This course introduces the fundamental principles governing the interaction of photons with matter and provides graduate students
with a foundational understanding of molecular spectroscopy. Emphasis is placed on photon-based spectroscopic techniques used
for the characterization of molecular and functional materials, including their theoretical background, instrumentation, data
interpretation, and practical engineering applications.
Modern engineering increasingly relies on the design and control of materials at the molecular and nanoscale level. Inspired
by the bottom-up approach to materials development, first highlighted by Richard Feynman’s concept of “There’s Plenty of Room
at the Bottom,” this course introduces the role of molecular spectroscopy in understanding structure–property relationships.
Students will learn how interactions between photons and matter can be used to investigate molecular structure, chemical composition,
and functional behavior of materials through a range of spectroscopic techniques commonly applied in engineering and materials
science.
- The students will understand basic quantum chemistry and its role in describing molecular motions.
- The students will understand how photons interact with matter and what information can be obtained using photon-based spectroscopies.
- The students will know basic spectroscopic methods and their usage and limitations.
- The students will be able to apply a spectroscopic method to their own engineering or scientific field.
- The students will become familiar with basic instrumentation and measurement principles used in molecular spectroscopy.
| Reports | Mid-term | Final exam | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 5% | 10% | 5% | 20% |
| 2. | 0% | 10% | 5% | 15% |
| 3. | 5% | 10% | 10% | 25% |
| 4. | 10% | 5% | 10% | 25% |
| 5. | 0% | 5% | 10% | 15% |
| Total. | 20% | 40% | 40% | - |
| Class schedule | HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) | Amount of Time Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1． | The basic science of molecular spectroscopy. Wave properties of light, the quantum theory of light. Absorption and emission of light by molecular species. |
Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 2． | Types of molecular motions and their quantum description. Symmetry of molecules. | Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 3． | Vibrational spectroscopy- classical and quantum description of molecular vibrations. Normal modes, character tables. |
Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 4． | Infrared spectroscopy. Selection rules. Analysis of IR spectra. | Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 5． | Raman spectroscopy. | Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 6． | Instrumentation used in photon-based spectroscopy. | Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 7． | Mid-term exam and discussion of solutions to the problems in the exam. | Review materials of class 1-6. | 190minutes |
| 8． | Application and limitations of vibrational spectroscopy. | Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| Report on selected application of application of vibrational spectroscopy and its limitations. | |||
| 9． | Electronic spectroscopy. Electronic transitions, energy of electronic transitions. Term symbols. | Read handouts and web resources. | 300minutes |
| 10． | UV-VIS spectroscopy. Instrumentation used in UV-VIS spectroscopy. Application in chemistry and biology. | Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 11． | Fluorescence spectroscopy. Application in chemistry and biology. | Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 12． | Atomic emission spectroscopy. Principles and applications. | Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 13． | Introduction to surface-sensitive spectroscopic techniques. | Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 14． | Final exam and discussion of solutions to the problems in the exam. | Review materials of class 8-12 | 300minutes |
| Total. | - | - | 2880minutes |
Student performance will be evaluated based on the mid-term examination, final examination, and submitted report.
Final grades will be determined by the total combined score.
A minimum overall score of 60% is required to successfully complete the course.
Final grades will be determined by the total combined score.
A minimum overall score of 60% is required to successfully complete the course.
| ways of feedback | specific contents about "Other" |
|---|---|
| The Others | Feedback is provided during office hours. Please contact teacher and make an appointment. |
P. W.Atkins: Physical Chemistry, 8th Edition, New York, 2006.
J. M. Hollas- Modern Spectroscopy, 4th Edition, (Wiley, 2009).
D. C. Harris, M.D. Bertolucci: Symmetry and Spectroscopy: Dover, 1989.
Lectures slides will be distributed before each class.
J. M. Hollas- Modern Spectroscopy, 4th Edition, (Wiley, 2009).
D. C. Harris, M.D. Bertolucci: Symmetry and Spectroscopy: Dover, 1989.
Lectures slides will be distributed before each class.
- Contact via e-mail, the e-mail addresses to Dr. Izabela Rzeznicka: izabela[at]shibaura-it.ac.jp
- Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
- Course that cultivates a basic problem-solving skills
| Work experience | Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Last modified : Mon Mar 02 12:13:17 JST 2026