This is an adapted version of Fall 2020’s Chem 120A syllabus with additional inputs from my experience (wrapped by emojis 👉 👈).

Chem 120A Physical Chemistry

“Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy”

Instructors

Professor Birgitta Whaley
email: whaley -at- berkeley -dot- edu

Course grading

Problem sets will be assigned for homework on an approximate weekly schedule. Specific due dates for problem sets and examinations will be given in the Lecture Schedule posted in the files folder. Note that this will be updated regularly, so always check that you have the latest version. There will be one midterm examination in class on Monday, October 12, and a final examination on Thursday December 17. Grades will be based upon scores on homework (25%), midterm (30%), and the final examination (45%). 👉 Problem sets is the best way for you to learn the material. Help from online sources is discouraged and is a hinderance to your learning. Don’t worry if you didn’t get the concepts the first time. Quantum mechanics takes time for everyone to digest. 👈

Webcast

The class will be webcasted.

Prerequisites

Chem 4B or equivalent, Physics 7B or 8B, Mathematics 53, and either Mathematics 54 or Physics 89. Concurrent enrollment in Math 54/Physics 89 will not be allowed. If you have not already taken Math 54 or Physics 89, and cannot show an equivalent course on your transcript, you should enroll in that course and take Chem 120A in a subsequent semester. 👉 The actual only hard prerequisite is linear algebra (Math 54). Having more mathematical maturity also goes a long way in the class. Familiarize yourself with the following: differential equations, partial derivatives, vector spaces, vector algebra, operator algebra, matrix operations, inner products. 👈

Textbooks and Reading Assignments

The textbook for the course is

• W. Atkins & R. S. Friedman, Molecular Quantum Mechanics 5th Edition (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010). 👉 Useful if you are familiarized with the concepts. Recommend for pre test review. 👈 For supplemental reading on formalism and concepts, we recommend

• H. Mcintyre, Quantum Mechanics (Pearson Addison-Wesley, San Francisco, 2012) For mathematical background, we recommend

• A. McQuarrie, Mathematical Methods for Scientists and Engineers (University Science Books, 2003). Available online at Reading assignments from this book are given in the Lecture Schedule. Alternative texts that you may find useful:

• D. A. McQuarrie, Quantum Chemistry (University Science Books; 2nd edition, August 15, 2007).
  👉 Recommend for more chemistry based contexts. 👈

• David J. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (Pearson Prentice Hall, 2nd edition 2004)
  👉 Highly recommend for a solid starting point for many concepts. More mathematically rigorous. 👈

• John Townsend Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics (University Science Books, 2nd edition 2000)
  👉 I’ve not tried it personally, but it is used by the physics department. It begins with developing a intuition for advanced quantum mechanics as opposed to mathematical framework. 👈

• Ira N. Levine, Quantum Chemistry, (Prentice Hall; 7th edition, February 16, 2013). 👉 Most comprehensive book on various spectroscopy concepts. 👈

Copies of these books can be found in the Chemistry and/or Physics libraries. We have requested that they be placed on a 2-hour reserve.