PHYSICAL
Experimental physical chemistry explores the fundamental principles governing matter and energy through direct measurement and observation. It focuses on quantifying molecular behavior, reaction dynamics, and thermodynamic properties using advanced techniques such as spectroscopy, calorimetry, and microscopy. By probing molecular interactions, kinetics, and energy transfer, experimental physical chemistry bridges theory and application, enabling the validation of quantum and statistical models. This field underpins developments in catalysis, materials science, and biophysics, providing insights into how atomic-level processes give rise to macroscopic phenomena. Through precise experimentation, it transforms abstract physical laws into tangible chemical understanding and technological innovation.
Our research programs include:
- Catalyst Design
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Electromagnetism and Photomagnetism
- Electron Paramagnetic Resonance
- Energy Storage Devices
- Lasers
- Macromolecular Structure
- Next-Gen Optics
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- Quantum Control
- Spin Dynamics
- Ultrafast Spectroscopy
Faculty in Physical Chemistry
Alberto Perez
William R. Kenan, Jr. Term Associate Professor & Associate Director Quantum Theory Project
352-392-7009Send EmailSee Bio
Adrian E. Roitberg
Frank Harris Professor of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
352-392-6972Send EmailSee Bio
Administrative Assistant
Chemistry Laboratory Building 311
PO Box 117200
Gainesville , Florida 32611-7200
(352) 392-4654
The Center for Chemical Physics mission includes education, research, and outreach in the experimental, theoretical and computational aspects of Chemical Physics.Our goal is to expose University of Florida students to world-wide research endeavors in areas between Chemistry and Physics. We promote collaborative research efforts, encouraging members to participate in challenging basic research programs, fostering interactions between members of the Center and scholars within the broader Chemical Physics community, participating in national and international conferences and contributing to outreach activities that showcase Chemical Physics to the community at large.
Physical Chemistry seminars host a variety of topics from experimental and computational physical chemistry, presented by invited external speakers, UF faculty, and graduate students in our program. Presentations are usually at the interface between physical chemistry and other areas of chemistry, biomedical sciences, and materials, with strong emphasis on multidisciplinary research supported by physical chemistry insights. Genereous support by our department and the CPC helps promote further interactions between our graduate students and external speakers.
Fall 2025
Sept. 2, 2025: Prof. Ramon Miranda Quintana, UF Chemistry, Tenure Talk
Sept. 15, 2025: Prof. David Wei, UF Chemistry
Sept. 30, 2025: Prof. Janani Sampath , UF Chemical Engineering
Oct. 28, 2025: Prof. Claudia Avalos, NYU
Nov. 4, 2025: Prof. Fang Liu, Emory University
Nov. 18, 2025: Prof. Alex Angerhofer, UF Chemistry
Spring 2026
TBD
CHM 5416L – Advanced Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 5511 – Physical Chemistry of Polymers
CHM 6430 – Chemical Thermodynamics
CHM 6461 – Statistical Thermodynamics
CHM 6470 – Chemical Bonding and Spectra I
CHM 6471 – Chemical Bonding and Spectra I
CHM 6480 – Elements of Quantum Chemistry
CHM 6490 – Theory of Molecular Spectroscopy
CHM 6580 – Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
CHM 6590 – Physical Chemistry Seminar
CHM 7485 – Special Topics in Theory of Atomic and Molecular Structure
CHM 3400 – Physical Chemistry for the Biosciences
CHM 4411 – Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics
CHM 4411L – Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 4412 – Physical Chemistry: Chemical Bonding and Spectroscopy
CHM 4412L – Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 4413L – Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 4930 – Special Topics
