Division of Physical Sciences

UW Bothell students who major in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, or Earth System Science engage with award-winning faculty and experience the excitement of pursuing a career in science. From interactive classes to ground-breaking research, our Chemistry, Physics, and Earth System Science programs offer students the opportunity to understand how the natural world works and to use their knowledge and skills to build a rewarding future.

Eric Salathé, Chair of the Division of Physical Sciences.

Chemistry majors

Exploring the atomic and molecular nature of our world

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (BS)
The degree includes a rigorous curriculum focused on the atomic and molecular nature of the world around us, incorporating the traditional areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical) and modern interdisciplinary areas such as, biochemistry, computational chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and electro-analytical chemistry.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Biochemistry (BS)
The degree includes a rigorous curriculum focused on the atomic and molecular nature of the world around us, incorporating the traditional areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical), with the additional concentration on Biochemistry.

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry (BA)
The degree combines a rigorous curriculum covering the foundations of chemistry with a career track for students who want to become middle or high school teachers.

Minor in Chemistry

The Minor in Chemistry includes a curriculum covering the fundamentals of chemistry and practical laboratory experience. It is open to students of all majors and is especially beneficial to students majoring in fields such as biology, physics, engineering, and environmental science, and those preparing for health careers.

Earth System Science

Exploring the fundamental forces that control our universe

Bachelor of Science in Earth System Science (BS)
The major offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how our planet is shaped through natural and human processes. Students explore the intersection of critical geophysical, biogeochemical, and socio-environmental processes through courses that address the challenges of living on a rapidly changing planet. The major is taught in collaboration with the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences.

Physics

Exploring how our planet is shaped through natural and human processes

Bachelor of Science in Physics (BS)
The degree includes a rigorous curriculum focused on the fundamental laws of the world around us, incorporating astronomy, cosmology, biophysics, and condensed matter physics. Student may choose to concentrate on general physics, astrophysics, condensed matter, or biophysics.

Bachelor of Arts in Physics (BA)
The degree combines a rigorous curriculum covering the foundations of physics with a career track for students who want to become middle or high school teachers.

Minor in Physics

The Minor in Physics includes a curriculum covering the fundamentals of physics and practical laboratory experience. It is open to students of all majors and is especially beneficial to students majoring in fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics.