Module CHEM3041: MOLECULES AND THEIR INTERACTIONS

Department: CHEMISTRY

CHEM3041: MOLECULES AND THEIR INTERACTIONS

Prerequisites

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012) AND EITHER Quantitative Chemistry (CHEM1031) OR approved Mathematics modules.

Corequisites

• Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) OR Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To advance the knowledge of colloids and interfaces, intermolecular interactions and electronic and vibrational spectroscopy.

Content

• Intermolecular forces: short and long range energies, classification of interactions.
• Colloids and interfaces: nature and preparation.
• Molecular excited states: electronic spectroscopy, fluorescence and phosphorescence.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the nature and quantitative aspects of intermolecular forces and apply this knowledge.
• Explain and apply the principles governing adsorption phenomena and the formation of aggregates in solution.
• Describe the theory behind rotation-vibration spectroscopy of polyatomic molecules, its applications and the experimental techniques involved.
• Describe the principles behind electronic spectroscopy and the relaxation of excited states, and display a knowledge of the range of applications available within each technique.

• Perform and discuss advanced laboratory experiments.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures are used to convey concepts and are examined by written papers. This is the best method to assess the knowledge of the students.
• Workshops are larger groups of students where problems are considered and common difficulties shared. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.
• Laboratory classes teach students techniques in various aspects of physical chemistry. They are continuously assessed so that the student can learn from one session to the next.
• The collection held in January is for students to assess their own learning and performance to improve their examination technique. It is an opportunity for them to assimilate the work completed in the first term. Papers are returned to students with model answers so that they can learn from the experience.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Collection (1 hour written exam in week 11). Set work, usually in preparation for workshops.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University