Textbook: Physical Chemistry of Surfaces by Adamson, most recent edition.

This course is intended to provide the student with an introduction to the principles that control the behavior of interfaces with a major focus on the interaction of solid surfaces with gases and liquids. By the end of the semester the shtudent should have an appreciation of the importance of surface chemistry in our everyday lives and know something about the principles of techniques used to study the properties of the surface.

Information about this field will be learned from lecture notes, the textbook and the surface science literature. Classes will often involve student participation by reviewing papers on given topics. This will include a discussion and critique of the contents of the paper as well as a discussion of the important points of the paper. Students will also be expected to present a discussion of the instrumental techniques involved to study the surface too. Class participation will be graded.

Tentative Schedule

Grading: 20% homework; 20% presentations; 40% paper and presentation of the paper; 20% Surface analysis project & Report..