Advanced Computational Chemistry

6 EC

Semester 2, period 6

5254ADCC6Y

Owner Master Chemistry (joint degree)
Coordinator prof. dr. F.M. Bickelhaupt
Part of Master Chemistry (joint degree), track Molecular Sciences,
Links Visible Learning Trajectories

Course manual 2024/2025

Course content

Theoretical Chemistry has become an integral part of modern chemistry. Numerous properties can be computed with chemical accuracy, thus, enabling one to study or predict quantities that are hardly or not al accessible through experimental techniques. But with this, the potential of theoretical chemistry is still not exhausted. In order to design syntheses, catalysts or pharmacologically active molecules in a more rational fashion (i.e., instead of using a trial-and-error approach), it is of crucial importance to combine accuracy with solid and profound insight into the underlying mechanisms in the electronic structure. This holds true also if such investigations are done in the form of computational chemistry. Such insight can be obtained through detailed analyses of the computed wavefunction and bond energy. The purpose of this course is to acquire the skills that one needs for a minute understanding of the nature of a chemical phenomenon. Here, the molecular orbital (MO) model contained in the so-called Kohn-Sham density functional theory plays a pivotal role.

Study materials

Literature

  • State-of-the-art research papers and review papers

Practical training material

  • Tutorials for research software

Software

  • Research software ADF

Objectives

  • Understanding and predicting molecular structure and in particular chemical reactivity.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Presentation/symposium
  • Self-study

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Self study

168

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

This programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (TER part B).

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

WeeknummerOnderwerpenStudiestof
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Contact information

Coordinator

  • prof. dr. F.M. Bickelhaupt