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Presentation
Integrated Mathematica™-Based Physical Chemistry Curriculum: Bringing the Science to the Forefront
246th American Chemical Society National Meeting (2013)
  • Kevin D Ausman, Boise State University
Abstract
Undergraduate- and graduate-level physical chemistry classes are often so mathematically intensive that they often (a) dissuade qualified students from pursuing the field, (b) require more homework, testing, and grading time be devoted to tracking down hidden mathematical errors than is devoted to working with the subject matter, and (c) limit the complexity, and therefore real-world applicability, of assigned problems. In this talk, the integration of the general-purpose mathematical tool MathematicaTM throughout the second semester of undergraduate physical chemistry will be discussed. Examples provided will demonstrate the feasibility of introducing the MathematicaTM language gradually over the course of the semester, allowing sophisticated, chemically-relevant problems to be assigned and solved by students in only a few lines of code. Topics covered included quantum mechanics using operator notation, symmetry, spectroscopy, and statistical thermodynamics.
Publication Date
September 8, 2013
Citation Information
Kevin D Ausman. "Integrated Mathematica™-Based Physical Chemistry Curriculum: Bringing the Science to the Forefront" 246th American Chemical Society National Meeting (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kevin_ausman/7/