Course descriptions

Physical Chemistry as Dartmouth College consists of two central undergraduate courses offered every year augmented by a series of advanced topic courses that are offered in rotation. The two-term (winter and spring term) sequence, Chemistry 75 and 76, provides a rigorous and comprehensive introduction to physical chemistry. Both courses include a laboratory component. These courses lead naturally the advanced courses mentioned above as well as to fundamental courses in biophysical chemistry, such as Chemistry 67 and 68 and related graduate courses. The descriptions of these two physical chemistry courses are given below. Students should consult the Registrar's online listing for information on other courses in chemistry.

(Note: The 2009–2010 academic year will be a transition year between our previous course offerings and these. The previous Chemistry 62 and Chemistry 73 courses will be offered for a final time in the fall, 2009, term to those students who had been enrolled in the earlier course sequences in the previous academic year.)

Chem 75. Physical Chemistry I
An examination of the laws of classical thermodynamics, followed by applications to the properties of gases, liquids, and solids, as well as to solutions, phase, and chemical equilibria. Chemical reaction thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of gases at equilibrium. An introduction to statistical thermodynamics, phenomenological transport and electrochemical reactions are discussed. Laboratories cover physical chemistry techniques drawn from these areas.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 6 (or 10) and Physics 13 (or 15, or Physics 3 and 4) and Mathematics 8, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.

Chem 76. Physical Chemistry II
Topics in chemical reaction kinetics and the application of quantum mechanics to chemical bonding and spectroscopy. The examination of the fundamental ideas of quantum mechanics and their application to simple model systems such as the linear harmonic oscillator and a confined particle, and to atomic and molecular structure. Application of quantum theory to electronic, vibrational, rotational, and magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Laboratories cover physical chemistry techniques drawn from these areas.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 75 and Chemistry 64, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.