KE820: Computational Quantum Chemistry

Study Board of Science

Teaching language: Danish, but English if international students are enrolled
EKA: N540016102
Assessment: Second examiner: Internal
Grading: 7-point grading scale
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Autumn
Level: Master's level course approved as PhD course

STADS ID (UVA): N540016101
ECTS value: 5

Date of Approval: 23-04-2021


Duration: 1 semester

Version: Approved - active

Comment

The course is co-read with KE533: Computational Quantum Chemistry (5 ECTS)
If there are fewer than 12 students enrolled, the course may. be held with another teaching form.

Entry requirements

KE820 cannot be chosen by students who have passed KE533.

Academic preconditions

Students taking the course are expected to:

  • Have good knowledge of basic quantum chemistry or quantum physics, which could have been obtained in KE522 or FY544+FY547.

Course introduction

The aim of the course is to enable the student to be able to perform and understand state-of-the-art electronic structure calculations, which is important in regard to theoretical support for one- and two-photon absorption, other linear and nonlinear optical effects, NMR and other magnetic effects, electric polarisabilities and hyperpolarisabilities.

The course builds on the knowledge acquired in KE522, FY544+FY547 or equivalent, and it gives an academic basis for applying computational quantum chemistry or computational atomic and molecular physics in ISAs and degree projects later in the degree programme.

In relation to the degree qualifications profile for a Master's degree in Chemistry this course provides a) knowledge about fundamental theoretical concepts and computational methods in quantum chemistry used in frontier international research, b) knowledge about research topics in computational quantum chemistry conducted by researchers at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, and c) expert knowledge in applying quantum chemical calculations to simulations of molecular properties and UV/vis spectroscopy.

Expected learning outcome

The learning objectives of the course are that the student demonstrates the ability to:
  • describe and use the quantum mechanical principles and associated mathematical methods
  • develop time-independent perturbation theory for one or more simultaneous perturbations
  • describe and use the Born-Oppenheimer approximation
  • describe and use the Hartree-Fock model and models for electron correlation, including configuration interaction, multiconfiguration self-consistent field, coupled cluster, and Kohn-Sham density functional theory
  • describe the variation principle and its implications for approximative quantum chemical models in different one-electron and N-electron basis sets
  • analyze when an approximative model fails and a better model is necessary
  • perform computer calculations of geometrical, optical, and electric properties, including simulations of UV and IR spectra
  • perform computer calculations of NMR properties: chemical shielding and indirect spin-spin coupling constants
  • explain relations between on the one hand the choice of basis set and electronic structure model and on the other hand the expected quality of such calculations and the required computer time

Content

The following main topics are contained in the course:
  • Modern ab initio electronic structure theory methods, including
    • Hartree-Fock (HF)
    • configuration interaction (CI)
    • multiconfiguration self-consistent field (MCSCF)
    • second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2)
    • coupled cluster (CC)
    • Kohn-sham density functional theory (DFT)
  • Time independent perturbation theory;  MP2 and molecular properties
  • Time dependent perturbation theory; absorption and emission of photons

Literature

Peter Atkins & Ronald Friedman: Molecular Quantum Mechanics 5/ed.
See itslearning for syllabus lists and additional literature references.

Examination regulations

Exam element a)

Timing

Autumn

Tests

Oral exam

EKA

N540016102

Assessment

Second examiner: Internal

Grading

7-point grading scale

Identification

Student Identification Card

Language

Normally, the same as teaching language

Examination aids

To be announced during the course

ECTS value

5

Additional information

Oral exam, partly in the project report, partly in a question from a set of questions published on the course's e-learn page. No preparation time.

Indicative number of lessons

124 hours per semester

Teaching Method

At the faculty of science, teaching is organized after the three-phase model ie. intro, training and study phase.
  • Intro phase (lectures) - 20 hours
  • Training phase: 24 hours, including 12 hours tutorials and 12 hours laboratory
Activities during the study phase:
  • 25 hours reading of text book and lecture notes
  •  18 hours preparation for tutorials
  •  12 hours preparation for computer exercises
  • 25 hours for exam preparation

Teacher responsible

Name E-mail Department
Erik Donovan Hedegård erdh@sdu.dk Institut for Fysik, Kemi og Farmaci
Jacob Kongsted kongsted@sdu.dk Institut for Fysik, Kemi og Farmaci

Timetable

Administrative Unit

Fysik, kemi og Farmaci

Team at Educational Law & Registration

NAT

Offered in

Odense

Recommended course of study

Profile Education Semester Offer period