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SYLLABUS for Phys. Chem. II (33200):
“INTRODUCTION INTO THE QUANTUM WORLD.”
Department of Chemistry, CCNY
Spring Term, 2015
Course:
Chemistry 33200 (Physical Chem. II);
Chemistry 33201 (Physical Chem. II-Workshop)
Hours:
Lecture Monday & Wednesday: 9:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M.;
NAC 6/114
Workshop: Wednesday: 11:00 A.M. – 11:50 A.M.
MR 1026
Instructor:
Prof. Dr. Eisele,
Eisele@eiselegroup.com
Office hours: Mondays, 12-1pm
Office: CDI 4 370;
Prerequisite:
Chemistry 33000 (Math 39100 highly recommended).
Description of the Course:
Spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and statistical thermodynamics. Students who feel that they would benefit from
workshops should also take CHEM 33201. Prereq: CHEM 33000. MATH 39100 is highly recommended. 3 hr./wk.; 3
cr.
Classical mechanics has established the physical laws that describe and predict the motions for microscopic
objects and collections of particles. However, in the early years of the 20th century, scientists couldn’t explain
a series of phenomena without abandoning the very foundations of classical mechanics. The explanations
of these experiments all required a radically new concept. This eventually led to the discovery of quantum
mechanics and its mathematical rationalization. A large part of physics and the whole of chemistry, which
used to appear so distinct, now become unified within the framework of quantum mechanics. The new
quantum theory offers the possibility to explain and predict, at least in principle, all chemical phenomena
using basic physical laws governing the world at the atomic and molecular scales.
The major goals of CHEM 33200 are:
1.
2.
To introduce you to the sometimes counterintuitive ideas o f quantum mechanics
To give you a basic understanding of their implications for explaining chemical and physical
phenomena, in particular molecular structure and spectroscopy.
SYLLABUS for Phys. Chem. II (332), Spring 2016
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Welcome to this enjoyable adventure of the weirdness of the quantum world!
Text book:
D. McQuarrie and J. Simon, Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach, University Science Books (Nickname:
‘The Red Book’).
In this course, we will discuss the essential aspects of basic quantum mechanics for which selective chapters
and sections will be used from this book. In order for you to appreciate the lectures, I recommended you read
the corresponding required sections of the text before coming to class. You are encouraged to read the rest
of the first half of this wonderful text book if you like, but please note they are NOT required and will NOT
be part of the homework/tests/exam. The lectures will generally follow the flow of the text, but classroom
discussion and presentation will give special additional focus and emphasis as needed. As the lecture time
is too brief, we will NOT be able to discuss relevant mathematics from the book (lettered Math-chapters A, B,
etc.). However, you are required to read and to make yourself familiar with that material
Tests, Homework, and Final Exam:
Exams: There will be two Midterm Tests, each one hour long and held in class. A review session will be
held in class the session prior to each exam. There will be no makeup exams.
Final Exam. There will be a final exam. A review session will be held in class prior to the final exam. The final exam
will be in May, 2015 and the time and place will be announced in class in order to avoid timing conflicts
with your other courses.
Please note that City College of New York and City University of New York Policy on Academic Honesty
is incorporated by reference at this point.
Homework: Problem solving and exercises are the most effective way to learn the course material and to
prepare for your tests and final exam. In general, the homework problems will range from very basic to very
challenging but will be assigned in keeping with the level of materials for Chem 33200.
For your homework, you will be required to form teams of up to three (3) students max. Each team will work
on the homework problems together, so that you can better discuss and understand the concepts, learn from
each other, and solve the complex problems. Each group will hand in only one homework. However, please
be sure to write out your own solution in your own words; copying will be spotted and penalties applied.
Before you meet with your homework-team, spend some time to think about and work on the problem
yourself, so that you can properly participate and not come to your homework-team meeting with
“empty hands”. Each homework team will hand out one solution. Homework teams will NOT be able to
change during the semester, as this would make it very difficult to assign credits to each homework
team member in a fair way.
There will be one homework assignment each week, starting with the first lecture. Homework is due to be
handed in at the start of the lecture the following week, unless stated otherwise. The solution to the problem
will be discussed in the workshop at this week. Participation in the workshop is NOT mandatory but is
SYLLABUS for Phys. Chem. II (332), Spring 2016
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highly recommended, as the tests and exams will be based not only on the lectures but also on the workshop
and the homework.
Grading:




