Symmetry in chemistry

Graduate course, Spring 2021

Assignments

Assignment 1 (Due on 11/04/2021)

Assignment 2 (Due on 09/05/2021)

Central Topics

• Concepts of symmetry and broken symmetry in nature
• Symmetry elements, space groups and point groups
• Role of symmetry in physical properties
• Introductory group theory
• Representations of groups and character tables
• Symmetry aspects of electronic structure, molecular vibrations and chemical reactions

Suggested books

1. M. Ladd, Symmetry of Crystal and Molecules, Oxford University Press, 2014.

2. F. A. Cotton, Chemical Applications of Group Theory, Wiley Interscience, 3rd ed., 1990.

3. I. Hargittai and M. Hargittai, Symmetry Through the Eyes of a Chemist, VCH Publishers, 1987.

4. R. McWeeny, Symmetry: An Introduction to Group Theory and its Applications, Pergamon Press, 1963.

Course Info

Prerequisites: Introductory knowledge of matrix algebra and quantum chemistry.

Grading Policy: Assignments (30%), Midterm (35%), Final (35%).

Venue: AG66 or Zoom platform
Hours: Tue, Thu 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Office Hours: WF 12–1 pm or set-up an appointment via email

Instructor: Vamsee Voora
Email: vamsee.voora@tifr.res.in
Office: NMR 201
Teaching Assistant: Pulkit Joshi
First lecture on Mar 16th (Tuesday)