Michael Wedlock

Associate Professor

Chemistry

Contact

Email

mwedlock@gettysburg.edu

Phone

(717) 337 - 6254

Box

Campus Box 0393

Address

Science Center
Room 353
300 North Washington St.
Gettysburg, PA 17325-1400

Education

PhD The University of Chicago, 1993
MS The University of Chicago, 1987
BS Hope College, 1986
AA Jamestown Community College, 1984

RESEARCH INTERESTS: We study molecular photodissociation dynamics using resonance Raman spectroscopy. In this technique we use an ultraviolet laser to excite a molecule to an excited electronic state. Once the molecule is excited it will typically fall apart into smaller fragments. A tiny fraction of the molecules will scatter light rather than fragmenting and by measuring the wavelength of the light these molecules scatter we are able to learn about how the shape of the molecule is changing as it dissociates. Our recent work has focused on two types of molecules, disulfides and episulfides.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS: Adam Rinker, Christopher D. Halleman, Michael R. Wedlock, Photodissociation Dynamics of Dimethyl Disulfide. Chemical Physics Letters 414 (2005) 505-508.

Steven Gimbel and Michael R. Wedlock, Report on an Interdisciplinary Seminar in the Philosophy of Chemistry. Journal of Chemical Education 83 (2006) 880

Courses Taught

Study of fundamental chemical principles focusing on properties of matter and theories of chemical bonding, atomic and molecular structure and chemical reactions. This material will be taught through the lens of a specific theme and highlight applications to convey how chemistry is used to resolve current questions in science. Laboratory experiments are designed to offer a hands-on familiarity with the principles discussed in the lectures. Fall semester. Three class hours and one laboratory. Students registering for CHEM 107 must take the Chemistry Placement Exam.
Covers the fundamental principles of chemical reactivity, including kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry and thermodynamics. This material will be taught through the lens of a specific theme and highlight applications to convey how chemistry is used to resolve current questions in science. Laboratory work is designed to illustrate and complement materials discussed in class. Spring semester. Three class hours and one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 107 or CHEM 107 – I.
Study of the principles of classical and statistical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics as applied to the states of matter, chemical reactions and equilibria using lectures, readings, problems, discussions, and laboratory exercises. Computers are used as a tool for solving problems and for the analysis of experimental data. Fall semester. Three class hours, one discussion hour, and one laboratory. Fall semester. Prerequisites: CHEM 108, PHYS 110, and MATH 112 or permission of instructor.