Course Description
Study of the concepts basic to chemical kinetics, equilibrium, energetics, spectroscopy, solution phenomena, electrochemistry, and colloidal behavior with applications to biological systems. Theory of methods and instrumentation also examined. Prerequisite: Two semesters of chemistry beyond general chemistry, MAT 292 or MAT 296, one year of physics; Notes: Students cannot receive credit for both CHE 406 and CHE 461 toward an undergraduate degree.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Explain the quantum mechanical origin of atomic and molecular energy levels (particle-in-a-box, harmonic oscillator, rigid rotor as models for translational, vibrational, and rotational motion) and relate these to observed spectroscopic behavior.
- Interpret atomic structure and electron configuration using quantum numbers and term symbols, connecting this to periodic trends relevant to biomolecular chemistry.
- Apply statistical mechanics concepts (Boltzmann distribution, partition functions) to connect microscopic molecular states to macroscopic thermodynamic properties.
- Use the laws of thermodynamics to predict spontaneity, equilibrium, and energy changes in chemical and biochemical processes.
- Analyze reaction kinetics, including rate laws and temperature dependence (Arrhenius behavior), to describe how reaction rates relate to molecular-level events.
- Connect physical chemistry principles to biological systems (e.g., protein folding, ligand binding, enzyme catalysis) as recurring context throughout the course.
- Interpret and reason with mathematical/graphical representations of physical chemistry data without requiring derivation from first principles — i.e., use equations as tools rather than deriving them.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | 25% |
| Regular exams | 50% |
| Final exam | 25% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 93-100% | A |
| 90-92% | A– |
| 87-89% | B+ |
| 83-86% | B |
| 80-82% | B– |
| 77-79% | C+ |
| 73-76% | C |
| 70-72% | C– |
| 67-69% | D+ |
| 63-66% | D |
| 60-62% | D– |
| <60% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance will not be taken in this course for lectures. Attendance is mandatory for all quizzes and exams. Makes ups can be scheduled with me for reasonable and documentable excuses.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
- Calculator (Scientific or graphing) - No internet connectivity allowed, no other restrictions
- Elements of Physical Chemistry (7th edition) by Atkins and de Paula.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.