Quantum No. Chemistry Class 11

[Lalo Scalf]

Intheir innovative quantum mechanics course, two Princeton professors teach the nuts and bolts of quantum mechanics until the midterm, then forgo the problem sets and quizzes in favor of a seminar-style exploration of the wild implications of quantum theory.

Scholes has taught this course since before he came to Princeton in 2014, and he keeps experimenting with it. Over the years, he has reduced the number of tests and quizzes, but he said the biggest shift came when he both eliminated the final exam and completely separated the two halves of the semester.

Students arrive at college with varying levels of preparation for foundational STEM courses. The new Lecturer Corps is meeting Princeton's talented students where they are to support their success in chemistry, physics and math.

All courses with numbers of 09-700 or higher are full-semester graduate courses for 12 units. Some courses (typically 9 unit) with lower numbers also count for graduate credit and those are also listed. The department also offers some half-semester graduate courses marked as 6 units (typically 09-600 numbers). Note that 12 units is equivalent to what may be familiar as a 4 credit course at other universities. Chemical Research (09-861) units may vary from 0 to 48 units for Ph.D. students at different stages in the program.

Spring: 6 units

This course is intended for students of chemistry, biological sciences and material science who are interested in understanding fundamentals, instrumentation and techniques used in mass spectrometry. RRKM theory, ionization techniques, various scan modes (SIM, SRM, MS-MS,?) and basic interpretation are covered. The operating principles of various ion sources, mass analyzers and detectors are covered. Applications are focused in the area of proteomic analysis such as protein identification and peptide sequencing using MALDI and electrospray ionization. Hyphenated techniques such as GC-MSn, LC-MSn and CE-MSn are covered. This course may use a NSF funded Internet based Virtual Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, remote control of mass spectrometers from the classroom as well as a real mass spectrometry laboratory.

12 units

Computer modeling is playing an increasingly important role in chemical research. This course provides an overview of computational chemistry techniques including molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics and both semi-empirical and ab initio electronic structure theory. Sufficient theoretical background is provided for students to understand the uses and limitations of each technique. An integral part of the course is hands on experience with state-of-the-art computational chemistry tools running on graphics workstations.

Fall: 6 units

The student will learn to master some techniques relevant for understanding the mathematical structure of quantum mechanics, as used in Quantum Chemistry I 09-701. The following subjects are treated: Fourier series and Fourier transforms; eigenfunction expansion; eigenvalue problems and matrix diagonalization; hydrogen atom radial equation; differentials and line integrals (useful for thermodynamics). Undergraduates who have taken 09-231, Mathematical Methods for Chemists, may not enroll in this course. It is also not an acceptable chemistry elective for the major or minor in chemistry.

Spring: 6 units

Rate laws and reaction mechanisms. Solving kinetics problems using the Laplace transform method. Transient and steady-state methods. Potential energy surfaces and reaction paths. Basic concepts of statistical mechanics and theories of reaction rates. Bimolecular and unimolecular reactions. Reactions in solution.

Fall: 6 units

A focused course on chemical thermodynamics. The basic thermodynamic functions will be introduced and discussed. The formal basis for thermochemistry will be presented. Single component phase equilibrium will be considered. The thermodynamic basis of solutions will be developed and applied to separation methods. The fundamental basis of chemical equilibrium will be developed and applied to a wide variety of reactions. Finally, a few special topics such as self-assembled systems will be presented.

Spring: 6 units

Introduction to quantum principles. The main topics to be covered include Schroedinger equation, particle in a box, the harmonic oscillator, and rigid rotor. Applications to vibrational, rotational, and electronic spectroscopy.

Mini 3: 6 units

This is a course exclusively in optical methods, both time resolved and steady state. In addition to methodology, spectral interpretation in terms of group theory will be discussed. The time-dependent formalism of quantum mechanics will also be introduced. Molecules in gas phase and condensed phase will be discussed. Frequent use will be made of the current literature. Background consisting of undergraduate physical chemistry is assumed.

