CH3712 Quantum Theory of Atoms, Molecules and Solids

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

10

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr G Haehner

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr F D Morrison, Dr G Haehner

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module builds on 'Quantum Theory of Atoms, Molecules and Solids. Part I' given in CH2701. It provides an introduction to further, basic concepts of quantum mechanics that are an essential part of the description of the electronic structures of atoms, molecules and solids. While the module is mathematically based, the emphasis throughout is on the physical and chemical implications of the mathematical results and how this provides a coherent, quantitative framework for understanding the beauty and complexities of the electronic structure of atoms, molecules and solids.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS CH2701 AND PASS AT LEAST 1 MODULE FROM {CH2501, CH2601, CH2603}

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 - 3 lectures per week over (Weeks 1 - 11) and 2 - 3 tutorials in total.

Scheduled learning hours

17

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

83

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand Valence Band (VB) and Molecular Orbital (MO) theory and their application to molecules.
  • Appreciate the quantum mechanical treatment of molecular rotation and vibration, and the interaction of atoms and molecules with electromagnetic radiation and the origin of selection rules.
  • Be familiar with the structures of several complex solids, including perovskites and spinels
  • Understand the origin of non-stoichiometry in solids and its consequences upon properties and how the electronic structure of transition metal solids may be described by extending the principles by which electronic structure of transition metal coordination complexes are described
  • Appreciate that in the solid state d-electrons can be localised or delocalised and know the forces at work in determining which of these states is adopted.