How Interdisciplinary is Physics/Chem/ChemE Research

<p>So, I'm a highschool upperclassmen (it's a long way, I know, but looking at my options for the future excites me) interested in research, particularly academia. </p>

<p>Major-wise, I'm interested in Chem topics, particularly O-chem, O-metallic chem and synthetics (I like the idea of "engineering" things at the molecular level), but I also like the idea of doing applied research and development in applied technologies that would fall in the ChemE world. But, I also have a profound interest in nanotechnology, quantum mechanics, relativity (I know this doesn't have much engineering application yet) and other physics topics.</p>

<p>Assuming I enter college with about 12-14 AP courses taken (I understand AP Calc BC, AP Physics B, AP Chem and the like will probably not be credited) and plan to graduate in 4 years:</p>

<p>How interdisciplinary are research in these topics?
Would a double-major in Chem/ ChemE help me with research or REU/ grad school programs?
What about throwing in a minor in physics? Is there a convergence with ChemE/ Chem in research interest for QM and nanotechnology?
How much of a time commitment is UGrad research? Would I still be able to dedicate a healthy amount of time if I have a double-major + minor course load?
Would I have enough units left to take a course or 2 (with perhaps a certificate) in other topics that interest me, like Asian cultural studies or linguistics? </p>

<p>And, how feasible is such a course load for a highly motivated student? What am I getting myself into?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>