CHIM9288-1 : Spectroscopy and statistical thermodynamics elements

Study Programmes 2015-2016

CHIM9288-1

Spectroscopy and statistical thermodynamics elements

Duration :

30h Th, 20h QA Sess.

Number of credits :

Bachelor in chemistry		4
Bachelor in chemistry		4
Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		4
Master in chemistry (60 ECTS)		4

Lecturer :

Bernard Leyh

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

The course consists of two parts:
(i) Spectroscopy: the course aims at completing the teaching started in the 2nd bachelor year introductory course. The quantum mechanical concepts taught in the theoretical chemistry course (Prof. F. Remacle) are the foundations for the present lectures. The following topics will be considered:

interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter
principles and applications of lasers
atomic spectroscopy
infrared and Raman vibrational spectroscopy
molecular electronic spectroscopy
principles of two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance techniques

(ii) Introduction to statistical thermodynamics

Basic Assumptions
Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics
Quantum statistics: Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein.

Learning outcomes of the course :

At the end of the course, the students are expected to be able (i) to choose the appropriate spectroscopical method depending on the requested information, (ii) to interpret various atomic and molecular spectra of moderate complexity, and (iii) to use the tools of statistical thermodynamics to calculate state functions and equilibrium constants.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

Knowledge of the basic concepts of mathematics (functions, derivatives, integrals, simple differential equations), physics and general chemistry, taught in the first two years of chemistry studies at ULg, is required.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

Exercice classes are organized in parallel with the theoretical lectures. They aim at favouring a deeper understanding and a better integrated knowledge of the theoretical framework.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

2 hour lectures per week organized during the first semester. Exercise classes are also organized. The students are provided with the schedules for all these activities at the beginning of the academic year. They are also available on the web pages of the Faculty of Sciences: http://www.facsc.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_262917/horaires-bacheliers-annees-preparatoires

Recommended or required readings :

Copies of powerpoint slides will be available. A list of reference textbooks will be given at the beginning of the academic year.

Assessment methods and criteria :

An exercise test will be organized during the 1st semester. Students who failed have the opportunity to make an additional test in January.
An oral examination on the theoretical course takes place in January.
The final grade takes all partial assessments into account.

Work placement(s) :

Organizational remarks :

Contacts :

Bernard.Leyh, Molecular Dynamics Laboratory, Builiding B6c, Office R77, Phone:04/3663425, E-Mail: Bernard.Leyh@ulg.ac.be
Exercise classes: Valérie Schwanen vschwanen@doct.ulg.ac.be

Items online :

CHIM9288-1 Lecture slides: Introductory statistical thermodynamics
Theoretical course and exercises

CHIM9288-1 Lecture notes: atomic and molecular spectroscopy
CHIM9288-1 Powerpoint slides and exercise booklet