Chem. 4373
Survey of Physical Chemistry
Spring 2006
Details: Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisites: CHEM 3221 and 3331,
and MATH 1432, or consent of instructor. Credit may not be
received for both CHEM 4370 and 4373.
Time: TR 8:30-10 am
Location: SEC 104
Instructor: Prof. Eric R. Bittner
Office: 22i Fleming, (p) 713-743-2775, (e)
bittner@uh.edu
Office Hours: TR 10-11
Recitation (Voluntary): Friday, 1:00-2:00,
Fleming 162
TA: Ms. Carmen Reznik
Office: SR1 7C, (p) 713-743-5949, (e)
creznik@mail.uh.edu
Office Hour: Monday 1-2
Text: Elements of Physical Chemistry, 4th
edition, by Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula, W.H. Freeman
and Co., 2005
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
A. Understand the principles of classical and quantum
mechanics as they apply to biophysical experiment and
theory.
B. Solve relevant problems using the principles described
in A.
C. Distinguish which biophysical systems and processes are
directly soluble and which require numerical
approximations.
D. Be able to use the most common mathematical techniques
required in C.
Course Content: This course will include
the following topical (content) areas:
A Introduction to statistical thermodynamics
B. The laws of thermodynamics
C. Chemical equilibria and free energy
D. Mass transport
E. Kinetics, including enzyme kinetics
F. Quantum mechanics
G. Atomic and molecular spectroscopy
Online Resources:
WebCT: www.uh.edu/webct
publisher
student resourses URL: http://bcs.whfreeman.com/elements4e/
Local course web-site: http://mini-me.chem.uh.edu/survey
Grading: Course grades will be based on
two in-class exams (25% each), assigned homework (15%
total), and a comprehensive final exam (35%). All exams,
including the final, are required. No make-up exams will be
given. If you notify me AND receive confirmation from me
BEFORE the exam, missed exams resulting ONLY from
documented medical or family emergencies will be excused
and your final score will be calculated on an alternative
basis. The numerical average for the course (and each exam)
will be curved to a C/C+. Requests for re-grades may be
submitted within 72 hours of posting on webCT only with the
understanding that the entire exam will be regraded for
mistakes, including both under- AND over- valuation of
credit.
Academic Honesty: Advanced undergraduate
chemistry classes represent an introduction to the ‘real’
world of science. In such difficult fields, both
cooperation AND competition are necessary. You will get an
opportunity to experience both in this course. You MAY NOT
give or receive assistance on the exam components. Any
deviation from this policy will be considered cheating and
you will be punished to the full extent allowed by the UH
honor code (see student handbook). The assigned homework
may be cooperative, as discussed below.
Homework: Homework will be assigned each
Tuesday, to be due on the following Tuesday. Two of the
assigned problems will be chosen for grading. Each homework
set will be worth 10 points (5 per problem). You are
encouraged to work together on the homework problems. You
may choose to work in groups of up to four people, and to
turn in one set of homework for each group. As an incentive
to cooperative learning, you will receive extra credit on
each homework set (up to four points) if you choose to work
together and turn in one homework set per group of up to
four people. It is up to YOU to make sure that each person
in your chosen group participates!
Important Dates:
Review for Exam 1: TBA
Exam 1 (25%): Feb 8, 8:30-10am, SEC 104
Review for Exam 2: TBA
Exam 2 (25%): Mar 27 or 29 depending upon ACS schedule
Review for Final Exam: TBA
Final Exam: (as per UH Course catalog)
Recitation:
There will be a voluntary recitation on Fridays, 1:30-2:30
pm in Fleming 162 hosted by Carmen Reznik. This will be an
opportunity to work with your chosen homework partners
and/or ask specific questions about the homework.