12 units

The existing 9-unit course comprises three units, the first being introductory meteorology, the second stratospheric chemistry and ozone depletion, and the third being global tropospheric chemistry. This course is taught in alternate spring terms (odd years). Evaluation is dominated by one exam (in meteorology) and two projects (nominally in stratospheric and tropospheric chemistry, optionally both stratospheric) which are presented as short (15 minute) talks, with two page written summaries required of individuals in group projects. A 12 unit version would include a final paper in addition to these projects.

3 units

A survey of the areas of research and problems currently being investigated by the faculty of the Department of Chemistry. Fundamental concepts in Transition Metal Chemistry are reviewed in this course followed by presentations of results obtained in current research that is based on these concepts. The class covers coordination numbers and stereochemistry, electronic structure, physical properties, and aspects of chemical reactivity of transition elements and their complexes. In lectures and class discussions, we identify general problems pursued in transition metal chemistry, discuss the choice and relevance of the questions posed by researchers, present modern methods and techniques used to answer the questions and the type of information that can be obtained using these methods. Special emphasis is given to examples drawn from supramolecular chemistry, molecular materials, and mineralogy.

12 units

Introduction to quantum mechanics. The main topics to be covered will include wave packets, interference, the uncertainty principle, Ehrenfest's theorem, the Schroedinger equation and its solution for finite and infinite square wells and barriers, the harmonic oscillator, the rigid rotor, the hydrogen atom and time-independent perturbations.

12 units

Application of statistical mechanics to chemical systems. Calculation of Themodynamic functions, phase transitions and chemical equilibrium. Calculation of transport properties of gases and liquids. Elementary theory of chemical kinetics.

12 units

Quantum statistical mechanics: ideal Fermi and Bose systems. Structure and dynamics of classical liquids. Monte Carlo and Molecular dynamics computer simulations. Brownian dynamics and time-correlation function formalism. Modern theories of chemical reactions.

12 units

Rate laws. Analysis of linear chemical networks by Laplace transform and matrix formalism. Transient and steady-state methods. Stability of chemical systems. Theories of reaction rates. Molecular energetics. Applications to reactions in solution, electrolytes, electron and proton transfer reactions, heterogeneous systems.

Fall: 12 units

Chemosensors and biosensors rely on "recognition" and "signaling" elements to transduce a molecular-scale binding event into an observable signal. Students in this course will be introduced to current research and technology for detecting chemical and biological analytes in a variety of contexts, including environmental testing, biological probing and medical diagnostics. Recognition elements ranging from small organic molecules to antibodies will be presented, while various detection modes, including fluorescence, gravimetric and colorimetric, that illustrate different signaling elements will be discussed and compared. Issues to be addressed include sensitivity, selectivity and efficiency. Each sensor will be analyzed in terms of the physical chemistry, organic chemistry and/or biochemistry underlying its function.

12 units

This course discusses the chemistry, physics, and biology aspects of several major types of nanoparticles, including metal, semiconductor, magnetic, carbon, and polymer nanostructures. For each type of nanoparticles, we select pedagogical examples (e.g. Au, Ag, CdSe, etc.) and introduce their synthetic methods, physical and chemical properties, self assembly, and various applications. Apart from the nanoparticle materials, other topics to be briefly covered include microscopy and spectroscopy techniques for nanoparticle characterization, and nanolithography techniques for fabricating nano-arrays. The course is primarily descriptive with a focus on understanding major concepts (such as plasmon, exciton, polaron, etc.). The lectures are power point presentation style with sufficient graphical materials to aid students to better understand the course materials. Overall, this course is intended to provide an introduction to the new frontiers of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Students will gain an understanding of the important concepts and research themes of nanoscience and nanotechnology, and develop their abilities to pursue highly disciplinary nanoscience research. The course should be of interest and accessible to advanced undergraduates and graduate students in fields of chemistry, materials science, and biology as well. Students enrolled in this course should be comfortable with introductory chemistry and physics.

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