Selected topics will be introduced to students who then will develop and present topical aspects in seminar sessions. These research texts and peer reviewed articles concern the large field of optical spectroscopies and its applications, both in theory and experiment. The applications in the field of chemistry, materials science, biology and even medicine will be discussed.

The topics include cutting edge techniques in advanced experimental and theoretical research in the field of optical spectroscopies. The range is vast: from fine details of highly resolved microwave, IR, visible and ultraviolet spectra of small compounds in the gas phase to time resolved techniques of spectroscopic measurements in complex systems of high spectral density in chemistry and biology.

Capability to understand introductory research text. Development of skills to independently improve the knowledge in physical chemistry in general and spectroscopy in particular, on the basis of published research. Extract information and present it in a seminar. Capability to critically analyze published data.

Principles of optical spectroscopies (UV-visible, infrared, Raman and Fluorescence spectroscopies). Observables and limitations of the techniques.