Literature

  • P. W. Atkins: Physical Chemistry, any edition from 6th, Oxford University Press
  • M. J. Pilling, P. W. Seakins: Reaction kinetics, Oxford Science Publications, 1996

Requirements

The course is on Thursdays 8:00-8:45. The handouts, the book with a non-programmable basic calculator are compulsory to do the calculations.
There will be 5 "in-class" hour exams:

  • Exam 1: 8:00-8:15 September 26, 2024
  • Exam 2: 8:00-8:15 October 17, 2024
  • Exam 3: 8:00-8:15 November 7, 2024
  • Exam 4: 8:00-8:15 November 28, 2024
  • Exam 5: 8:00-8:15 December 12, 2024

For every exam, you should have a pen and a non-programmable basic calculator that allows simple functions. Calculators that can perform unit conversions, calculus (integrals, derivatives), etc. are not permitted.

Exams will be based on the material covered in the classes and stated in the handouts. Any missed exam is 0 point, grade 1 (failed). One make-up exam is possible during the last week. One additional exam is possible to improve the grade. The grade of the make-up and improvement exams count as additional grades for averaging.

Requirements for a successful seminar:

  • At least half of the exams have a grade equal or better than 2.00 AND
  • The average of the exams is at least 2.00 AND
  • Class attendance.
Otherwise the final grade is 1 (failed).

Final grading when the seminar is successful: based on the average of the exams.

Average Grade
2.00 - 2.50 passed (2)
2.51 - 3.50 accepted (3)
3.51 - 4.50 good (4)
4.51 < excellent (5)

University regulations are observed in cases not mentioned.

Tentative Schedule

  1. week: Review of the requirements. Statistical thermodynamics: applications.
  2. week: Statistical thermodynamics: applications.
  3. week: Exam 1. Theories of bimolecular reactions: collision theory. (Chapter 27)
  4. week: Transition state theory I. Calculations of rate coefficients. (Chapter 27)
  5. week:Transition state theory II. Kinetic isotope effects. (Chapter 27)
  6. week: Exam 2. Complex reactions: reversible, parallel, consecutive reactions. Kinetics of radioactive decays, distribution of products. (Chapter 26),
  7. week: Kinetic derivations.
  8. week: Enzyme kinetics. Reversible and irreversible inhibition.
  9. week: Exam 3. Principles of photochemistry. (Chapter 27)
  10. week: Surface reactions: BET adsorption isotherm, kinetics of surface catalyzed reactions. (Chapter 28)
  11. week: Kinetics of reactions in solution: diffusion-controlled reactions, cage reactions. (Chapter 27)
  12. week: Exam 4. Dynamic electrochemistry. Butler-Volmer-equation. Tafel-equation. Corrosion. (Chapter 29)
  13. week: Dynamic electrochemistry II. Irreversible thermodynamics.
  14. week: Exam 5. Make-up exams. Grading.

Consultation

Thursday 10:00-11:00

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