYS 311 Introduction to Astrophysics I
• B PHYS 312 Introduction to Astrophysics II
• B PHYS 314 Introduction to Cosmology
• B PHYS 317 Mathematical Physics
• B PHYS 321 Electricity and Magnetism I
• B PHYS 322 Electricity and Magnetism II
• B PHYS 323 Electricity and Magnetism III
• B PHYS 324 Quantum Mechanics I
• B PHYS 328 Statistical Mechanics
• B PHYS 431 Experimental Physics Lab I
• B PHYS 432 Experimental Physics Lab II
• B PHYS 441 Condensed Matter Physics
• B PHYS 442 Condensed Matter Physics II
• B PHYS 450 Computational and Theoretical Modeling in Physics
• B PHYS 484 Physics, Society and Industry
• B PHYS 493 Advanced Topics in Physics (1-5 credits, max. 15)
• B PHYS 494 Physics Seminar (1 credit)
• Approved B PHYS 498 Independent Study (1-5 credits, max. 10)
• Approved B PHYS 499 Research (1-5 credits, max. 10)