Course: Symmetry of Molecules and its Applications

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Course title Symmetry of Molecules and its Applications
Course code KOANCH/CA217
Organizational form of instruction no contact
Level of course Doctoral
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 0
Language of instruction English
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Erben Milan, doc. Ing. Ph.D.
  • Černošek Zdeněk, prof. Ing. CSc.
Course content
Introduction to symmetry and group theory. Symmetry of molecules - basic concepts. Elements and operations of symmetry. Elements and operations of symmetry. A complete set of symmetry operations. Classes of symmetry operations. Product of symmetry operations, multiplication table. Group theory, group postulates. Symmetry point group. Overview of symmetry point groups. Determination of point symmetry groups. Use of point groups symmetry to determine important characteristics of the molecule - dipole moment, optical activity. Group algebra, transformation of vectors using symmetry operations, group representation. Reducible and non-reducible representation. Transformation matrices, trace (character) of matrices. Tables of characters of symmetry point groups. Symbols of non-reducible representations and auxiliary indexes. Scalar properties, vector properties, tensor properties. Decomposition of reducible representation, decomposition algorithm. Direct product of non-reducible presentations groups. Summary. Final written work.

Learning activities and teaching methods
unspecified, Skills training
  • Contact teaching - 30 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to provide students with basic knowledge about the symmetry of molecules and point groups of symmetry in terms of use in chemistry. Determining the point group of symmetry of a molecule and understanding and mastering the basics of group algebra are a necessary basis for related subjects.
After graduation, the student is able to work safely with the symmetry of molecules using the theory of point groups.
Prerequisites
Mastering simple spatial imagination and basics of chemical bonding theory, VSEPR.

Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination

Understanding and practical use of point group symmetry.
Recommended literature
  • Atkins P. W. Fyzikálna chémia (vybrané kapitoly), 1999, Oxford/STU v Bratislavě..
  • Carter R. L. Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory, 1998, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York..
  • Fišer J. Úvod do molekulové symetrie: aplikace teorie grup v chemii. 1980, SNTL, Praha..
  • Muck A. Symetrie krystalů a vibrační spektra, 1987, SNTL, Praha..
  • Schonland D. S. Molecular Symmetry, An Introduction to Group Theory and Its Uses in Chemistry, 1965 D. van Nostrand Comp. Ltd., London..


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester