This course provides basic mathematical methods for undergraduates majoring in chemistry and related fields. Methods include probability and statistics, linear algebra, vectors and matrices, first and second order differential equations and their solutions. By the end of the course, students should have sufficient mathematical skills required to explore analytical chemistry and chemical data analysis, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, chemical kinetics, and statistical thermodynamics.

Calculus I and II recommended.

Problem sets 200 points
Two Preliminary exams 400 points
Final 300 points
Total 700 points

McQuarrie, Mathematical Methods for Scientists and Engineers, University Science Books, 2003
M. L. Boas, Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences, 3rd ed., (Wiley, 2006).
R. G. Mortimer, Mathematics for Physical Chemistry, 4th ed., (Elsevier, 2013)
G. B. Arfken, H. J. Weber, and F. E. Harris, Mathematical Methods for Physicists: A Comprehensive Guide, 7th ed., (Academic Press, 2012).

Week 1: Introduction; Functions of a single variable: differentiation
Week 2: Integration; Series and limits
Week 3: Functions defined by integrals; Complex numbers
Week 4: Ordinary differential equations
Week 5: Power series solutions of differential equations
Preliminary exam. I
Week 6: Orthogonal polynomials
Week 7: Fourier series; Fourier transforms
Week 8: Operators; Functions of several variables
Week 9: Vectors; Plane polar coordinates and spherical coordinates
Week 10: Classical wave equation; the Schrodinger equation
Preliminary exam. II
Week 11: Determinants; Matrices
Week 12: Matrix eigenvalue problems
Week 13: Vector spaces
Week 14: Probability
Week 15: Statistics: regression and correlation; Numerical methods
Final exam.

강의실 강좌

1. Students who desire to be well prepared for Chem211 and Chem311 are strongly encouraged to take this class.
2. Students who have solid mathematical backgrounds already should not take this class. (E.g. People who have successfully completed PHYS209 and PHYS408).