Expect this course outline to evolve during the semester. Feel free to comment on those topics listed that are of particular interest. If a topic of interest does not appear on the outline, feel free to suggest it.
9 and 11 September
Particle-in-a-box (energies and wave functions)
Particle-in-a-box (spectroscopy and applications)
21 September
Multielectron atom (electron configurations)
Multielectron atom (periodic properties and the Periodic Table)
28 September
Exam #1
30 September
5 October
7 and 9 October
21 October
Exam #2
6, 9 and 11 November
18 November
Exam #3
20 November
23 November
9 December
17 December
Final Exam
Covalent bonds and Lewis structures
Bond lengths, strengths and polarity
Quantum Mechanics of atoms and molecules [Chapter 4: Molecular Shape and Structure]
2 October
More Lewis structures, molecular shape and VSEPR
Valence bond theory
Molecular orbital theory (diatomic molecules)
Molecular orbital theory (polyatomic molecules)
Quantum Mechanics of atoms and molecules [Chapter 4: Molecular Shape and Structure]
9 October
IR and UV-vis spectroscopy and beyond
Building quantitative MACROSCOPIC models of gases [Chapter 5: The Properties of Gases]
13 October
Ideal gas law (equation of state and Absolute Zero of temperature)
Building quantitative MICROSCOPIC models of gases and liquids [Chapter 5: The Properties of Gases]
14, 16 and 19 October
Kinetic theory (mean speed, mean free path and collision frequency)
Diffusion and effusion
Building quantitative MICROSCOPIC models of gases and liquids [Chapter 5: The Properties of Gases]
23 October
Keepin' it real (gases)
Character of interacting atoms and molecules (molecular psychology) [Chapter 6: Liquids and Solids]
26 and 28 October
Intermolecular forces
Chemical reactions and ``phases'' of matter (molecular sociology) [Chapter 6: Liquids and Solids]
28 October
Phases of matter and intermolecular forces
Hydrogen bonding and life on Earth
Exploring the Laws of Thermodynamics [Chapter 8: Thermodynamics - The First Law]
30 October, 2 and 4 November
Energy, heat and work
Enthalpy and calorimetry
Enthalpy and physical changes
Heats of reaction, enthalpies of formation, thermodynamic cycles, and Hess's Law
Exploring the Laws of Thermodynamics [Chapter 9: Thermodynamics - The Second and Third Laws]
13 and 16 November
Entropy and physical changes
Entropy changes for ideal gas processes, heating and cooling, and phase changes
Microscopic theory of entropy
Standard entropies and entropies of reaction
Entropy changes in the surroundings and overall
Exploring the Laws of Thermodynamics [Chapter 9: Thermodynamics - The Second and Third Laws]
30 November
Free energy
Thermodynamics and life on Earth ... and other Big Ideas
Properties of solutions and intermolecular interactions [Chapter 10: Physical Equilibria]
2, 4 and 7 December
Vapor pressure and intermolecular forces
Phase transitions and phase diagrams
Solubility and thermodynamics of solutions
Chromatography
Review of the semester