COURSE PLAN FOR CHEM3040, PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (II)
Chemistry Department, Xavier University of Louisiana
Fall Semester, 2012
Credit Hours: 3 s.h.
Class Hours and Classroom: 9:00-9:50am, 37-160
Instructor:
Dr. Jian Zhang: Office, 37-340; Phone, 520-7372; E-mail, jzhang@xula.edu
Office Hours: MW 10:00am-12:00pm, Thur 9:00am-11:00am or by appointment.
Texts: “Physical Chemistry” 9th Ed., (2010), P.W. Atkins, W.H. Freeman and Company.
Course Description:
Advanced topics in the elements of quantum theory, atomic and molecular structures, and the
theory of spectroscopic methods and their application in structure determination.
Prerequisites: CHEM3210/3210LB, MATH2070-2080, and PHYS2020/2020LB
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to attend all classes and examinations, and are responsible for any
materials covered or announcements made in their absence. For excused absence, the students must
make up the missed exams within one week after they come back. For unexcused absences, the
students will receive a grade of zero. Homework must be an individual effort, and turned in on time.
The late homework will be penalized at a rate of 5 pts/day. Students should check the Blackboard
frequently to see announcements and posted course materials.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete this course will be able to understand 1) some of the principles of
quantum mechanics and their implications of the theory to chemistry, 2) elementary atomic and
molecular electronic structure and 3) how spectroscopy is used to determine the microscopic
properties of atoms and molecules.
Course Evaluation:
5 hour examinations and 7 problem sets will be given. All homework will be collected for
grading. Additional exercises may be assigned for practice. The course needs advanced mathematics
such as differential equations. It is essential to develop problem solving skills to succeed in this
course. Students are welcome to see me for individual discussion anytime I am available.
The final grade consists of hour exams (50%), homework (25%), and final exam (25%). The
lowest grades in both exam and homework will be dropped. The letter grade will be assigned on the
following: A (90-100%), B (80-90%), C (70-80%), D (60-70%), F (<60%).
Academic Misconduct
Cheating, as defined by University policy, will result in an automatic grade of F and possible
disciplinary action by the University for all parties involved. The full text of academic integrity and
academic misconduct policy can be found at http://www.xula.edu/cas.
Evacuation Policy:
In the event that classes are cancelled due to hurricane evacuation, assignments and other
course materials will be posted on the blackboard and e-mailed to all students.
Class Schedule:
Week
1
Monday
8/27
2
9/3
Wednesday
8/29
Introduction
9/6
4
9/10
Hurricane
9/8
Chap 7
Chap 7
9/19
9/24
10/22
11
10/29
13
11/12
15
11/26
Chap 10
11/7
Chap 11
11/9
EXAM 4
11/14
Chap 12
11/16
Chap 12
11/21
Chap 12
11/23
Thanksgiving Holidays
11/28
Chap 12
12/3
Chap 11
11/2
Chap 11
Chap 12
16
Chap 10
10/26
10/31
Chap 12
11/19
10/22
10/24
Chap 11
14
Chap 10
EXAM 3
Chap 11
11/5
10/12
10/20
Chap 10
12
Chap 9
Chap 9
Chap 10
10
10/5
10/10
10/18
EXAM 2
Chap 9
Chap 9
9
9/28
10/3
10/8
Chap 8
Chap 8
Chap 9
8
9/21
9/26
10/1
Chap 8
Chap 8
Chap 8
7
Chap 7
9/14
EXAM 1
Chap 8
6
Chap 7
9/10
9/12
9/17
Hurricane
9/7
Chap 7
Chap 7
5
8/31
9/5
Labor Day
3
Friday
Thanksgiving Holidays
11/30
Chap 13
12/5
Chap 13
Final Exam:
10:30 am, Tuesday 12/11/2012,
EXAM 5
12/7
Chap 13
Review