CYL565 Chemical Dynamics and Surface Chemistry

In this course we will attempt to (un)cover some of the following topics: Reaction kinetics and molecular reaction dynamics. Experimental techniques for fast reactions. Femtochemistry. Surface phenomena. Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Physical methods for studying surfaces.

Course outline, calendar, and all that

  • Course Outline
  • Calendar

    Exams, Homeworks, and Quizzes

  • Preliminary Quiz
  • Homework 1 (due on Jan. 22)
  • Homework 2 (due on Jan. 29)
  • Reality Check 1
  • Homework 3 (due on Feb. 05)
  • Reality Check 2
  • Minor 1
  • Minor 2
  • Major

    Reading

  • Iodine excited state fluorescence
  • Fluorescence of proteins
  • Microscopic Reversibility and Detailed Balance
  • Solving Coupled First Order Equations
  • Clues about Mechanism from Rate Law
  • Synthetic Enzyme
  • Chemical Kinetics and the origin of Physical Chemistry (Historical)
  • The Development of the Arrhenius Equation (Historical)
  • The Development of Transition State Theory (Historical)
  • Reaction Cross Sections and Rate Constants
  • Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effects (Bring a copy of this paper for the minor)
  • Femtochemistry (Zewail Nobel Lecture)
  • Laser Femtochemistry Science article (9 pages)
  • Ultrafast reaction dynamics Physics Today (10 pages)
  • Real-Time Laser Femtochemistry Chemical and Engineering News (20 pages)
  • Hydrogen Tunneling in Alcohol Dehydrogenase Nature (4 pages)
  • Hydrogen Tunneling, Protein Dynamics, and Enzyme Catalysis Annu Rev Biochem (35 pages!)

    Miscellaneous

  • Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking
  • How to Solve It
  • Levine's Study Suggestions for Physical Chemistry
  • Levine's Problem Solving Strategies for Physical Chemistry