NKEK10004U Advanced Physical Chemistry

Volume 2018/2019
Education

MSc Programme in Chemistry

MSc Programme in Chemistry with a minor subject

Content

This course will describe aspects of both experimental and theoretical advanced physical chemical methods. It will include both gas phase, condensed phase and solid phase. The focus will be on used of a broad range of spectroscopies to gain information of the underlying physical chemistry. Rotations, vibrations and electronic transitions in molecules as well as scattering from solids will be discussed.  Theory of molecular vibration within the local mode model and experimental techniques used to observe the weak overtone transitions associated with the highly vibrational excited molecules will be explained. Single molecule fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray scattering will be studied. The main aim is that student will be able to critically read literature in the areas covered.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:
Theory of rotational, vibrational and electronic transitions.
The different experimental techniques used in gas, liquid and solid phase spectroscopy. Some typical acronymn: IR, Raman, CRDS, PAS, SERS, CARS, FRET, XPS, UPS, EXAFS, X-ray scattering will be understood.
Experimental experience with IR, Raman and flouresense measurements.

Skills:
Describe different techniques and the theory behind them.
Use of basic spectroscopic instruments.

Competency:
Be able to critically read papers in current international physical chemistry journals.
Assess the usefulness of different spectroscopic techniques to solve different research questions.
Apply the theroretical knowledge and analytical skills

Literature

Sections from the following Text books:
Physical Chemistry by P. Atkins and J. de Paula, Ninth Edition, OUP, 2010.
Molecular Spectroscopy by Ira N Levine, Wiley and Sons, 1975.
Quantum Chemistry by Ira N Levine, Prentice Hall, 1991.
Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy 3rd Edition (J.R. Lakowicz)
Spectroscopy in Catalysis by J.W. Niemantsverdriet, 2007

In addition journal articles (about 30) and lectures notes will be handed out.

Details will apear on absalon.

Basic competencies in mathematics, physical chemistry, quantum chemistry and spectroscopy are necessary
A mix of lecturers, tutorials/group discussions, and student presentation of a topic or a specific journal article. Visits to companies that used some of the techniques.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 2
  • Excursions
  • 26
  • Lectures
  • 96
  • Practical exercises
  • 16
  • Preparation
  • 192
  • Theory exercises
  • 80
  • Total
  • 412
Written
Oral
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 1 hrs
The student will be given a paper and a question and allowed 30 min preperation time before the oral exam. During the exam the student should present the paper and discuss the question. The paper is one of the papers that have been discussed during the course.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
several internal examiners
Re-exam

Same as ordinary exam

Criteria for exam assesment

Clearly and concisely present a topical journal article, with emphasis on extracting the key information and discussing this in context of the theory and experiments covered in the course.
Explain the range of experimental techniques discussed in the course and the theoretical principles behind it.