Spring 2021

This course serves as an introduction to quantum mechanics (QM) for the purpose of describing the structure and dynamics of molecules. At the conclusion of this course you will be able to:

1. Motivate the need for quantum mechanics in describing molecules.
2. Describe how quantum-mechanical uncertainty emerges from the consideration of matter as waves.
3. Interpret common molecular experiments quantum-mechanically.
4. Explain the quantum-mechanical origin of chemical bonding
5. Perform practical quantum-mechanical calculations on molecules using wavefunction, bra-ket, and matrix representations.
6. Use numerical software to perform advanced quantum-mechanical calculations.

Mathematica will be used throughout the course to visualize QM phenomena, develop qualitative insights into QM behavior, solve challenging equations and perform numerical linear algebraic calculations. Being familiar with common numerical software such as Mathematica is an excellent way to augment qualitative understanding, check your solutions to complex mathematical equations, and learn a gentle introduction to numerical methods and software. It is also a useful skill to add to your resume. You can download the software for free via the following link: https://webstore.illinois.edu/shop/product.aspx?zpid=4037

The course is designed with the lecture notes constituting the primary source of instruction. After the first 2-3 weeks, the progression of course material will closely follow the progression in the assigned textbook (McQuarrie), and it is strongly recommended that you complete the readings as a supplementary resource. As an additional resource, will periodically provide supplementary notes and Mathematica notebooks throughout the course to enhance and augment the lecture material.