Pre-First Year Summer Training

In order to integrate students with chemistry, physics, and engineering backgrounds, to train students on the latest research methods, and to jump-start their graduate career, the ChaMP program begins in the summer of the incoming year with three preparatory courses, faculty seminars, instrument training workshops, and lab rotations. Students are supported on graduate research fellowships for the summer.

Typical Pre-First Year ChaMP Summer Program:   July – September of the incoming year

Course Descriptions

Chem/Phys 206 – Advanced Data Acquisition & Analysis
Introduces students to a variety of practical laboratory techniques, including lock-in, boxcar, coincidence counting, noise filtering, PID control, properties of common transducers, computer interfacing to instruments, vacuum technology, electronics, electron microscopy, microfabrication techniques, basic mechanical design, and shop skills. The Laboratory Skills course integrates physics and chemistry students into one class, and develops the skills necessary to excel in modern laboratories.

Phys 207 – Applied Physical Chemistry
Introduction to fundamental concepts in molecular structure and reactivity: theory of bonding, valence and molecular orbitals; structure and reactivity in inorganic chemistry; elements in molecular group theory; nomenclature in organic chemistry; and survey of macromolecules.

Chem 208 – Math Methods
Applications of mathematics to physical and chemical problems. Calculus of special functions, complex variables and vectors; linear vector spaces and eigenvalue problems. Differential Equations.”

Typical Summer Session Schedule

Faculty from the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering give presentations in an intimate research setting on cutting-edge research from their groups.

The summer session concludes with lab rotations in which students work on short research projects in the labs of ChaMP faculty.

A workshop at the COVE given by UCI Applied Innovation introduces students to industry environments and career preparation. Applied Innovation is a dynamic, innovative central platform for the UCI campus, entrepreneurs, inventors, the business community and investors to collaborate and move UCI research from lab to market.