This fun unit introduces us to spectroscopy, the study of the way electromagnetic radiation interacts with matter. This topic is so fundamental to modern chemistry that just about any research paper published today includes a section detailing their spectroscopic analysis. Nearly all chemists (organic, inorganic, materials, physical, medicinal, environmental, analytical...) use spectroscopic analysis every day in the 21st century. One of its most exciting applications is in the determination of the composition of exoplanets' atmospheres.

We will learn about three very popular spectroscopic techniques: IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. We will "decipher" mystery chemical structures using only spectroscopic information.

There will be an internal assessment opportunity (AS91388 - 3 credits).

There will also be an optional internal exam about the uses of chemistry in society. This will make us relate theory to the real world. A considerable amount of time will be given to the students to complete this assessment.