Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module CHEM3411: CHEMICAL PHYSICS 3

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3411: CHEMICAL PHYSICS 3

Type Level Credits Availability Module Cap Location
Tied 3 20 Available in 2005/2006 None. Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012) AND Properties of Molecules (CHEM2041).

Corequisites

  • Molecules and their Interactions (CHEM3041) AND Computational Chemistry (CHEM2061).

Excluded Combinations

  • Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012), Materials Chemistry (CHEM3051) AND Chemistry and Society (CHEM3061).

Aims

  • To develop the fundamentals presented in Core Chemistry 2 through in-depth discussion of selected areas of chemistry.

Content

  • Low oxidation-state transition-metal chemistry.
  • Isolobal relationships.
  • Statistical thermodynamics.
  • Transition-state theory and its applications.
  • Introductory polymer chemistry.
  • Dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • Have an appreciation of the chemistry of low oxidation state transition metal compounds and the ability to predict structure and reactions from the electron distribution.
  • use the isolobal analogy to relate different areas of chemistry.
  • describe the ideas of statistical thermodynamics and develop equations which allow the calculation of heat capacities, standard entropies and equilibrium constants.
  • describe the principles of transition state theory and to develop equations for rate constants and activation parameters.
  • use simple models to calculate the size of polymers and be able to calculate molecular weight averages and differentiate between the two major synthetic routes for polymers.
Subject-specific Skills
  • Interpret simple 2D NMR spectra and use this evidence in the elucidation of molecular structure using a combination of techniques.
  • carry out advanced experimental work in physical chemistry using modern equipment.
Key Skills
  • Demonstrate key skills in information retrieval, scientific writing, oral presentation and discussion of scientific results.
  • demonstrate problem solving skills.

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

  • Facts and new concepts are introduced in the lecture courses.
  • These are backed up by workshops where the student attempts problems and is helped with difficulties.
  • Knowledge is tested by examination.
  • Practical work involves the use of complex experimental techniques and report writing.
  • The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to evaluate a small part of the scientific literature and to present their findings.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Lectures 35 Twice Weekly 1 Hour 35
Workshops 7 2-3 per Term 2 Hours 14
Practicals 8 Alternate Weeks 3 Hours 24
Preparation and Reading 127
Total 200

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Examination 60% examination Three hours 100%
Dissertation 25% dissertation 100%
Practical 15% practical 100%

Formative Assessment

A collection examination in the first week of the Epiphany Term. Workshop problems.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.