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Courses

 

CHEM 3370, formerly 002.337 - Symmetry, Spectroscopy and Structure (3)L

Applications of symmetry in chemistry; molecular spectroscopy; structure of solids. Prerequisite: 02.228 or the former 02.230.

Topics include: Group theory, crystal and ligand field theories, rotational, vibrational (IR, Near IR, Raman) and electronic (atomic and molecular, both excitation and relaxation, as well as photoelectron) spectroscopies. In this course, we examine the relationships between molecular structure and the various means we have for probing and exploiting properties of matter to learn more about individual molecules and systems. The theoretical models used to describe energy states and the transitions between them will be studied more formally and in much greater depth than in 02.228. Where symmetry exists, certain well-defined relationships must also exist. Students learn the basics of group theory and how to apply it in many situations, including the determination of symmetry adapted orbitals and the rules that necessarily apply in each of the atomic and molecular spectroscopies. However, it is equally important to recognize that most molecules lack any degree of symmetry. Both labs and lectures will address this reality. Current applications of spectroscopy to real-world problems will be made an integral part of the course.

 

CHEM 7520 - Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: Applications in Biological Sciences

Advanced course on the Fourier transform and related concepts in infrared and Raman spectroscopic techniques. Students will learn mathematical principles on which modern instruments are based. Theory includes Maclaurin and Taylor series; Euler eiq, sin, cos relationships; the five theorems: linearity, time shift, frequency shift, differentiation, convolution. Students will use Mathcad to explore wave summation, beat frequencies, amplitude, phase shift. We will discuss the FT of simple functions: delta, boxcar, Gaussian, exponential decay, Lorentzian and see how they are incorporated into instrumentation, with particular attention to apodization functions, linewidths, spatial and spectral resolution. Other topics include: Interferometers: finite resolution: mirror motion, velocity, sampling frequency, instrument line shape. Standard advantages and S/N: Fellgett, Jacquinot, noise, detectors, sources. Instrument parameters: H2O vapor, spectral resolution, apodization functions, zero filling. Options, appropriate and inappropriate usage of spectral processing: 1st and 2nd derivatives, FSD, band fit; comparison with NMR. Spectromicroscopy: spatial resolution, bench, synchrotron, FPA. There is a laboratory component to this course in which students gain hands-on experience with the equipment. Every effort will be made to incorporate material relevant to individual student research interests. Activities include participation in lectures, solo and group assignments, required reading from texts and current literature, in-class presentations of experimental results and a final exam.

 

 

 

Last Update: January 2008 by Lsan Tzadu