Computational Chemistry in undergrad?

[\Theta]

Hey there folks!

I'm a math/computer science major focusing on scientific computing and I was wondering what courses I would need to take in my undergrad to be able to help out in Computational/Theoretical Chemistry. I've taken general chem and taking P Chem soon, is this enough or are there other courses I would need to be helpful? Obviously since I'm not chemistry I won't be focusing as much on the actual chemistry and I'll have to work directly with a chemist most of the time, but how much do I need to know before he's not simply dragging me along with him(lol)? Also, are there any math courses that would be especially beneficial? I've taken Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Vector Analysis, Numerical Analysis, and I'm going to take Partial Differential Equations and Fourier Series concurrently with P Chem. Thanks!

 

[DEvens]

If you have picked the school you will do your grad work it is easier. Or you have a few possible choices.

Google up those schools and see if their course calendars are on line. You can get information about requirements, admission standards, and so on. Possibly you can get info about courses that will be helpful. Possibly you can even email some of the profs you might like to work with and get their advice. They can also tell you if they might have room for a new grad student about the time you would finish undergrad. If they've already got nine you might like to pick another prof.

 

[\Theta]

So I did a little research, and I think I found a good place if anyone else has the same question as me(in an attempt to prevent re-inventing the wheel). It's the 2012 brochure for a Summer REU in Computational Chemistry at the University of Georgia and it has a list of classes and interests that would be required for doing research in Computational Quantum Chemistry. Here's the link:
http://www.ccqc.uga.edu/summer//files/CCQC_Summer_Brochure_2012.pdf

Thanks for the advice, DEvens. If any computational chemists are out there lurking and would care to chime in for their individual input, I'd be grateful, but I think I've found a starting place.

 

[Mike H]

I've met a handful of people who did that REU way back when - they seemed to think it was a good experience, although they were all chemistry majors.

I'd suggest checking out this discussion on here -

https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...i-be-researching-as-a-quantum-chemist.760158/

- for some useful perspective as to where you might fit into the community.