CM2133 - FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Academic Year 22/23 - Semester 1
Assessments:​
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Homework and In-class Assignments: 50%
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Quantum Chemistry Test: 12.5%
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Thermodynamic Test: 12.5%
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Final Exam: 25%
Lecturer(s) and Tutor(s): A/P Kang Hway Chuan & Asst Prof Liviu Ungur
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Overview of content covered in module:
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Segment 1 (Quantum Chemistry) : Review of classical physics & how it fails to explain some of the phenomena, equation of motion for a quantum particle, the 5 postulates of quantum mechanics, equation of motion for a free quantum particle & particle in a box, quantum tunnelling, basic properties of operators and their eigenfunctions, rotational hamiltonian, moment of inertia, rigid rotor model, boltzmann distribution, non-rigid rotor, the simple harmonic oscillator, morse potential, anharmonic oscillator, rotational-vibrational coupling, single-electronic atom (H atom), multi-electronic atoms, orbital approximation & Pauli exclusion principle, orbital energy diagram of alkali atoms, slater determinants, electronic terms & multiplets for multi-electronic atoms, spin-orbit coupling and Hund’s rules, EPR, NMR
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Segment 2 (Thermodynamics) : Zeroth Law, first law of thermodynamics, reversible & non-reversible process, Hess’s Law, ideal & real gases, carnot cycle, heat engines, absolute temperature, clausius inequality, entropy (second law of thermodynamics), microstates (third law of thermodynamics), thermodynamic potential (U, H, A, G), Maxwell relations, properties of Gibbs free energies (H), phase equilibrium, chemical equilibrium
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Review 1
Overall Difficulty: Average
Difficulty of Assessment:
Homework and In-class Assignments: Average
Quantum Chemistry Test: Easy
Thermodynamic Test: Average
Final Exam: Average
Pace of Module: Just Nice
Enjoyability: 3/5
Usefulness: 3/5
Workload of Module (Average Number of hours spent per week):
To learn the module: 5 hours
To complete assignments: 5 hours
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How did you find the contents (how it was delivered) and the assessments of the module?
There were demonstrations conducted during lectures to showcase the theories we've learned (eg. Higher pressure water boils at lower temp or smth), helping to deepen understanding and allowing us to appreciate the concepts. Assessment was 50% homework and in class quizzes so learning the chapters can be self-paced. Quantum chemistry would be intimidating at first but will become interesting and easier to grasp further into the lectures. Thermodynamics is more application based and a lot of formula applying and some derivation
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How was your experience with the module?
It was enjoyable thanks to the profs and TA.
Review 2
Overall Difficulty: Difficult
Difficulty of Assessment:
Homework and In-class Assignments: Difficult
Quantum Chemistry Test: Easy
Thermodynamic Test: Average
Final Exam: Average
Pace of Module: Just Nice
Enjoyability: 4/5
Usefulness: 4/5
Workload of Module (Average Number of hours spent per week):
To learn the module: 6 hours
To complete assignments: 5 hours
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How did you find the contents (how it was delivered) and the assessments of the module?
The content was delivered well with demonstrations given for us to understand concepts taught. Assessments were challenging but perfect for helping us to understand what was taught.
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How was your experience with the module?
Lecturers were Prof Ungur and Prof Kang. Very good lecture deliveries and tutorials were good clarification sessions. Both very open to consultations and very patient in drilling the concepts into us. Atmosphere during 2133 lessons is rather relaxing as the prof tries to lighten things up.
Review 3
Overall Difficulty: Average
Difficulty of Assessment:
Homework and In-class Assignments: Difficult
Quantum Chemistry Test: Easy
Thermodynamic Test: Average
Final Exam: Average
Pace of Module: Just Nice
Enjoyability: 5/5
Usefulness: 5/5
Workload of Module (Average Number of hours spent per week):
To learn the module: 6 hours
To complete assignments: 5.5 hours
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How did you find the contents (how it was delivered) and the assessments of the module?
The contents of the module are quite new to me and it frightened me abit when I saw complicated equations in the quantum chemistry segment, but the assesments turned out to be manageable and all the questions assessed were within the teaching scope. Most of the students can score well if they pay attention to the lecture, homework and tutorial questions given by the prof. As for thermodynamic part, it builds up on what we have previously learnt in CM1102 or even during A levels time, so it wasn’t that hard to catch up, like the first segment, if students complete and revise homework and quiz questions, they can be quite confident in scoring well in the exams.
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How was your experience with the module?
This is one of the most interesting modules I’ve taken in NUS so far. I really love the way Prof Kang delivered the content through demonstrations and incorporate many real-life examples to allow us to visualize the concept better. It’s very creative and I can see how dedicated the teaching team is. We even got free ice cream in our first lecture!