Most students struggle to choose the right major college to not only enjoy the learning process but also build a progressive career path. If you are a science enthusiast with a knack for research and experimentation, physical chemistry is an interesting study area with a great scope. This subject is a study of how matter around us exists, what its composition is, and how it changes form.
In this blog, we will discuss what physical chemistry is in detail and which schools are best to study this program efficiently.
Let's begin.
Pursuing a Career in Physical Chemistry
Physical chemistry is the study of different substances' composition and transformation. It assesses what matter is made up of and how it changes into various forms. It is the study of how matter behaves at atomic and molecular levels. It then applies physics principles to the chemical reactions of different substances to discover their properties.

Physical chemistry is used across various industries. Here are a few examples:
Physical Chemistry | Meaning | Real-World Application Examples |
---|---|---|
Thermodynamics | It deals with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. | Used to create insulation windows in homes to prevent the gain or loss of heat. |
Quantum Chemistry | The application of quantum mechanics in physics models and experiments of chemical systems | Used in various technological devices like Lasers, MRI scanners for medical imaging. Atomic clocks are used for GPS Solar cells and in Electron microscopes |
Kinetics | The science of calculating the rates of different chemical reactions. | Prevention of food spoilage by refrigerating it. |
Statistical Mechanics | A combination of statistics principles and procedures, including classical and quantum mechanics | X-rays, Visible light, and Scattering of cold neutrons. |
If science interests you, pursuing a career in physical chemistry might be the ideal route for you as this degree is highly demanded in different sectors. It enables students to make new products and improve the existing ones for the betterment of people and society. As a result, several physical chemistry jobs are available to kick-start your career. Some of them include the following:
- Nuclear chemist
- Lab chemist
- Food chemist
- Agriculture chemist
- Medicinal/pharmaceutical chemist
- Forensic chemist
- Bench chemist
- Analytical chemist

Although physical chemistry offers flourishing career prospects, this subject is not easy to learn. Physical chemistry is complex as it demands the use of various academic concepts and theories. Despite going to prestige colleges, many students struggle to learn this study area. However, you should not worry as we have the perfect solution for this problem. Superprof brings you a world-class physical chemistry tutor online to simplify this complicated area of study for you. Our chemistry tutors have profound knowledge and experience in this field. We use a unique teaching approach to constructively teach the subject and ensure a fun and engaging learning process.
What Schools Are Good For Physical Chemistry Programs?
Picking the right educational institute to earn professional education is crucial. If your teaching authority is competent, you can master any subject, no matter how complex. Therefore, picking the right school for your physical chemistry program is crucial. Here are some world-reputed universities in the states that offer undergraduate and graduate programs in physical chemistry:
1. Harvard University
Known for its premium educational services throughout the world, Harvard University is a paradigm of exceptional learning. Located outside Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is one of the oldest educational institutes known for its substantive influence, reputation, and excellent academic programs.
The university offers a wide range of subjects in various programs, from undergraduate and graduate to Ph.D. and other advanced-level courses. Out of the many prestigious programs, physical chemistry is one of the top courses offered by Harvard. The university has developed a well-researched teaching strategy to teach this complex subject. Their experienced teachers ensure to cover all elements of physical chemistry, including:
- Basic to advanced-level physics concepts like motion, energy, time, form, gravity, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, string theory, and more.
- Application of physical concepts to chemical reactions
- Mathematical concepts and calculations
Harvard University's world-class lecturers give insightful classes on physical chemistry. They also teach different necessary skills required to ace this subject. For instance, they teach you to research different substances or analyze the results of different chemical reactions to develop logical theories and discoveries.

2. Stanford University
Based in California, Stanford University is ranked number nine for being the most credible educational institute teaching physical chemistry. They have a broad range of experienced scientists developing emerging tools and technologies to measure, understand, and analyze chemical processes. They are creating new strategies to understand atomic and molecular behavior, the arrangement and dynamics of bond arrangement, and light interaction with matter. Stanford University's researchers have developed innovative methods to explore the properties of matter, from single molecules to macroscopic materials. The top-rated educational institute has a rich community of institutes, research centers, and training programs like the Global Climate and Energy Project and Precourt Institute for Energy.
This university is best positioned to teach students theoretical aspects of physical chemistry and practical experimentation and analysis. It guarantees to instill a solid foundation of physical chemistry concepts in the mind of students, empowering them to make ground-breaking discoveries in their professional lives.
3. University Of California
The University of California is amongst the most prestigious schools to study physical chemistry. This place comprises well-equipped and experienced faculty members who invest their colossal time researching, experimenting, and analyzing the subject matter. They use a strong research approach to expose the underlying physics of chemical phenomena and help students understand the difference between physical and chemical chemistry.
They focus on the two major aspects of physical chemistry, which are:
Theoretical physical chemistry: The faculty members in this department are focused on researching the arrangement and dynamics of matter, ranging from atomic to macroscopic level. Just like Superprof's practical-minded tutors, the teachers of this department also like to give a touch of viability while teaching.
Experimental physical chemistry: This department is directed towards experimenting with new and innovative areas of biophysical chemistry. Some of their ongoing projects include:
- Weiss (Nanoscale mechanical motions in DNA transcriptions)
- Gimzewski (the screaming of yeast cells)
- Knobler & Gelbart (elasticity and structure of viruses)
- Mason (microrheology of biopolymer solutions and the cytoplasm)
- Tolbert (the development of flexible solar cells by making hybrid organic-inorganic materials)
- Zink (nano bottles for controlled release)
- Schwartz (Femtosecond pump-probe laser spectroscopy experiments)
The best part about this institute is that there are only six to eight students in every physical chemistry group. This allows close interaction with the faculty members, increasing the chances of more focused and efficient learning.
4. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is another excellent place to learn physical chemistry from a basic to an advanced level. Their Department of Chemistry is a center of scholars and novel ideas. The department has highly learned professors, experienced lecturers, post-doctoral professionals, educated alums, and research staff.
The experienced faculty of the University of Pennsylvania teaches the elements of physical chemistry, including:
- Introductory quantum mechanics
- Atomic and molecular structure
- Chemical bonding
- Microscopic understanding of physical and chemical properties of molecules.
5. Northwestern University
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is the epitome of excellence in physical chemistry education. With world-class physical chemistry teachers, the university is known to transform raw physical chemistry enthusiasts into professional scientists and chemists. Northwestern University is home to several collaborative researchers that direct their efforts in theoretical and computational simulations and laboratory measurements. The faculty works closely with other departments to provide practical learning opportunities to students.
What Is The Most Effective Way To Learn Physical Chemistry?
Are you still struggling to learn physical chemistry? This branch of chemistry is complicated and intertwined with various other science subfields. Therefore, studying this study area is not as easy as other subjects. Physical chemistry is so complex that despite attending world-class educational institutes, you might still need help understanding its concepts.
Following that, the best course of action in such a turn of events is hiring a private physical chemistry tutor. This way, you can get extra and exclusive help from a professional in this field. Studying physical chemistry with a private teacher translates to a better understanding and a quick command of its complex concepts. This is because you can have a one-on-one interactive session with your teacher. You can enjoy the unhindered attention and focus of your tutor.
Moreover, it's better to hire a physical chemistry tutor online to save your commute time, expense, and energy since you will already be going to your university for course study. A private online physical chemistry teacher will provide additional assistance to help you learn from the comfort of your home. You can count on them to strengthen your physical chemistry basics, answer your various questions and clear your conceptual mistakes.
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