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    Overview

    Principles underlying chemical structure, chemical bonding and quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, surface chemistry and colloids and electrochemistry.

    CHEM 301 Physical Chemistry focuses on how the fundamental analysis of physical chemistry is applied to gain an understanding of the inter-relationships among and functions of chemical systems. It is designed to provide a mastery of the quantitative analysis of varied chemical systems and an understanding of the physical aspects of chemical systems.

    About this paper

    Paper title Physical Chemistry
    Subject Chemistry
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    CHEM 201 (or prior to 2022, 18 points CHEM 200-level)
    Schedule C
    Science
    Eligibility

    The course is intended for BSc students majoring in chemistry and non-majors with an interest in physical processes.

    Contact

    Professor Keith Gordon
    Tel +64 3 479 7599
    Location: Science II, 1N8b
    keith.gordon@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Professor Keith Gordon

    Lecturers: Associate Professor Anna Garden
    Dr Courtney Ennis

    Paper Structure

    The topics covered in CHEM 301, which build on related material in CHEM 201, are:

    • Spectroscopy
      Current uses of spectroscopy in research and industrial applications are discussed, focusing on the concepts underlying spectroscopic techniques and computational methods
    • Molecular Quantum Mechanics
      The study of quantum mechanics, motivated by the failures of classical mechanics, will be presented and related to modelling in quantum chemistry. Quantum tunnelling will be derived and applied to chemically relevant systems
    • Surface and colloid chemistry
      Students will be introduced to the concepts of colloid and surface science and their role in many practical and everyday situations
    Teaching Arrangements
    There are three lectures and one 4-hour laboratory class each week.
    Textbooks

    Recommended:
    Atkins' Physical Chemistry 11th Edition.

    Engel, Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy 4th Edition.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    Expectations at the completion of the paper:
    • A mastery of the quantitative analysis of varied chemical systems
    • An understanding of the physical aspects of chemical systems
    • Self-confidence in laboratory skills and problem solving via a laboratory course that complements the lecture course
    • The ability to analyse rigorously and communicate results in appropriate formats

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 11:00-11:50 9-13, 15-22
    Tuesday 12:00-12:50 9-13, 15-22
    Wednesday 09:00-09:50 9-13, 15-22

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Monday 14:00-17:50 9-13, 16-20
    A3 Wednesday 14:00-17:50 9-13, 16-20
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