Minovsky wrote:Getting a more rigorous BS in chem isn't going to help you get into a physics program. If you can make it work, I would go for a Physics BA rather than a Chemistry BS. Core physics classes are Quantum/Modern, E&M, Mechanics, Thermo/Stat. Mech., and Lab. Having modern, e&m, and mechanics for only transferring into a physics program your last year isn't bad.
Math Methods should give you enough math for physics if its a physics course. You don't need analysis or proofs for physics, even for fundamental theory. You should take linear algebra if similar stuff is not covered in your math methods course, but its not the end of the world if you don't. If you're looking more at math than physics, not having analysis would be a handicap. In any case, grad schools do say that if any of your background is lacking, you have a chase to make it up by taking advanced undergrad classes. All the upper level physics classes at my school indicate that grad students are allowed to take them if they need to make up for any deficiencies.
What courses can you take next semester? It is not uncommon for students not to take some key advanced courses until their last semester. You can tell the admissions committee which courses you plan to take in the Spring if they don't already show up on your transcript when you register for them.
I think the key for you is to look into less competitive schools, you are right to be concerned about your background if you're only looking at top tier universities.
I can do the BA and will not get thermo (pre-reqs) but I also haven't got into another class I need yet (analytical mechanics). But if I do by some chance get in, I'll take modern, analytical mechanics, and methods in the fall. Spring will be quantum, EM, and some other elective. Complementing this with math, I won't have a major but several classes above the minor (proofs, linear algebra, PDE, probability+ statistics are some choices). FYI there is a course that condenses analytical mech and EM alternatively, but a prof I talked to advised against since it's less depth.
If I stay with the BS in chem, I will take pchem which does covers quantum, some thermo, and of course kinetics. One elective will unfortunately be biochem, the other instrumental analysis (learning about instrumentation, spectroscopy, a bit of optics). My last elective for chem I've asked if it can be a physics one so still waiting for a response. I will take modern with this, but analytical is blocked out (and I'm not even in yet). I could still take methods if it matters that much, or a math class (linear algebra, proofs, or stats+probability).
The rest of my physics courses under this track are EM (or less rigorous classical physics class), and quantum. Like I said before, I hope to have my last chem elective as a physics course, in which case I may be able to take something else like a grad course (polymers or electrodynamics). And if time permits, another math.
Essentially:
BA only - modern, analytical mech, EM, quantum, methods, elective, some math
BS chem w/ BA - modern, classical (the less rigorous mech/EM combo), quantum, elective. Not much room for math
BS chem with 'close to a BA' - modern, EM, quantum, methods if it's important (but I can now take stats/prob, linear, or proofs instead) and up to 2 electives. I won't have analytical mech, and I will have pchem I and II.
End goal: particle/nuclear, what comes after quantum, basically what I said before. I suppose talking more about math isn't useful at this point. It'd be great to go to a top school, but I do need to be practical. Any suggestions? I have only an unedited list.
Really, thanks a TON for your help thus far. It means a lot.