Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy In this course, we will delve into the foundations of quantum mechanics with an emphasis on atomic structure and molecular rotations, vibrations, and bonding. Approximation methods for multielectron atoms and molecules will be introduced, along with an examination of how spectroscopy provides insight into the microscopic world of molecules. Laboratory experiments, including UV-Vis absorption, infrared absorption, and visible emission spectroscopy, will deepen our understanding of molecular behavior. Additionally, basic computer coding will be introduced to facilitate quantum mechanical calculations and visualization of results. (any CHEM 200-level course; MATH 0122 or if you placed out of MATH 0122 based on high school work, any fall/spring MATH course numbered higher than 0122 or STAT course numbered 0201 or higher; PHYS 0108 or PHYS 0109) 3 hrs. Lect., 3 hrs. Lab

Thermodynamics and Kinetics for Chemical and Biological Sciences In this course students will learn the central ideas that frame thermodynamics and kinetics.  The application of these ideas to chemical, biological, and the environmental processes will be covered using examples such as refrigerators, heat pumps, fuel cells, bioenergetics, lipid membranes, and catalysts (including enzymes).  (CHEM 0203 Or CHEM 0205 Or CHEM 0211 Or CHEM 0231) 3 hrs lect., 1 hr disc.

Energy: Always and Everywhere Energy can be converted from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed. This fact of the universe is better known as the First Law of Thermodynamics. Scientifically we can define energy, and we will, but more importantly energy is one of the most essential needs for humanity. We will explore energy to understand our present world, humanity and what might become of the future. We will examine energy through readings and films at the atomic level (nuclear reactors and carbohydrates) all the way up to our macroscopic world (world economy and climate change). Our learning along the way will be placed in the context of political, social economic and environmental goals.

General Chemistry II In this course, we will cover introductory chemistry topics including chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibria, chemical thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Lab work includes inorganic synthesis, qualitative analysis, and quantitative analysis in kinetics, acid-base and redox chemistry. Students may only enroll in this course if they have previously taken and passed CHEM 0103. This course will be offered for the last time in Spring 2026.

Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Laboratory In this course students will carry out experiments in the field of inorganic and physical chemistry and write journal-style reports based on their results.  In the first half of the semester students will conduct a multi-step synthesis and characterization of a Mo-Mo complex with a quadruple bond.  Students will learn inert atmosphere synthetic techniques and how to use a glove box.  The synthesized Mo-Mo complex will be characterized by UV-Vis, IR, 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopies, and cyclic voltammetry.  In the second half of the semester students will conduct two physical chemistry experiments.  First students will carry out a kinetic study of the  isomerization of the  Mo-Mo (alpha to beta or beta to alpha) complex by UV-Vis spectroscopy.  Finally, students will obtain the high-resolution IR spectra of acetylene and deuterated acetylene and analyze the rotation-vibration spectra using statistical and quantum mechanics to obtain structural data and interpret the peak intensities.  In addition to the laboratory activities, there will be lectures on metal quadruple bonds, principles of UV-Vis , IR, 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, and statistical mechanics.

Advanced General Chemistry This course is a one-semester alternative to one year of general chemistry (CHEM 0103 and CHEM 0104). It is open to all students who have received a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement test in Chemistry. Students who have two or more years of high school chemistry without AP credit may enroll with permission of the instructor. Topics will be drawn from the traditional general chemistry curriculum, but discussed in greater detail with a more thorough mathematical treatment. Special emphasis will be placed on chemical bonding, coordination chemistry, and real world research in chemistry.

Instrumental Analysis In this course we will learn fundamental concepts of analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, and scientific writing. Lecture topics include experimental design and quality control; sample collection and preparation; calibration, error, and data analysis; statistics; and the theory and operation of chemical instrumentation. Multi-week laboratory projects provide hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis using a variety of research-quality instrumentation (e.g., UV/Vis spectrophotometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). Writing workshops promote professional scientific writing skills through guided practice in writing analysis, peer review, and revision. (CHEM 0204 or CHEM 0242) 3 hr. lect., 6 hrs. lab.

World of Chemistry Science and technology greatly contribute to our happy and long lives. The goal of this course is to learn how chemistry impacts our daily lives in common and extraordinary ways. After learning basic concepts of elements, atoms, and molecules, we will explore topics in energy (nuclear, solar, batteries, fuel cells, fossil fuels, and metabolism), environmental issues (acid rain, global warming, and ozone depletion), health (food and drug), synthetic material, and art (color, forgery detection, and art restoration).

AJ Vasiliou

Reviews and ratings for AJ Vasiliou at Middlebury College.AJ Vasiliou teaches Quantum Chemistry/Spectroscopy, Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Energy: Always and Everywhere and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is AJ Vasiliou good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This class was very challenging for me, it was much more physics and math heavy than I had anticipated. AJ is clearly very intelligent and knows a lot about thermodynamics, but her teaching style is very disorganized and hard to follow. It was challenging to understand what she was talking about and to connect the theoretical aspect of lectures to real problems in the problem sets. The exams were all take home, so that made the class more manageable. 

I was surprisingly disappointed with this class. I had Professor Vasiliou for Gen Chem and she was great, but she just didn't seem motivated to teach this class. She rarely answered a question directly, and had a tendency to go on long tangents about broad issues only distantly related to the material. I just wish we had covered more actual content of thermodynamics and kinetics in class to prepare us for the exams.

I didn't find that AJ was always the best at explaining topics, but she was very kind and knowledgable about the material. You just really have to push to get answers to your questions. But I found the exams quite easy, and so was the grading! Not a course to worry about.