The two midterms are each worth 15%, for a total of 30% of your grade.
The final exam is worth 40%.
Your homework is worth 30%; you receive half of the homework points automatically if you hand it
in on time (means BEFORE the lecture starts).
In workshop, your homework-team has the chance explaining and solving the previous week’s
homework in front of the rest of the class. This is a wonderful opportunity not only to earn those
points, but to learn and to efficiently prepare for success in your tests/exam.
Lecture Topics:
 Introduction to Quantum Theory (Chapter 1)
 Classical Wave Equation (Chapter 2)
 Schroedinger Equation and Particle in a Box (Chapter 3)
 Postulates and General Principles of Quantum Mechanics (Chapter 4)
 The Harmonic Oscillator and the Rigid Rotator: Two Spectroscopic Models (Chapter 5)
 The Hydrogen Atom (Chapter 6)
 Approximation Methods (Chapter 7)
 Multielectron Atoms (Chapter 8)
 The Chemical Bond in Diatomic Molecules (Chapter 9)
 Bonding in Polyatomic Molecules (Chapter 10)
 Molecular Spectroscopy (Chapter 13)
Note: the text reading may be updated during the course but the list above is a good guide. Start reading!
Discussing! Drawing! Talking! Learn active – not passive … LEARN SMARTER NOT HARDER!
SYLLABUS for Phys. Chem. II (332), Spring 2016
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General Notes:
After completing this course, you should be able to:
1.
Understand what the wavefunction means and how to interpret it.
2.
Understand the concept of quantization and how it emerges as a natural
consequence of solving the Schrödinger equation and applying boundary conditions.
3.
Describe the internal states of atoms in terms of quantum numbers.
4.
Understand the concepts of orbitals and how they apply to both atoms and
molecules.
5.
Become familiar with the concepts of rotational and vibrational spectra in
terms of their origins from solution of the quantum mechanical wave equation, and
also be able to apply selection rules, which specify allowed transitions between
quantum mechanical states.
6.
Use quantum mechanical energies as energy states in statistical
thermodynamic expressions dealing with the distribution of particles over available
energy states.
7.
Utilize quantum mechanical energies to define partition functions, which in
turn can be used to calculate thermodynamic state functions, such as entropy,
enthalpy, etc.
Dept outcome
letters
a,d,e
a
a,d
a,d
a,d
a,d
Relationship of course to program outcomes:
The outcome of this course contribute to the following departmental educational outcomes:
Course Objective
Numbers
a.
Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry,
1-7
including atomic and molecular structure, quantum chemistry, chemical bonding,
stoichiometry, kinetics and mechanisms, equilibria, thermochemistry and
thermodynamics, molecular structure and function, electrochemistry, and the
periodic chemical properties of the elements.
b.
Apply the fundamental principles of chemistry to life sciences, the
environment, materials, engineering, and emerging technological fields of chemistry,
as well as to everyday situations.
c.
Conduct experiments and learn fundamental laboratory skills.
5-7
d.
Analyze and interpret data.
5-7
e.
Apply mathematical concepts to chemical problems.
5-7
f.
Work as part of a problem-solving team.
g.
Convey facts, theories and results about chemistry in written form.
h.
Use oral presentation to convey facts, theories and results about chemistry.
i.
Access and utilize chemical information technology.
6,7
j.
Design and execute scientific research.
k.
Apply ethical responsibilities and professional conduct.

Attendance (general CCNY policy):
Students are expected to attend every class session of each course in which they are enrolled and to be on
time. An instructor has the right to drop a student from a course for excessive absence. Students are
advised to determine the instructor’s policy at the first class session. They should note that an instructor
may treat lateness as equivalent to absence. (No distinction is made between excused and unexcused
absences.) Each instructor retains the right to establish his or her own policy, but students should be
guided by the following general College policy: In courses designated as clinical, performance, laboratory or
SYLLABUS for Phys. Chem. II (332), Spring 2016
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field work courses, the limit on absences is established by the individual instructor (see above). For all other
courses, the number of hours absent may not exceed twice the number of contact hours the course meets
per week. When a student is dropped for excessive absence, the Registrar will enter the grade of WU.

Note: There will be no make-up semester exams.

Statement on Academic Integrity:
The CCNY policy on academic integrity will be followed in this course. The document can be found through
the CCNY website by clicking on Current Students  Academic Services  Academic Integrity. All students
must read the details regarding plagiarism and cheating in order to be familiar with the rules of the college.
Cases where academic integrity is compromised will be prosecuted according to these rules.
Courtesy:
Noise and excessive chatter, eating, drinking, or use of unauthorized electronic equipment is not allowed in
the classroom.


Disability:
In compliance with CCNY policy and equal access laws, appropriate academic accommodations are offered
for students with disabilities. Students must first register with The AccessAbility Center for reasonable
academic accommodations. The AccessAbility Center is located in the North Academic Center, Rm.
1/218. Tel: (212) 650-5913. Under The Americans with Disability Act, an individual with a disability is a
person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. If
you have any such issues, I encourage you to visit the AccessAbility Center to determine which services may
be appropriate for you.

Academic Appeals:
The faculty of each of the schools defines the degree requirements, academic standards, and rules, and in
general has jurisdiction over all of the courses offered by that school. Each of the schools has a Committee
on Course and Standing charged with overseeing enforcement of these matters and dealing with special
cases and appeals. Students have the right to appeal to the appropriate Committee on Course and Standing
any decision made by individual faculty members or administrators about these academic matters.
Students must consult with their academic advisor for the appropriate appeals procedure. The Committees
on Course and Standing are the final authority on enforcement of curriculum, degree requirements,
academic standards, grades and academic rules. It should be noted that most academic rules are enforced
without exception.

Grievances:
Students with grievances concerning classroom matters other than grades should first attempt to resolve
the grievance at the department level through discussion with the faculty member(s) or department chair.
If the matter is not resolved, the student or department may refer the problem to the appropriate
academic dean, the Ombudsman, or the Vice President for Student Affairs, who shall, if necessary, refer it
to the Office of the Provost for further consideration and possible action.

Make-up examination for INC grades:
INC may be assigned to students who have a passing grade (average on all the exams) in the course but
who are unable to take the final examination due to conflict with another scheduled examination, death of
spouse, injury sustained in a catastrophic incident, etc. (proof is also required). An Incomplete Grade
Agreement form must be signed by the Instructor before the student is allowed to take the makeup exam.
SYLLABUS for Phys. Chem. II (332), Spring 2016
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Payment of a fee at the Bursar's office is required in order to take the makeup examination. Makeup exam
for INC grades in Chemistry courses will be completed no later than two weeks after the end of classes.

Wellness:
If you find yourself suffering during this or any other semester from anxiety, stress, or issues related to
mental health, this is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is recommended you seek help. The Wellness and
Counseling Center (WCC) at City College provides counseling and psychological services to all registered
CCNY students. There is no charge for these services, and sessions are confidential.
http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/current/student/services/wellness/index.cfm
SYLLABUS for Phys. Chem. II (332), Spring 2016