Module CHEM4361: CORE CHEMISTRY 4D

Department: Chemistry

CHEM4361: CORE CHEMISTRY 4D

Prerequisites

• Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) AND four from CHEM3021, CHEM3031, CHEM3041, CHEM3051, CHEM2051, CHEM2061.

Corequisites

• External Research Project (CHEM4375).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module builds on material taught at level-3 and provides an advanced overview of more specialised areas of chemistry.
• It is a distance learning module, supported by hard copy notes and associated assignments, which will be provided, Web based resources and a visit to Durham at the beginning of January.

Content

• Clusters, complexes and catalysts*: clusters; bioinorganic chemistry; organometallics in synthesis.
• Modern organic synthesis*: asymmetric synthesis; applied organic synthesis.
• Physical chemistry*: photochemistry; molecular reaction dynamics.
• [*Each student will follow two of the three components. The choice will depend on modules taken at level-3.].

Learning Outcomes

• After completing the relevant distance learning courses, students should be able to:
• rationalise the bonding and structures of electron-precise and electron-deficient clusters of main-group and transition metal elements;
• appreciate the role played by metals in biologically relevant systems;
• explain the role of non-metal and transition metal based reagents and catalysts in organic synthesis and make an informed judgment as to the most suitable reagent for a particular transformation;
• appreciate the problems involved in target synthesis of organic molecules, apply retrosynthetic analysis to their synthesis and make an informed judgement as to the most suitable reagent for a particular transformation;
• describe and explain strategies for the synthesis of enantiopure compounds;
• rationalise known synthetic routes to complex organic molecules;
• appreciate the role of lasers in photochemistry;
• explain how differential cross sections are related to rate constants and how they can be measured;
• deduce the qualitative outcome of a reaction from the key features of the potential energy surface and vice versa;
• calculate and explain how reaction exothermicity is proportioned amongst the internal states of reaction products;
• explain the link between the detailed gas phase properties and averaged observables in gas and solution phase reactions.
• describe the individual steps in charge transfer and chemical reactions and describe how they can be observed.
• calculate electron transfer rate constants from experimental data.

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. The lecture material is delivered by distance learning which enhances independent learning.
• Students' knowledge is tested by examination.
• Undergraduates are aided in the learning process by workshops where they attempt sample problems and office hours where staff are available to answer any queries about the lecture courses.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Four written assignments to be submitted electronically during the Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms. Workshop problems.

■ 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