20362 Topics in Molecular Spectroscopy

Credits: 3 advanced seminar credits in Chemistry

Prerequisites: 36 credits in the Sciences, including General Chemistry1 (or General Chemistry I + General Chemistry II, for Biology Students; or General Chemistry I + General Chemistry II), and Modern Physics. Students must also fulfill all English requirements and take bibliographic instruction in the Library. Prior to registration, students must meet with the course coordinator for authorization to take the course.

Recommended: Organic Chemistry and Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Structure or Quantum Theory I

Objective: To acquaint students with important aspects of molecular spectroscopy – mainly those aspects which are not expanded upon in other Chemistry and Physics courses. The course is intended for students who have accumulated credits in Chemistry and Physics.

Each student writes a seminar paper based on up-to-date scientific articles. The topic of the seminar paper is chosen by the student with the approval of the course coordinator.

Sample topics: Determining the molecular geometry of a molecule such as CH₃Cl from rotational spectra; Study of equilibrium by examining spectral intensity – separating the contribution of various lines by Lorentzian fit; Ortho and para molecules – demonstration using ethylene spectrum and isotopic marked ethylene.

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1or General Chemistry (20477 or 20487), which is no longer offered.