Information Package / Course Catalogue
Molecular Symmetry
Course Code: KMY371
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

To instruct learners on the terms of symmetry; to explain symmetry elements and symmetry operations; to determine the point group of a molecule; to detect chirality of molecules using molecular symmetry; to analyze infrared and Raman Spectra; to determine the types of hybridization of molecules; and to form molecular orbital energy diagrams.

Course Content

Introduction to symmetry, VSEPR theory, symmetry operations and symmetry elements, point groups, chiral molecules, review of matrices, transformation matrices, group representations, irreducible representations, character tables, molecular vibrations, molecular orbitals and group theory.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Prof. Muhammet Emin GÜNAY
Learning Outcomes
1.Applies symmetry elements and symmetry operations to any molecule.
2.Determines the point group of a molecule.
3.Creates matrix representations for symmetry operations of the molecule.
4.Determine the types of symmetry of the s, px, py and pz or d-orbitals of the molecule.
5.Determines the types of symmetry of the x-, y- and z-coordinates of the molecule for translational or rotational motions along the x-, y- and z-directions.
6.Determine the splitting schemes of d-orbitals in complex compounds depending on the geometry of the central atom.
7.Determines whether the molecule is chiral or not.
8.Determines whether the molecule is IR and/or Raman active.
9.Determines the type of hybridization of the molecule.
10.Draws the molecular orbital energy level diagram of the molecule.
Recommended or Required Reading
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to symmetry.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Terms of symmetry.
Week 3 - Theoretical
Symmetry elements and symmetry operations.
Week 4 - Theoretical
Symmetry elements and symmetry operations (Quiz).
Week 5 - Theoretical
Point groups.
Week 6 - Theoretical
Point groups.
Week 7 - Theoretical
Chiral molecules and optical activity.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Irreducible representations (Midterm Exam).
Week 9 - Theoretical
Character tables.
Week 10 - Theoretical
Types of Vibration Modes and Symmetry type.
Week 11 - Theoretical
Infrared and Raman activity.
Week 12 - Theoretical
Linear Combinations of atomic orbitals.
Week 13 - Theoretical
Molecular orbitals.
Week 14 - Theoretical
Molecular Orbital Energy Diagram.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Assignment1%10
Quiz1%10
Midterm Examination1%20
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140228
Assignment1707
Quiz110111
Midterm Examination120222
Final Examination130232
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)100
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
OÇ-1
4
OÇ-2
3
OÇ-3
3
OÇ-4
3
OÇ-5
3
OÇ-6
3
OÇ-7
3
OÇ-8
3
OÇ-9
3
OÇ-10
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026