Introduction to Computational Chemistry

Introduction to Computational Chemistry provides a foundational, introductory overview of this critical and important field designed to give students a clear and supportive pathway. It is intended to be a non-mathematics heavy introduction to the methods used in computational chemistry, together with information about how HPC-style computers are set up and utilized for performing calculations. It also provides novel insight into the computational chemist mentality: sometimes, the way computational chemists operate can seem strange to someone not yet immersed in the field. The book starts with a basic discussion of computer functionality through operating systems, system administration, and programming followed by a look at the key computational methods for electronic structure methods and molecular mechanics, hybrid methods, and solid-state materials. For each subject, essential non-mathematical information is first provided so that the reader can immediately begin to effectively use computational chemistry software. This introductory material is followed by a section that provides more theoretical information and then references for the reader wishing to go much deeper. Often this type of book overloads the reader with too much information; this one is set up in such a way as to quickly present essential information regarding the fundamental approaches and applications of computational chemistry to beginners in a down to earth and uncluttered manner, while providing the means and resources for more advanced readers to explore further. Introduction to Computational Chemistry is written primarily for upper level undergraduate and entry level graduate students completely new to the field of computational chemistry, with little background knowledge; the book is well suited to entry level courses at this level.