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JCE LivTexts: Living Textbooks for Chemistry
Introducing JCE LivTexts: Physical Chemistry
JCE LivTexts: Physical Chemistry is a new collection
of the JCE Digital Library consisting of instructional
resources that span the physical chemistry curriculum. The
structure of the collection parallels the textbook chapter for-
mat. Each chapter is a full exposition of a physical chemistry
topic written in a conversational style that facilitates inde-
pendent study as well as classroom use. Each chapter includes
links to supplemental learning objects. These learning ob-
jects may include background material for review, fuller de-
velopment of derivations, supplemental advanced treatment
of topics, complete interactive symbolic mathematics lessons,
and supplemental exercises and longer projects supporting
student learning. The collection of chapters is monitored by
an editorial committee of volunteer physical chemists who
keep the collection current, add new chapters, and add new
links to existing chapters.
Submissions are fully peer-reviewed by an editorial com-
mittee and other JCE reviewers to ensure accuracy and com-
patibility with the collection. Authors of accepted contribu-
tions will have the abstracts of their work published in JCE,
thereby receiving publication credit for their work.
The JCE LivText: Physical Chemistry collection is lo-
cated at http://www.jce.divched.org/JCEDLib/LivTexts/pChem.
Submissions to this collection should be sent by email to
the collection curator, Theresa Julia Zielinski, at tzielins@
monmouth.edu. Submissions can be full chapters with asso-
ciated links or supplements to existing chapters.
Quantum States of Atoms and Molecules
by David M. Hanson, SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony
Brook, NY 17794-3400; David.Hanson@sunysb.edu.
Theresa Julia Zielinski, Monmouth University, West Long
Branch, NJ 07764; tzielins@monmouth.edu. Erica
Harvey, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV
26554-2470; eharvey@fairmontstate.edu. Robert
Sweeney, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV
26554-2470.
Keywords: Upper-Division Undergraduate; Physical Chemistry;
Distance Learning/Self Instruction; Internet/Web-Based
Learning; Textbooks/Reference Books; Mathematics/Symbolic
Mathematics; MO theory; Quantum Chemistry; Spectroscopy
Requires: WWW browser, Adobe Reader, Mathcad
Quantum States of Atoms and Molecules is an intro-
duction to quantum mechanics as it relates to spectroscopy,
the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, and molecu-
lar properties. A digital, living textbook, it provides oppor-
tunities not found in conventional textbooks—opportunities
JCE LivTexts: Living Textbooks for Chemistry—a new collection of the
JCE Digital Library http://www.jce.divched.org/JCEDLib/LivTexts/
1880 Journal of Chemical Education • Vol. 82 No. 12 December 2005
Theresa Julia Zielinski
Monmouth University
West Long Beach, NJ 07764-1898
that allow students to develop skills in information process-
ing, critical thinking or analytical reasoning, and problem
solving that are so important for success.
In contrast to many quantum chemistry books, the rel-
evant properties of atoms and molecules become part of the
discussion immediately, and concepts are introduced at a
concrete level and then generalized, and put in mathemati-
cal form at a later stage in the presentation. The goal is to
establish the fundamental principles of quantum chemistry
and their consequences in a rigorous way while not delay-
ing the discussion of molecular properties until the end. This
approach is based on the experience that a concrete verbal
description paves the way for a more fundamental, math-
ematical approach.
The design goals of Quantum States are to:
• Make the concepts and methodologies of quantum chem-
istry accessible and meaningful to all students.
• Develop an understanding of atomic and molecular prop-
erties in terms of quantum chemistry.
• Establish the fundamental principles of quantum chemis-
try and their consequences in a rigorous way while not de-
laying a discussion of molecular properties until the end.
• Encourage the development of information processing, criti-
cal-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Set the challenge for each assignment at a level that encour-
ages the growth of critical-thinking and problem-solving
skills, yet that can be achieved reasonably, though not al-
ways easily, by a student learning team facilitated by a mas-
ter learner, the instructor.
Quantum States is suitable for a one-semester under-
graduate or graduate course and can be part of a two-semester
sequence in physical chemistry. It was developed with par-
tial support from the National Science Foundation through
grant NSF DUE #0127291.
Opening screen from Quantum States.
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