Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module CHEM4361: CORE CHEMISTRY 4D

Department: Chemistry

CHEM4361: CORE CHEMISTRY 4D

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2018/19 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to F102
Tied to F111

Prerequisites

  • Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) AND two from [Inorganic Concepts and Applications (CHEM3097), OR Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM3117) OR Molecules and their Interactions (CHEM3137)] AND two from [Practical Chemistry 3 - Inorganic (CHEM3107) OR Practical Chemistry 3 - Organic (CHEM3127) OR Practical Chemistry 3 - Physical (CHEM3147)].

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 and chemical physics.
  • This 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

  • A - Supramolecular Chemistry
  • B - Nanoscale Chemistry
  • C - Zeolites: Synthesis, Characterization and Industrial Applications
  • I - Medicinal Chemistry I - Drug design, discovery and development
  • J - Advanced Polymer Synthesis
  • K - Molecular Machines
  • R - Advanced Molecular Spectroscopy
  • S - Molecular Reaction Dynamics
  • T - Macromolecular Physical Chemistry
  • [*Each student will follow six of the nine components. The choice will depend on modules taken at level-3 and student choice.].

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • After completing the relevant distance learning courses, students should be able to:
  • A1 - Understand the role of non-covalent bonding in producing molecular receptors and host-guest systems;
  • B1 - Understand the relationship between the size or scale of an assembly and the bulk properties of a material;
  • C1 - Describe the role played by zeolites in industrial systems;
  • I1 - Classify drugs according to their site and mode of action and critically discuss the relationships between structure and activity;
  • I2 - Describe methods by which drugs may be discovered and optimised;
  • J1 - Describe and distinguish between the major synthetic routes to polymer molecules;
  • J2 - Understand the relative merits and limitations of each synthetic route and suggest suitable strategies for the synthesis of key polymer classes;
  • K1 - Discuss the common building blocks and design strategies used to make mechanically interlocked molecules and sterically overcrowded olefin rotors;
  • K2 - Describe the relationships between chemical structures, applied stimuli and molecular motions in the context of molecular machines;
  • R1 - Explain how energy flows between degrees of freedom of a molecule;
  • R2 - Understand the role of spectroscopy in determining structure, excited state properties and dynamics;
  • S1 - Explain how differential cross sections are related to rate constants and how they can be measured;
  • S2 - Deduce the qualitative outcome of a reaction from the key features of the potential energy surface and vice versa;
  • S3 - Calculate and explain how reaction exothermicity is proportioned amongst the internal states of reaction products;
  • T1 - Understand the relationship between polymer structure, dynamics and material properties;
  • T2 - Understand how interactions between polymers affect their phase behaviour in blends
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key 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 courses. The material is delivered by distance learning which enhances independent learning.
      • Students' knowledge and understanding is tested by examination.
      • Undergraduates are aided in the learning process by workshops where they attempt sample problems.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Seminars 4
      Fieldwork 36
      Office Hours 6
      Preparation and Reading 154
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Written examination Three hours 100%

      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