KEMS412 Symmetry and Group Theory in Chemistry (2 cr)

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Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Chemistry
Curriculum periods:
2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-2028

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Applying symmetry to structure of molecules, electronic structure and optical spectroscopy.

Description

Molecular symmetry, point groups, reducible and irreducible representations, projection operator, applications of group theory to vibrational spectroscopy, molecular orbital theory and electronic spectroscopy.

Learning outcomes

Student knows how to use symmetry operations and how to classify molecules into point groups. Student can apply group theory to vibrational spectroscopy and can determine the symmetry selection rules for infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Student understands how group theory is used in description of chemical bond and electronic spectroscopy.


Working life skills
Problem solving, interaction and presentation skills are evolving.

Additional information

Course is lectured in academic years 2024-2025 and 2026-2027. Course can be completed by a book exam in 2025-2026 and 2027-2028.

Description of prerequisites

Basic knowledge in chemistry. Basic knowledge in linear algebra is desirable but not obligatory.

Compulsory prerequisites

Recommended prerequisites

Study materials

  • K. C. Molloy, Group theory for chemists, Woodhead publishing. (ISBN: 978-0-85709-240-3)

Completion methods

Method 1

Evaluation criteria:
Passing with minimum grade (1/5) requires at least 50 % of the maximum points.
Time of teaching:
Period 2
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Evaluation criteria:
Passing with minimum grade (1/5) requires at least 50 % of the maximum points.
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Participation in teaching (2 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:

Lectures, exercises, exam. Teaching language is English if needed.

Teaching

x

Exam (2 cr)

Type:
Exam
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:

If you want to take exam in English, please contact the teacher.

Teaching