CHEM 5575 Introduction to Spectroscopy
Broadly defined, spectroscopy is the study of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter. For the chemist, spectroscopy is a powerful tool for determining molecular structure and dynamics. This course will focus on the techniques most applied in chemistry including rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy. The topics to be covered include light-matter interaction, group theory and various types of spectroscopy techniques. The student will gain familiarity with the basic principles and methods of spectroscopy, be able to discuss the information gleaned from each type of spectroscopic method, and become proficient in the application of group theoretical methods to determine transition selection rules. A course in quantum chemistry, such as CHEM4476 Physical Chemistry II, is recommended as a pre-requisite. Undergraduate students must obtain the permission of the instructor.
Course overview
- Department
- Chemistry
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Both
- Offered
- Annually
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.89 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.92 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 3
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Jier Huang | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 7–9 hrs/week | 4 of 4 |
| Spring 2025 | Jier Huang | 3.8 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 10+ hrs/week | 16 of 16 |
| Spring 2024 | Jier Huang | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 7 of 7 |