Module CHEM3411: CHEMICAL PHYSICS 3

Department: CHEMISTRY

CHEM3411: CHEMICAL PHYSICS 3

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

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

Excluded Combination of Modules

• 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

• Introduction to organometallic chemistry.
• Statistical thermodynamics.
• Transition-state theory and its applications.
• Polymers and colloids.
• Dissertation.
• Applied spectroscopy.

Learning Outcomes

• Have an appreciation of the chemistry of low oxidation state transition metal compounds and the ability to predict structure and reactions from the electron distributions;
• 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 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;
• explain and predict the effects of chemical structure on the glass transition temperature;
• calculate the extent of cross linking the rubbers from mechanical properties;
• explain and apply the principles governong adsorption phenomena and the formation of aggregates in solution;
• interpret simple 2D NMR spectra and use the evidence in the elucidation of molecular structure using a combination of techniques.

• 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.

• 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

• Lectures are used to convey concepts and are examined by written papers. This is thought to be the best method to asses the knowledge of the students.
• The dissertation provides students with the oppertunity to evaluate a small part of the scientific literature and to present their findings.
• Workshops are larger groups of students where probems are considered and common difficulties shared. This ensures that students have understood thw work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Set work 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