Advanced Molecular Spectroscopy

Course content

This course will describe aspects of both experimental and theoretical advanced molecular spectroscopy. It will include both gas phase, condensed phase and solid phase. The focus will be on used of a broad range of spectroscopies to gain information of the underlying physical chemistry. Rotations, vibrations and electronic transitions in molecules will be discussed. Theory of molecular vibration within the local mode model and experimental techniques used to observe the weak overtone transitions associated with the highly vibrational excited molecules will be explained. Fluorescence and in particular single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy will be discussed to highlight interaction of molecules with its environment. The main aim is that student will be able to critically read literature in the areas covered.

Education

MSc Programme in Chemistry
MSc Programme in Chemistry with a minor subject

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
Theory of rotational, vibrational and electronic transitions.
The different experimental techniques used in gas, liquid and solid phase spectroscopy. Some typical acronym: IR, Raman, CRDS, PAS, FRET, will be understood.
Experience with analyzing experimental IR, Raman and fluorescence measurements.

Skills:
Describe different techniques, instruments and the theory behind them.
Use of basic spectroscopic instruments.

Competency:
Be able to critically read papers in current international physical chemistry journals.
Assess the usefulness of different spectroscopic techniques to solve different research questions.
Apply the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills

A mix of lecturers, tutorials/group discussions, and student presentation of a topic or a specific journal article. Visits to companies that used some of the techniques.

Sections from the following Text books:
Physical Chemistry by P. Atkins and J. de Paula, Ninth Edition, OUP, 2010.
Molecular Spectroscopy by Ira N Levine, Wiley and Sons, 1975.
Quantum Chemistry by Ira N Levine, Prentice Hall, 1991.
Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy 3rd Edition (J.R. Lakowicz)

In addition journal articles (about 30) and lectures notes will be handed out.

Details will apear on absalon.

Basic competencies in mathematics, physical chemistry, quantum chemistry and spectroscopy are necessary

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.

The course is identical to the discontinued course NKEK10004U Advanced Physical Chemistry. Therefore you cannot register for NKEK21001U - Advanced Molecular Spectroscopy, if you have already passed NKEK10004U Advanced Physical Chemistry.
If you are registered with examination attempts in NKEK10004U Advanced Physical Chemistry without having passed the course, you have to use your last examination attempts to pass the exam in NKEK21001U - Advanced Molecular Spectroscopy. You have a total of three examination attempts.

Written
Oral
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
ECTS
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 1 hrs
The student will be given a paper and a question and allowed 30 min preperation time before the oral exam. During the exam the student should present the paper and discuss the question. The paper is one of the papers that have been discussed during the course.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Internal examiners
Criteria for exam assessment

Clearly and concisely present a topical journal article, with emphasis on extracting the key information and discussing this in context of the theory and experiments covered in the course.
Explain the range of experimental techniques discussed in the course and the theoretical principles behind it.

Single subject courses (day)

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 96
  • Preparation
  • 192
  • Theory exercises
  • 80
  • Practical exercises
  • 16
  • Excursions
  • 26
  • Exam
  • 2
  • English
  • 412