Quantum Mechanics for Chemists (Tutorial Chemistry Texts, Volume 14)

I am switching my emphasis from the more formal approach to quantum mechanics to a more quantum chemistry (applications) approach. I have looked everywhere and finally came upon this tutorial. Unfortunately, PChem texts have become encyclopedic works of scholarship that barely touch on the nuances of different calculational methods (HF, DFT, semiempirical, MM) and their basis sets, so the students do not get an intuitive understanding of what these terms mean. In addition, so many topics are packed into the texts (encyclopedias) that maybe a half or a third of the text is used, which in my mind does not justify the $150 to $300 textbook costs. Just my humble opinion. I am spending a lot of time creating handouts and copies of my handwritten notes that I use during class, but I feel more in control of the level of content and I believe the students do too. This particular tutorial covers the essentials of the fundamentals and has some good problems for the applications. I can supplement the problems if I don't think the tutorial is enough.

This text by Hayward packs some much needed basic introductions into quantum chemistry in its 184 pages. There is a progressive introduction to Schrodinger equation over 4 chapters, which must be a first for any quantum chemistry textbook. The pluses are the "mathematical asides" along the margin of pages which explain the mathematical derivations which usually stump non-physics majors who take quantum chemistry, and the worked problems that are included within each chapter as the text progresses through the subject matter. In easiness, it is equivalent to the now out-of-print classic quantum chemistry text by Denaro. For a more advanced treatise for chemistry undergraduates, I would go with that indispensable text by Don McQuarrie (and its answer booklet). For the price, this book is an excellent addition to anyone's chemistry library. Royal Society of Chemistry has done well by asking Hayward to author this text.

Great book that thoroughly yet concisely explains the topic in a readable manner.

Excellent coverage of difficult material

just what was needed