This module aims to demonstrate the underlying importance of symmetry throughout chemistry, with particular applications to spectroscopic selection rules and bonding.

(LO1) By the end of the module, students should be able to identify symmetry elements in molecules

(LO2) Assign molecules to their correct point groups

(LO3) Use character tables to solve a variety of problems in spectroscopy and bonding

(S1) Problem Solving Skills

Lectures. 10 x 1 hr asynchronous short lecture recordings. Each recording will be accompanied by simple example problems to reinforce the lecture content.
There are three timetabled in person lectures to support self-study and address specific questions raised by students.

Class test. 90 min in person class test conducted under exam conditions.

Workshops. 6 x 2 hr in-person workshops (formative) in which students will tackle more demanding problems with the support of tutors.

*Lectures: 3 hr (scheduled, in person), 10 hr (unscheduled, asynchronous recordings)

*Workshops: 12 hr

Syllabus:
• Symmetry elements and symmetry operations
• Examples of symmetry elements in molecules
• Treatment of symmetry operations as mathematical groups
• Point groups and their identification
• Representations of point groups – reducible and irreducible
• Reduction of reducible representations
• Symmetry and spectroscopic selection rules
• Vibrational modes of molecules and vibrational selection rules
• Applications in molecular orbital theory
• MO theory of transition metal complexes