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JCE LivTexts: Living Textbooks for Chemistry
Theresa Julia Zielinski
Introducing JCE LivTexts: Physical Chemistry JCE LivTexts: Physical Chemistry is a new collection of the JCE Digital Library consisting of instructional resources that span the physical chemistry curriculum. The structure of the collection parallels the textbook chapter format. Each chapter is a full exposition of a physical chemistry topic written in a conversational style that facilitates independent study as well as classroom use. Each chapter includes links to supplemental learning objects. These learning objects may include background material for review, fuller development of derivations, supplemental advanced treatment of topics, complete interactive symbolic mathematics lessons, and supplemental exercises and longer projects supporting student learning. The collection of chapters is monitored by an editorial committee of volunteer physical chemists who keep the collection current, add new chapters, and add new links to existing chapters. Submissions are fully peer-reviewed by an editorial committee and other JCE reviewers to ensure accuracy and compatibility with the collection. Authors of accepted contributions will have the abstracts of their work published in JCE, thereby receiving publication credit for their work. The JCE LivText: Physical Chemistry collection is located at http://www.jce.divched.org/JCEDLib/LivTexts/pChem. Submissions to this collection should be sent by email to the collection curator, Theresa Julia Zielinski, at tzielins@ monmouth.edu. Submissions can be full chapters with associated links or supplements to existing chapters. Quantum States of Atoms and Molecules by David M. Hanson, SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 17794-3400;
[email protected]. Theresa Julia Zielinski, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ 07764;
[email protected]. Erica Harvey, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554-2470;
[email protected]. Robert Sweeney, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554-2470.
Monmouth University West Long Beach, NJ 07764-1898
that allow students to develop skills in information processing, critical thinking or analytical reasoning, and problem solving that are so important for success. In contrast to many quantum chemistry books, the relevant properties of atoms and molecules become part of the discussion immediately, and concepts are introduced at a concrete level and then generalized, and put in mathematical form at a later stage in the presentation. The goal is to establish the fundamental principles of quantum chemistry and their consequences in a rigorous way while not delaying the discussion of molecular properties until the end. This approach is based on the experience that a concrete verbal description paves the way for a more fundamental, mathematical approach. The design goals of Quantum States are to: • Make the concepts and methodologies of quantum chemistry accessible and meaningful to all students. • Develop an understanding of atomic and molecular properties in terms of quantum chemistry. • Establish the fundamental principles of quantum chemistry and their consequences in a rigorous way while not delaying a discussion of molecular properties until the end. • Encourage the development of information processing, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. • Set the challenge for each assignment at a level that encourages the growth of critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, yet that can be achieved reasonably, though not always easily, by a student learning team facilitated by a master learner, the instructor.
Quantum States is suitable for a one-semester undergraduate or graduate course and can be part of a two-semester sequence in physical chemistry. It was developed with partial support from the National Science Foundation through grant NSF DUE #0127291.
Keywords: Upper-Division Undergraduate; Physical Chemistry; Distance Learning/Self Instruction; Internet/Web-Based Learning; Textbooks/Reference Books; Mathematics/Symbolic Mathematics; MO theory; Quantum Chemistry; Spectroscopy Requires: WWW browser, Adobe Reader, Mathcad
Quantum States of Atoms and Molecules is an introduction to quantum mechanics as it relates to spectroscopy, the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, and molecular properties. A digital, living textbook, it provides opportunities not found in conventional textbooks—opportunities
Opening screen from Quantum States.
JCE LivTexts: Living Textbooks for Chemistry—a new collection of the JCE Digital Library http://www.jce.divched.org/JCEDLib/LivTexts/
1880
Journal of Chemical Education
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Vol. 82 No. 12 December 2005
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www.JCE.DivCHED.org
