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Overview

Fundamental physical chemistry and its application to chemical processes. Includes spectroscopy; quantum mechanics; and thermodynamics.

CHEM 201 Physical Chemistry 1 is designed to provide a strong basis in many of the principles underlying chemical structure and reactivity. The focus of the paper is on principles considered to be of fundamental significance in all areas of chemistry.

About this paper

Paper title Physical Chemistry 1
Subject Chemistry
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
CHEM 111 or CHEM 191 (with a grade of at least B)
Recommended Preparation
one of MATH 120, MATH 130 or MATH 140
Schedule C
Science
Eligibility
A basic knowledge of calculus is highly recommended.
Contact

Associate Professor Anna Garden
Tel: 63 3 479 7928
Location: Science II, 5N3
anna.garden@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Anna Garden

Lecturers: Professor Keith Gordon

Dr Courtney Ennis

Paper Structure

The topics covered in CHEM 201 are:

  • Structure, bonding, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy
  • Developing a basic understanding of the Schrödinger equation, its solutions and atomic and molecular orbitals
  • An introduction to computational chemistry
  • Developing a basic understanding of vibrational and rotational spectroscopy
  • Using thermodynamics to obtain information about energy transfer, directions of chemical changes and equilibrium conditions in chemical reactions and phase changes
Teaching Arrangements

There are three lectures, one tutorial and one 4-hour laboratory class each week.

Textbooks

Recommended: Atkins' Physical Chemistry, P. Atkins and J. De Paula (10th 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 basic understanding of the physical aspects of chemical systems
  • An understanding of basic elements of molecular spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, kinetics and thermodynamics and the skill to use the basic equations in these topics
  • 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
  • An understanding of how chemical knowledge is applied in a practical, problem-solving context
  • Students who are majoring in chemistry will have acquired knowledge and skills that will enable them to proceed to 300- and 400-level papers in chemistry
  • Students not majoring in chemistry will have acquired knowledge of many of the physical principles of chemistry and experimental skills that will serve them well in many areas of science

Overview

Fundamental physical chemistry and its application to chemical processes. Includes spectroscopy; quantum mechanics; and thermodynamics.

CHEM 201 Physical Chemistry 1 is designed to provide a strong basis in many of the principles underlying chemical structure and reactivity. The focus of the paper is on principles considered to be of fundamental significance in all areas of chemistry.

About this paper

Paper title Physical Chemistry 1
Subject Chemistry
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
CHEM 111 or CHEM 191 (with a grade of at least B)
Recommended Preparation
one of MATH 120, MATH 130 or MATH 140
Schedule C
Science
Eligibility

A basic knowledge of calculus is highly recommended.

Contact

Associate Professor Anna Garden
Tel: +64 3 479 7928
Location: Science II, 5N3

Teaching staff

Course Coordinator:
Associate Professor Anna Garden

Lecturers:
Professor Keith Gordon
Dr Courtney Ennis

Paper Structure

The topics covered in CHEM 201 are:

  • Structure, bonding, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy
  • Developing a basic understanding of the Schrödinger equation, its solutions and atomic and molecular orbitals
  • An introduction to computational chemistry
  • Developing a basic understanding of vibrational and rotational spectroscopy
  • Using thermodynamics to obtain information about energy transfer, directions of chemical changes and equilibrium conditions in chemical reactions and phase changes
Teaching Arrangements

There are three lectures, one tutorial and one 4-hour laboratory class each week.

Textbooks

Recommended: Atkins, P. W., & de Paula, J. (2014). Atkins' Physical Chemistry (10th ed.).

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 basic understanding of the physical aspects of chemical systems.
  • An understanding of basic elements of molecular spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, kinetics and thermodynamics and the skill to use the basic equations in these topics.
  • 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.
  • An understanding of how chemical knowledge is applied in a practical, problem-solving context.
  • Students who are majoring in chemistry will have acquired knowledge and skills that will enable them to proceed to 300- and 400-level papers in chemistry.
  • Students not majoring in chemistry will have acquired knowledge of many of the physical principles of chemistry and experimental skills that will serve them well in many areas of science.
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