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Overview

Principles underlying chemical structure, chemical bonding and quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and kinetics.

CHEM 301 Physical Chemistry 2 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 2
Subject Chemistry
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
CHEM 201
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
  • Kinetics
    Students will build on their foundation understanding of reaction rates and rate laws by developing kinetic models. The link between kinetics and thermodynamics will be explored through Transition-state Theory.
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, Information literacy, Teamwork, Global perspective, Scholarship, Ethics, Research, Critical thinking, Information literacy.
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

Overview

Principles underlying chemical structure, chemical bonding and quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and kinetics.

CHEM 301 Physical Chemistry 2 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 2
Subject Chemistry
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (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 201
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

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.
  • Kinetics
    • Students will build on their foundation understanding of reaction rates and rate laws by developing kinetic models. The link between kinetics and thermodynamics will be explored through Transition-state Theory.
Teaching Arrangements

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

Textbooks

Recommended:

  • Atkins, P., de Paula, J., & Keeler, J. (2018). Atkins' Physical Chemistry (11th ed.).
  • Engel, T., & Reid, P. (2018). Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy (4th ed.).
  • Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    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.
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