Beginning from atoms and molecules to solids and liquids, this course covers the fundamental chemistry of materials. Students learns chemical principles underlying material structures, synthesis, properties, and applications for structural, electronic, optic, magnetic and even energy materials. Topics include basic quantum chemistry, chemical bonds, valence bond & molecular orbital theory, acid-base & redox chemistry, and coordination chemistry. The course also introduces students to frontiers of materials chemistry including nanomaterials, catalyst, and biomaterials.

Introductory chemistry and physics
Introduction to materials science and engineering (AMSE201)

Introduction to Materials Chemistry, Allcock, Wiley
Physical Chemistry, Atkins, 10th Ed., Oxford
Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Brown and Poon, 6th Ed., Wiley

1. Atoms and Elemental Materials Chemistry
- Periodic table trends
- Quantum chemistry: Structures of hydrogenic atoms/many-electron atoms

2. Molecules and Chemical Bonds
- Valence bond theory/Molecular orbital theory
- Properties of chemical bonds
- Molecular symmetry and polarity/chirality/vibrations

3. Simple Solids
- Metals and alloys
- Ionic solids
- Nonstoichiometric solids
- Electronic solids

4. Acid-base and redox chemistry and reactions
- Bronsted and Lewis acids/bases
- Acid-base reactions and properties
- Redox potentials and stability for energy generation and storage

5. Chemistry and reactions in coordination compounds and complexes
- Constitution and geometry
- Electronic, optic, and magnetic properties

6. Frontiers
- Nanomaterials, catalyst, biomaterials