610-311 Physical Chemistry IIIB

Credit cannot be gained for this subject and 610-310.

Chemistry 610-210 or 610-211. Concurrent enrolment in 610-315 is strongly recommended.

Upon completion of 610-311, students should understand the basis behind statistical mechanics and intermolecular forces and how these relate to the formation and stability of complex fluids/phases and soft condensed matter; understand the concepts of equilibrium electrochemistry and the principles controlling the rates of electrode processes; be able to quantitatively describe the role of surfaces in a variety of important chemical phenomena and to use models to describe micelle formation from surfactants; understand the range of techniques for the production of atomic and free radical species and the kinetic aspects of abstraction, addition and branched chain reactions; appreciate the principles of molecular spectroscopy, spectral interpretation and laser action; be able to quantitatively characterise excited state properties and understand their significance in processes such as photosynthesis and photodegradation of materials; and understand the solution properties of macromolecules.

The subject covers surface chemistry; electrochemistry; photochemistry; reactions of unstable species; complex fluids and their phase behaviour; and macromolecules.

Written assignments not exceeding 15 pages due during the semester (10%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (90%).