How to Merge Chemistry and Physics

[Collatz]

So I start University in the Fall and I am torn between major choice now..

I basically applied initially for physics, but now I am becoming interested in chemistry once again. So I was wondering if there was a way I could combine the two into one field or specialized study? I've heard of Quantum Chemistry, but is that the only field? Also I will probably attempt[emphasis on attempt] to double major in both and if I happen to find my interest declining in one drop it as a major... but right now I just want to know what could I do.

Help! >.<

 

[dx]

What kind of work do you imagine yourself doing after your degree?

 

[Collatz]

Well I want to go to grad school and after getting my doctorate well...
I hope to work in academia first, but if that doesn't work out i'll fall back on a government job maybe. o.o is that good enough?

 

[apt403]

Maybe physical chemistry? The phys. chem. textbook's I've looked through remind me more of physics books than chemistry books.

 

[lisab]

Yes, physical chemistry would be a good choice. Lots of thermodynamics, spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, kinetics...that sort of thing.

 

[DrummingAtom]

I'm interested in combining Physics and Chemistry too, but I know I probably won't become a professor. So, what industry options are there for the combination of these 2 subjects? Like, what are some areas that could actually use a Physical Chemist? Thanks.

 

[flemmyd]

there are graduate programs that cater specifically to this type of emphasis (which also happens to be my interest...)

here are two to get you started. there are probably more and there are probably traditional programs that are just as good.

http://www.champ.uci.edu/

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/departments/chemical-physics/department.html

 

[PhaseShifter]

There's a good bit of physics and chemistry in materials science as well.