Quantum Theory of Molecules and Matter

6 EC

Semester 1, period 1

5254QTMM6Y

Owner Master Chemistry (joint degree)
Coordinator prof. dr. W.J. Buma
Part of Master Chemistry (joint degree), track Molecular Sciences, year 1Master Chemistry (joint degree), track ATOSIM, year 1

Course manual 2018/2019

Course content

  • Rotational motion and the hydrogen atom.
  • Angular momentum: operators, states, and composite systems.
  • Group theory: symmetry, calculus of symmetry, reduced representations, symmetry of functions, full rotation group.
  • Techniques of approximation: time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory.
  • Atomic spectra and atomic structure: hydrogen, helium and many-electron atoms; atoms in external fields.
  • Molecular structure: molecular orbital theory, band theory of solids.

Study materials

Literature

  • W. Atkins and R.S. Friedman, Molecular Quantum Mechanics, 5th ed ISBN 978-0- 19-954142-3

Objectives

  • Synchronize quantum mechanics knowledge and its application to atoms, molecules, solids and spectroscopy.
  • Preparation for advanced courses.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Seminar

Lectures and tutorials.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Lectures

20

Exercises

22

Zelfstudie

126

 

Attendance

The programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

1 (100%)

Tentamen

The final mark of the course is based on the results of the assignments and of the written
exam in the following way:
- If the result of the written exam is less than 5 then this is the final result.
- If the result of the written exam is 5 or more, the final result is based on both the written
exam and the assignments. The weighting factor of the written exam is 2/3 and of the
assignment is 1/3.
- The result of the assignments is the average of the 5 best assignment grades. In total 7
assignments can be made.

During the exam

The book Molecular Quantum Mechanics can be used during the exam. No additional notes are allowed.

Inspection of assessed work

Contact the course coordinator to make an appointment for inspection.

Assignments

Every Wednesday an assignment will be given; every next Monday is the deadline to hand in
a solution. The next Friday this assignment is discussed.

In making assignments, collaboration of 2 people is allowed (not 3 or more). Each person should write and understand his/her own results. Indicate with whom you collaborated if you did. In contrast to common assumptions, deviations from this rule are noticed fairly quickly.

Assignments cannot be handed in after the deadline.

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

Week Subject Literature Assignments
1   Ch. 2, 3, 4 See Assignments section
2   Ch. 2, 3, 4 See Assignments section
3   Ch. 5 See Assignments section
4   Ch. 5 See Assignments section
5   Ch. 6 See Assignments section
6   Ch. 6, 7 See Assignments section
7   Ch. 7, 8 See Assignments section
8   Ch. 8, 9  

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Additional information

Recommended prior knowledge:
Basic Quantum Mechanics knowledge (Ch. 1+2 from Atkins and Friedman).

Course evaluation:
At the end of the course standard evaluation forms will be used to evaluate the course. Ifpossible, please discuss issues already during the course with one of the teachers or thecoordinator

Contact information

Coordinator

  • prof. dr. W.J. Buma

Teachers

  • Wybren Jan Buma
    address: Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam
    room C2.255
    phone: 020 525 6973
    e-mail: w.j.buma@uva.nl
  • Michael Seidl
    address: VU, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam
    room: R1.29
    phone: 020-598 320
    6e-mail: Michael.Seidl@physik.uni-regensburg.de
  • Hong Zhang
    address: Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam
    room C2.253
    phone: 020 525 6976
    e-mail: h.zhang@uva.nl