2023 Spring, Advanced Physical Chemistry

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Course Overview

Course Code
CH60375
Course Description
This course introduces the basis of physical chemistry and helps students understand the background knowledge of state-of-the-art research.
Time and Classroom
Mon 4:30–7:00 pm, Room 409
Textbooks
  • Donald A. McQuarrie, Quantum Chemistry, 2nd Ed., University Science Books, 2007, ISBN 9781891389504
  • Ken A. Dill and Sarina Bromberg, Molecular Driving Forces, 2nd Ed., Garland Science, 2011, ISBN 9780815344308
  • Atkins et al., Atkins’ Physical Chemistry, 11th Ed., Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780191082559
Prerequisite
Undergraduate-level physical chemistry
Evaluation
Midterm essay 50%, final exam 50%

Schedule

Week Date Topic Part
1 3/6 Course overview / Particles, waves, and duality Part I: Quantum Chemistry
2 3/13 Foundations of quantum mechanics / Particle in a box  
3 3/20 Molecular vibrations / Molecular rotations  
4 3/27 Hydrogen atom / Helium atom  
5 4/3 Electronic structure calculation / Multi-electron atoms  
6 4/10 Diatomic molecules / Polyatomic molecules  
7 4/17 Partition functions Part II: Statistical Thermodynamics
8 4/24 Classical thermodynamics / Entropy  
9 5/1 Chemical equilibrium / Intermolecular interactions / Phase transitions  
10 5/8 Master equation / Langevin equation Part III: Kinetics and Dynamics
11 5/15 School holiday  
12 5/22 Chemical kinetics / Reaction dynamics  
13 5/29 National holiday  
14 6/5 Solids / Surfaces Part IV: Physical Chemistry of Materials
15 6/12 Final exam  
16 6/19