CH 4420: Application of Molecular Orbital Theory to Metal Complexes Complexes of the transition metals are discussed. Covered are the electronic structures of transition metal atoms and ions, and the topological and electronic structures of their complexes. Symmetry concepts are developed early in the course and used throughout to simplify treatments of electronic structure. The molecular orbital approach to bonding is emphasized. The pivotal area of organotransition metal chemistry is introduced, with focus on complexes of carbon monoxide, metal-metal interactions in clusters, and catalysis by metal complexes. Units: 1/3 Category: Category I Recommended Background: CH 1010 - CH 1040, CH 2640 -CH 2670, CH 3410, CH 3530, and CH 3550. Fundamental understanding of atomic, molecular and solid state structures and properties. Thermodynamic stabilities of inorganic species. Acidity, solubility and precipitation of inorganic compounds (see CH 3410).
280
CH 4520: Chemical Statistical Mechanics This course deals with how the electronic, translational, rotational and vibrational energy levels of individual molecules, or of macromolecular systems, are statistically related to the energy, entropy, and free energy of macroscopic systems, taking into account the quantum mechanical properties of the component particles. Ensembles, partition functions, and Boltzmann, FermiDirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics are used. A wealth of physical chemical phenomena, including material related to solids, liquids, gases, spectroscopy and chemical reactions are made understandable by the concepts learned in this course. This course will be offered in 2021-22, and in alternating years thereafter. Units: 1/3 Category: Category II Recommended Background: CH 3510 and CH 3530, or equivalent, and mathematics through differential and integral calculus. CHE/CH 554: Molecular Modeling This course trains students in the area of molecular modeling using a variety of quantum mechanical and force field methods. The approach will be toward practical applications, for researchers who want to answer specific questions about molecular geometry, transition states, reaction paths and photoexcited states. No experience in programming is necessary; however, a background at the introductory level in quantum mechanics is highly desirable. Methods to be explored include density functional theory, ab initio methods, semiempirical molecular orbital theory, and visualization software for the graphical display of molecules. Units: 1/3
Civil and Environmental Engineering
CE/CHE 4063: Transport & Transformations in the Environment In this course, students will learn to make quantitative relationships between human activities and the effects on water, soil, and air in the environment. Students will learn the scientific and engineering principles that are needed to understand how contaminants enter and move in the environment, how compounds react in the environment, how to predict their concentrations in the environment, and how to develop solutions to environmental problems. Topics to be covered may include water quality engineering (including microbial interactions), air quality engineering, and hazardous waste management. This course will be offered in 2022-23, and in alternating years thereafter. Units: 1/3 Category: Category II Recommended Background: familiarity with transport phenomena, such as in ES 3004 (Fluid Mechanics) and ES 3002 (Mass Transfer), and familiarity with reaction kinetics and reactor design, such as through CHE 3201 (Kinetics and Reactor Design). Background such as CE 3059 (Environmental Engineering), CE 3060 (Water Treatment), or CE3061 (Wastewater Treatment) is suggested. CE 583: Contracts and Law for Civil Engineers Units: 1/3
WPI 2021-22 Catalog