COURSE DESCRIPTION: The first quarter of the course will cover the subject of chemical kinetics, which provides a quantitative framework for examining the rates of chemical reactions. Students will learn about the connection between the detailed reaction mechanism and the experimentally observed rate law. We will also introduce the concept of an energy surface to understand how reaction rates are controlled by the energies of the reactants, as well as their concentrations. The bulk of the course will be devoted to a discussion of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics (QM) and its application in modern chemical science. QM is the theory that underlies our current conceptions of atomic and molecular electronic structure, bonding, spectroscopy, periodic trends, and chemical reaction dynamics. Simple QM models are useful for the insight they offer and more rigorous applications, often involving powerful computers, have a predictive capability that can illuminate even complex systems. The theories and applications of kinetics and QM are quantitative in nature and will require familiarity with mathematical methods. In many instances, computers with software for data plotting and analysis, symbolic and numerical mathematics, and molecular modeling, will be employed to facilitate an understanding of the concepts.

LECTURE: M,W,F 8:30-9:20 AM in C31 PC (Pomerantz Center); attendance is expected.

DISCUSSION SECTIONS: M 1:30-2:20 PM in C139 PC and T 3:30-4:20 in C139 PC; these are an important component of the course.

TEXT AND MATERIALS:

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY, 8^th edition, by Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula (required).

Student solution Manual (highly recommended).

A calculus textbook (such as, "Calculus and Analytic Geometry", by George Thomas, Addison-Wesley, 4th ed., 1968) (highly recommended).

WEB PAGE: The Physical Chemistry II web page can be found at http://www.uiowa.edu/~c004132a/

CHEMISTRY LIBRARY RESERVE: The above textbooks will be on reserve in the Chemistry Library, which is now located on the second floor of the Main Library.

GRADING: The final course grade will be based on the following components:

While the distribution of grades will generally be similar to that of previous semesters, variations between classes are common. Plus/minus grades will be assigned within each range.

EXAMINATIONS: There will be 4 exams and a comprehensive final. The times and dates are listed below. Make-up and early examinations must be arranged with the instructor and are only available in the event of a University recognized excuse (e.g. a documented medical emergency)

If you feel that an error was made in the grading of an exam, you may request a re-grade by notifying the instructor within one week of receiving the graded material. The request should be in writing and indicate the section of the exam that is in question. Please note that the entire examination may be subject to a re-grade.

HOMEWORK:  There will be 4 graded problem sets. A problem set will be due by 5:00 PM on the Friday before each exam. The problem sets should represent the students own work. (Please see the section in the Student Academic Handbook on Rights and Responsibilities for University policy on academic misconduct). Late assignments and assignments submitted by email will not be accepted. All plots should be prepared and printed with appropriate computer software. The homework assignments must be securely fastened with a staple. The problem sets are subject to the same re-grade policy as for examinations, as described above. Students are encouraged to work together on the recommended problems (vide infra).

POLICIES, COMPLAINTS, PROPER CONDUCT, AND MODIFICATIONS: This course is given by the College of Liberal Arts. This means that class policies on matters such as requirements, grading, and sanctions for academic dishonesty are governed by the College of Liberal Arts. Students wishing to add or drop this course after the official deadline must receive the approval from the office of the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

Students with special needs or disabilities that may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements, should see she instructor so that appropriate arrangements may be made. (Please see the Student Disability Services web site for more information.)

Please inform the instructor and/or teaching assistant if you have any complaints about the course. If you feel that your complaints have not been resolved, follow the procedure described in the Rights and Responsibilities section of the Student Academic Handbook.

Exams and homework handed in for a grade should represent the individual student's work and should not be copied or plagiarized.  If necessary, review the College of Liberal Arts policy on plagiarism and cheating.

Correspondence concerning the course may be sent to students by electronic mail using the official University e-mail address (firstname-lastname@uiowa.edu) as listed on the class roster. Each student is considered to be on notice for information contained in messages sent to their official e-mail address. (Please see the policy at the Division of Student Services.)

SCHEDULE: Please read each chapter before it is covered in lecture. The course will be taught in 4 units, with the chapter order given in the tables below.

RECOMMENDED PROBLEMS: While the following problems will not be graded, working through them is strongly suggested for success in the course. A portion of the exam may consist of questions very similar to the recommended and homework problems.

Unit 1 - Chemical Kinetics

Unit 2 - Basics of Quantum Mechanics

Unit 3 - Atomic and Molecular Structure and Molecular Symmetry

Unit 4 - Spectroscopy