VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Quantum Chemistry
Quantenchemie
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:37:49
Abstract
Introduction into the basic concepts of electronic structure theory and into numerical methods of quantum chemistry. Exercise classes are designed to deepen the theory; practical case studies using quantum chemical software to provide a 'hands-on' expertise in applying these methods.
Objective
Nowadays, chemical research can be carried out in silico, an intellectual achievement for which Pople and Kohn have been awarded the Nobel prize of the year 1998. This lecture shows how that has been accomplished. It works out the many-particle theory of many-electron systems (atoms and molecules) and discusses its implementation into computer programs. A complete picture of quantum chemistry shall be provided that will allow students to carry out such calculations on molecules (for accompanying experimental work in the wet lab or as a basis for further study of the theory).
Content
Basic concepts of many-particle quantum mechanics. Derivation of the many-electron theory for atoms and molecules; starting with the harmonic approximation for the nuclear problem and with Hartree-Fock theory for the electronic problem to Moeller-Plesset perturbation theory and configuration interaction and to coupled cluster and multi-configurational approaches. Density functional theory. Case studies using quantum mechanical software.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Hand-outs in German will be provided for each lecture (they are supplemented by (computer) examples that continuously illustrate how the theory works).All information regarding this course, including links to the online streaming, will be available on this web page:https://reiher.ethz.ch/courses-and-seminars/exercises/QC_2024.html
Literature
Textbooks on Quantum Chemistry: F.L. Pilar, Elementary Quantum Chemistry, Dover Publications I.N. Levine, Quantum Chemistry, Prentice Hall Hartree-Fock in basis set representation: A. Szabo and N. Ostlund, Modern Quantum Chemistry: Introduction to Advanced Electronic Structure Theory, McGraw-Hill Textbooks on Computational Chemistry: F. Jensen, Introduction to Computational Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons C.J. Cramer, Essentials of Computational Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Quantenchemie
Vorlesung: Mittwoch 14 - 16
Übungen: Mittwoch 16 - 17
|
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
-
-
Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
-
-
-
-
Physics (For the field of specialization `Physics' basic knowledge in quantum mechanics is required.)
-
-
-
Application Area (Only necessary and eligible for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. One of the application areas specified must be selected for the category Application Area for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. At least 8 credits are required in the chosen application area. Credits from other application areas cannot be recognised for further application areas.)
-
-
Doctorate Chemistry and Applied Biosciences (For further information: )
-