>>12338586Coming from someone who did his undergrad research mainly in computational chemistry, its pretty difficult. Learning the prerequisites via pchem makes it so much easier than diving straight into it. After I finished my quantum pchem class, things started clicking much faster/easier. McQuarrie's book (big red) is easily the best reference you can get for general pchem (maybe some phd in the comments here will roast me for this but it was great for me). Afterwards you can dive into computationally focused books:
- modern quantum chemistry szabo (standard graduate book)
- Exploring Chemistry with Electronic Structure Methods (much easier read, can def read this without pchem knowledge)
- Jensens computational book is also a good reference.
Ultimately there are a lot of books, I referenced these but pick and choose on your own volition.
Try to have linear algeb and diff eq under your belt, makes it much easier. learn to use latex too for document creation!!! word sucks :(
Gonna talk out of my ass here (since I did very little research work for these subjects outside of lab classes) but outside of pchem, I think its harder to get an appreciation for chem without lab experience. Fundamental/theoretical knowledge is good to have but you need to work with your hands/move forward with protocols. (Orgo, analytical (need to know instrumentation), biochem and so on)
