I took p-chem (the quantum chemistry portion) for fun during post-bac--I reasoned, when else would I get a chance to learn quantum mechanics? (which is what the quantum chemistry half of p-chem covers). And quantum mechanics sure isn't a topic that lends itself to self-instruction.
Anyway, I really enjoyed the class. It definitely takes effort (less if you're very mathematically inclined, more if you're not--or are normal). And not to mention the amount of scratch paper it takes (start holding onto used computer paper--I went through a fairly large stack!).
I'm good at math, but I had only taken two quarters of calculus and it had been five years previous to p-chem. If you aren't a math supergenius, pick up a "Mathematics for Physical Chemistry" type of book. I bought one and it helped a lot.
The book you use makes a big difference too. McQuarrie and Simon is generally regarded as one of, if not the, the best texts for p-chem. It is probably the best for the quantum chemistry portion in particular (you can tell a text is good when it has no color figures... which sadly is often true!). If you're instructor doesn't use it, I'd recommend taking a look at it, or other texts, on Amazon.
I've found that often instructors choose lousy texts, usually because of two things: 1) They are used to it and have stuck with it for forveber and don't want to change, or 2) It has good homework problems--which is great, but it doesn't help much when you're trying to read an unclear chapter without many examples.
Anyway, best of luck, and I hope you enjoy the course!
