Duration
35h Th, 20h QA Sess.
Number of credits
| Bachelor in chemistry | 6 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
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
- 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
- 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).
Recommended or required readings
Lecture notes. Extensive use of the blackboard is made during the lectures.
Assessment methods and criteria
Two exercise tests will be organized on kinetics and spectroscopy, respectively. Students who fail at either of these tests have the opportunity to participate in a written examination in May or June.
Written (theoretical and numerical problems) and oral (theory) examinations in May or June (1st session) and August or September (2nd session).
In order to obtain a global grade of at least 8/20, the student will have to reach a grade of at least 8/20 in each part of the oral examination: spectroscopy, group theory and kinetics.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
See official agenda:
https://www.sciences.uliege.be/cms/c_4007918/fr/facsc-horaires
Contacts
Bernard Leyh, Molecular Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Building B6c, Office R77, Lab S48 - Phone : 04/3663425 - E-mail : Bernard.Leyh@uliege.be
Teaching assistant: Vincent Natalis, vincent.natalis@uliege.be, Phone : 04/3663335
Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session
Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning
The part of the theoretical course devoted to spectroscopy and group theory has been taught face-to-face before the confinement, as well as a first lecture on chemical kinetics.
The remaining part of the theoretical course devoted to chemical kinetics has been taught through commented powerpoint presentations (podcasts) according to the course schedule.
For each exercise class during the confinement, the students receive one typical exercise solved in every detail. They are invited to solve additional exercices in virtual groups and to forward their solutions to Vincent Natalis (teaching assistant). The students receive their corrected homeworks by the next class.
A discussion platform has been created on e-campus. One or two Lifesize sessions will be organized to answer students' questions.
One or two formative distance assessment sessions on exercises will be organized.
Assessment subjects
Spectroscopy: chapters 1 to 6 (theory and exercises)
Chemical kinetics: chapters 1 and 2 (theory and exercises)
This includes both the material covered in the lecture notes and the complements presented during the oral lectures (before the confinement) and the commented powerpoint presentations (distance-learning during the confinement), and in the problem-solving classes (both face-to-face and distance learning). Pdf files of the powerpoint presentations are available on MyULiège.
Assessment methods
Open-book written distance-examination on problem solving. The students will receive the problems to be solved through electronic mail. They will have to acknowledge receipt of the questions by return mail. The students will have to send to the teaching assistant and the lecturer a scanned version or good quality photos of their solutions within a period to be defined but not exceeding four hours. The number of questions will be adapted to ensure that time is not a limiting factor.
Open-book oral examination by video-conferencing (maximum 45 minutes per student, with a short period of reflection not exceeding 20% of the overall duration of the examination). The students must be able to explain the differents concepts and reasonings involved in the course. Additional questions will be asked to assess the level of understanding of the students. Each student will receive a Lifesize or Blackboard Collaborate link with his/her personal schedule. The camera of the student will have to be switched on during the examination.
Contacts
Bernard Leyh, Bernard.Leyh@uliege.be
Teaching assistant: Vincent Natalis, vincent.natalis@uliege.be
Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session
Assessment subjects
Spectroscopy: chapters 1 to 6 (theory and exercises)
Chemical kinetics: chapters 1 and 2 (theory and exercises)
This includes both the material covered in the lecture notes and the complements presented during the oral lectures (before the confinement) and the commented powerpoint presentations (distance-learning during the confinement), and in the problem-solving classes (both face-to-face and distance learning). Pdf files of the powerpoint presentations are available on MyULiège.
Assessment methods
Open-book written distance-examination on problem solving. The "TEST" platform of e-campus will be used to communicate the questions. The examination will last 3h30'. The students will have to send a scanned version or good quality photos of their solutions to the teaching assistant and the lecturer within a period not exceeding 30 minutes after the end of the examination. The number of questions will be adapted to ensure that time is not a limiting factor.
Open-book oral examination by video-conferencing (maximum 45 minutes per student, with a short period of reflection not exceeding 20% of the overall duration of the examination). The students must be able to explain the differents concepts and reasonings involved in the course. Additional questions will be asked to assess the level of understanding of the students. The students will receive a Blackboard Collaborate link with their personal schedule. The camera of the student will have to be switched on during the examination. A Lifesize link will also be available in case of a technical problem.
In order to obtain a global grade of at least 8/20, the student will have to reach a grade of at least 8/20 in each part of the oral examination: spectroscopy, group theory and kinetics.
Contacts
Bernard Leyh, Bernard.Leyh@uliege.be
Phone : 04/3663425 (automatically redirected to my cell phone if I am out of office)
Teaching assistant: Vincent Natalis, vincent.natalis@uliege.be