The spectroscopic characterisation and quantification of materials by various spectroscopic techniques will be discussed. To study chemicals it is important to understand the stereochemical and electronic properties of molecules. Molecular orbital techniques and the application of approaches based on molecular symmetry and group theory to the understanding of molecular properties, bonding and spectroscopy will be studied.

This course will start with common spectroscopic techniques used to probe the chemical composition and molecular/electronic structure of molecules. Next the course will explore the structure and energetics of the atom, before expanding into a thorough investigation of molecules and coordination complexes, focusing on their bonding, geometry, molecular orbitals, intermolecular attractions, conformations and stereochemistry.