Module CHEM3137: MOLECULES AND THEIR INTERACTIONS

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3137: MOLECULES AND THEIR INTERACTIONS

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

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

Content

• Intermolecular forces: electrostatic; induction; dispersion; repulsion.
• Molecular excited states: electronic spectroscopy, fluorescence and phosphorescence.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the nature of intermolecular forces and their consequences for the properties of gas and liquids;
• use the equations for intermolecular forces in quantitative calculations;
• 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.

• Problem solving, developed through practice;
• information retrieval and scientific writing, exercised through assignments for workshops;
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

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

• Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
• Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature.
• Workshops are 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.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through examinations. Examinations test students' ability to work under pressure under timed conditions, to prepare for examinations and direct their own programme of revision and learning, and develop key time management skills. The examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Set work for workshops.