Physical Chemistry as Dartmouth College consists of five different courses, grouped in two separate sequences. The three-term (winter, spring, following fall term) sequence, Chemistry 71, 72, and 73, provides a rigorous and comprehensive introduction to physical chemistry for the Plan A Chemistry major or to other students seeking a broader grounding in physical chemistry. The two-term (spring, following fall term) sequence, Chemistry 61 and 62, provides an introduction to those topics in physical chemistry that appear most often in other branches of chemistry. These courses lead naturally into advanced courses in biophysical chemistry, such as Chemistry 67 and related graduate courses, but they also stand alone, providing a foundation in physical chemistry for students in all areas of the science. The descriptions of these five physical chemistry courses are given below. Students should consult the ORC for information on graduate level courses in chemistry.
Chem 61. Basic 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. Kinetic theory of gases at equilibrium. Laboratories cover physical chemistry techniques drawn from these areas. Students will normally elect either the Chemistry 61-62 sequence or the Chemistry 71-72 sequence. Chemistry 61 may not be selected in conjunction with either Chemistry 71 or Chemistry 72.
Prerequisite: 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 62. Basic Physical Chemistry II
Topics in chemical reaction kinetics and the application of quantum mechanics to chemical bonding and spectroscopy. Laboratories cover physical chemistry techniques drawn from these areas. Students will normally elect either the Chemistry 61-62 sequence or the Chemistry 71-72 sequence. Chemistry 62 may not be selected in conjunction with either Chemistry 71 or Chemistry 72.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 61 and Chemistry 64, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
Chem 71. Macroscopic Physical Chemistry
An examination of the fundamental laws of classical thermodynamics is followed by applications to the properties of gases, liquids, and solids, as well as to solutions, phase and chemical equilibria, surface phenomena and electrochemistry. The accompanying laboratory work in this course and that in Chemistry 72 and 73 is largely instrumental.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 6 (or 10) and Physics 13 (or 15, or Physics 3 and 4) and Mathematics 13, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
Chem 72. Microscopic Physical Chemistry I
An 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.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 64 and Chemistry 71, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
Chem 73. Microscopic Physical Chemistry II
Chemical kinetics: experimental and theoretical aspects of the study of the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions. Photophysical and photochemical kinetics. Kinetic theory of gases. Transport phenomena. Introduction to statistical mechanics and chemical reaction dynamics.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 72, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
