The first semester of a two-semester sequence covering basic concepts and techniques of physical chemistry. The level of coverage is designed for chemistry majors.
Athena Title
Modern Physical Chemistry I
Prerequisite
CHEM 2300 and CHEM 2300L and MATH 2260 and PHYS 1212-1212L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to utilize integral and differential calculus as a quantitative tool to solve complex issues in quantum chemistry.
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to describe the microscopic behavior of atoms and molecules, and explain the vibrational, rotational, and electronic properties of atoms and molecules using the ideas developed from modern quantum theory.
At the conclusion of the course students will develop an advanced understanding of molecular symmetry as it applies to the electronic properties of a molecule.
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to utilize technology for communication, literature research, and calculations, e.g., e-mail, EXCEL, MATHCAD, word processing software, Powerpoint, ChemDraw, Google Scholar, the NIST Chemistry Webbook, and eLC.
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to discuss the meaning of quantum mechanical and spectroscopic terms, both verbally and in writing.
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to evaluate the sensitivity, resolution and appropriate applications of different spectroscopic techniques.
Topical Outline
1. Schrodinger Equations
2. Model Quantum Treatments of Simple Systems
3. Operators
4. Quantum Vibration and Rotation
5. Vibration and Rotational Spectroscopy of Diatomic Molecules
6. One (e.g., H) and Many Electron Atoms
7. Chemical Bonding
a. Diatomic Molecules (inc. H2+, H2)
b. Polyatomic Molecules
8. Optical Spectroscopy (Atomic Spectra and Molecular Electronic, Vibrational and Rotational Spectra)
9. Computational Chemistry of Molecules
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
