The College

The work of the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division encompasses two major areas of intellectual endeavor: the disciplines concerned with theoretical, observational, and experimental studies of the inanimate environment (from the submicroscopic to the cosmic), and those concerned with the languages of quantitative reasoning – computer science, mathematics, and statistics.

The Division provides six sequences that introduce the various disciplines in the physical sciences as well as yearlong sequences in chemistry or physics required of students who choose to concentrate in one of the natural sciences. We also provide a wide range of basic courses in the mathematical sciences.

There are seven majors that lead to the B.A. degree and eight to the B.S. degree. Biological chemistry is offered jointly by the Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences Collegiate Divisions.

Contact

John E. Frederick
Master, Physical Sciences Collegiate Division
HM 235
773-702-8320
frederic@uchicago.edu

Susan Rueth
Administrative Assistant
HM 235
773-702-8321
rueth@uchicago.edu

The Physical Sciences Teaching Prize

Each year the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division and the Physical Sciences Division present a teaching prize to a graduate student in the Division in recognition of exceptional teaching of undergraduates. (The seven departments comprising the Division are Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics.) The prize, $750 and a certificate, is awarded annually to the nominated graduate student judged to have been most effective in undergraduate instruction in a course offered by the Division during the previous year (Spring 2011 through Winter 2012).

Up to three prizes will be awarded each year. Nominations may be made by any University-affiliated person, but emphasis will be given to nominations by undergraduates. Independent multiple nominations of the same graduate student will receive special consideration in the evaluation process. The most effective letters are those that indicate specific ways in which the graduate student has been particularly effective in his or her learning environment.

Nominations, which should consist of a typewritten page outlining the graduate student’s contributions to undergraduate education, signed by the nominators, must be received by the office of John Frederick, Master, Physical Sciences Collegiate Division, Harper Room 235, by the end of the tenth week of each quarter. Nominations may also be submitted by email to Susan Rueth at rueth@uchicago.edu.

Summer Positions for Majors

We encourage you to seek summer positions that allow you to gain experience and further your education outside the classroom. The following links provide information on employment opportunities for undergraduates:

Career Advising and Planning Services
Fellowships, Research opportunities and Grants

Majors

Biological Chemistry
Chemistry
Computer Science
Geophysical Sciences: (Geophysical Sciences, Environmental Science)
Physics: (Physics, Physics with Specialization in Astrophysics)
Statistics