University of Malta CHE1200 - Mathematics for Chemists

Dr. Joseph N. Grima
Department of Chemistry
University of Malta, Msida, MSD 06, MALTA


 

Tutorial Sheets:
 
 
 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | RESOURCES

  
Credit Value: 4 ECTS
No. of Lectures: 28
No. of Tutorials/Labs: 28
Year: 1
Semester: 1 & 2
Pre-requisite: O-Level Maths
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Syllabus: 

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    2. Calculus (Theory):
    • Differentiation: Differentiation of basic functions, product rule, quotient rule, minima and maxima, function of a function, chain rule, curve sketching and essential coordinate geometry, complex numbers, Maclaurin and Taylor Series. 
    • Integration: Integration of basic functions. Integration by substitution, integration by parts, finite integration, numerical integration.
    • Functions of several variables and partial differentiation.
    • Differential equations: First and second order differential equation, boundary

    • conditions.
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    3. Calculus (Applications):
    • Application of differentiation to locate and identify turning points.
    • The role of calculus in thermodynamics.
      1. The use of integration to calculate p-V work (i.e. to find the area under p-V graphs).
      2. Integration as a means to obtain a 'measurable' change in a quantity, Dx, from infinitesimally small changes, dx.
      3. Partial differentiation and state functions.
      4. The use of partial derivatives to differentiate expressions of the sort G = H- TS, and then use these to find how, for example, G varies with T at constant p. 
      5. The role of differential equations in:
        • Chemical kinetics; 
        • Quantum mechanics.
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    4. Matrices and determinants:
    • Matrix notation
    • Elementary matrix operations and properties
    • Determinants
    • Inverse matrices
    • Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
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    5. Probability and statistics:
    • Permutations and combinations
    • Introduction to statistics
    • Regression analysis
    • Applications


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    6. Mathematics through computers:
    • Plotting of curves, data analysis, etc.
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Method of assessment:

Course work 25% 
End of year test