The course provides a higher level description of the fundamentals of chemical spectroscopy and molecular symmetry, structure and bonding. It develops the ideas necessary to understand spectroscopy from a quantum mechanical perspective. It gives an introduction to molecular orbital theory and the use of symmetry in understanding molecular properties, as applied to simple chemical systems. It provides an important link between physical/chemical material taught at the first and third year levels.

Honours Pathway Option (HPO)

Replacement of 6 tutorials with 6 additional lectures at a more advanced level. It is expected that all students in the direct entry Honours degree programs enrolled in CHEM2201 will complete the HPO.

Note: This course is delivered on-campus during Semester 1 and online during Semester 2.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. recognise symmetry operations and their use in determining the point group of a molecule
2. construct qualitative molecular-orbital diagrams for simple diatomic and triatomic molecules
3. understand, predict and interpret rotational, vibrational and electronic spectra of molecules

Assessment will be based on:

• Examination (100%; LO 1, 2, 3)

Proposed Assessment Honours Pathway Option: The standard course will count 90% towards the final grade and the HPO 10%.

In Semester 1 a maximum of 32 hours of lectures/tutorials, otherwise on-line (WATTLE) with tutorials

CHEM1101 and CHEM1201

MATH1003 or MATH1013