Fall 2025 - CHEM 260 D100
Atoms, Molecules, Spectroscopy (4)
Class Number: 5765
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 8, 2025
Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Samira Siahrostami
ssiahros@sfu.ca
778-782-9546
Office: SCC9067
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Prerequisites:
CHEM 122, MATH 152, and PHYS 121, 126 or 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B), all with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: MATH 232.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Elements of physical chemistry from the molecular point of view. Introduction to quantum chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy. PHYS 285 will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 260. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Please note, this course outline was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change.
Mode of Teaching:
3 lecture hours/week; 1 tutorial hour/week; 2 lab hours/week
Lecture: In-Person, Burnaby Campus
Laboratory: In-Person, Burnaby Campus
Tutorial: In-Person, Burnaby Campus
Lecture Topics:
Introduction to principles of quantum mechanics
Exactly solvable quantum mechanical models
Atomic structure
Chemical bonding
Molecular spectroscopy (microwave, infrared, visible, magnetic resonance, Raman)
Note: This course will cover topics 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 from the primary textbook.
Grading
- Labs/Assignments/Quiz 30%
- Midterm Exam 30%
- Final Exam 40%
NOTES:
Grading Notes: A mark of less than 50% in the lab section of the course and/or a mark of less than 30% in the final exam will result in a grade of F.
REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance of In-Person Laboratory Sessions: It is mandatory for students to attend all in-person laboratory sessions. If you are unable to attend an in-person laboratory session due to illness, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
Primary Text:
- P. Atkins, J. de Paula, and J. Keeler, Atkins' Physical Chemistry, Volume 2, 12th Edition, 2023, Publisher: Oxford University Press. (ISBN:9780198851318).
- P. Atkins, J. de Paula, and J. Keeler, Atkins' Physical Chemistry, Volume 2, 11th Edition, 2018, Publisher: Oxford University Press.
(ISBN: 9780198817901).
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite courses.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.