CHIM9285-1 : Chemical Kinetics, Introduction to Spectrology and Group Theory

Study Programmes 2016-2017

CHIM9285-1

Chemical Kinetics, Introduction to Spectrology and Group Theory

Duration :

35h Th, 20h QA Sess.

Number of credits :

Bachelor in chemistry		6
Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		6
Master in chemistry (60 ECTS)		6

Lecturer :

Bernard Leyh

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents :

Introduction to spectroscopy and group theory
This introductory course focusses on two spectroscopic techniques which find extensive applications in inorganic, organic and analytical chemistry. The following topics will be taught:

Brief reminder of basic concepts of quantum mechanics, taught in course CHIM0704-1 (co-requisite), in particular the quantum theory of angular momenntum
One-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1D-NMR)
Infrared vibrational spectroscopy: basic concepts and application to diatomic molecules
Infrared vibrational spectroscopy of polyatomic molecules
Introduction to group theory and application to the analysis of vibrational normal modes of polyatomic molecules

Chemical kinetics

Phenomenological rate laws
Experimental techniques
Complex multi-step reactions
Heterogeneous catalysis

Learning outcomes of the learning unit :

At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able

to explain the basic physical principles which govern spectroscopic experiments (nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy);
to infer, in cases of moderate difficulty, as much information as possible from experimental spectroscopic data;
to explain the main concepts of group theory and to apply it to determine which vibrational normal modes are active in infrared spectroscopy;
to explain and to apply the basic tools of physical chemistry to account for the dynamical processes leading to equilibrium.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

Prerequisites:

MATH0009-5 - Mathématiques générales
PHYS0188-3 - Physique
CHIM0199-5 - Chimie

Co-requisite:

MATH0232-2 - Compléments de mathématiques générales
PHYS0099-1 - Compléments de physique générale
CRIS0203-1 - Eléments de cristallographie
CHIM0703-1 - Thermodynamique et électrochimie
CHIM0704-1 - Chimie théorique

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

There is no laboratory work foreseen for this course. Problem-solving classes are organized. Problems of both theoretical and numerical nature will be solved.

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

Two- and three-hour lectures during the second quadrimester focussed on the theory. Several problem-solving classes (alltogether 20 hours).