Chemistry

Electrons in Atoms and Molecules

Module code: F1003
Level 4
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Workshop
Assessment modes: Unseen examination, Coursework

The behaviour and properties of electrons are at the heart of chemical structure and chemical change.

This module introduces you to a comprehensive description of electrons in atoms and molecules, across the traditional subdivisions of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry.

You will work exclusively with quantum mechanical descriptions, applying the symmetry properties of atoms an molecules to simplify the description. You’ll develop a deep understanding of the quantum behaviour of atoms and molecules. You’ll also look at descriptions applicable to large systems, such as hybridisation for organic molecules.

Module learning outcomes

• Use and describe some of the simple quantum mechanical models and apply them to more sophisticated systems to predict and interpret seen and unseen data both quantitatively and qualitatively
• Describe the quantum mechanical description of the structure of the atom and use it to interpret and predict quantitative and qualitative data from atomic and molecular systems in their ground and excited states.
• Interpret seen or unseen data from atomic and molecular systems using a variety of models appropriate to the system.
• Predict electronic structure and properties of atomic and molecular systems.
• Describe molecular systems using different and complementary conceptual frameworks leading to quantitive and qualitative predictions.
• Apply symmetry and group theory to atomic and molecular problems in order to develop symmetrically correct descriptions of molecular structure.