Distance Learning Physical Chemistry
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CHEM3007 | Chemistry | 3 | 10 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- CHEM3007
- School
- Chemistry
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
Potential energy surfaces. Boltzmann distribution. Collisional activation. Simple collision theory and the Arrhenius equation. Vibrational modes. Partition functions. RRK and transition state theory. Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Huckel theory. Hartree-Fock theory. Basis sets. Electron correlation. Density functional theory. Calculation of infrared spectra. Relationship between structure and properties of solids. Structure of Solids: Common structural types reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zones Electronic Structure: Sommerfield model, Fermi energy, Femi-Dirac distribution, Electronic conductivity, Band Structure, Nearly free electron model, Tight binding model. Metals, Semi-metals, Semi-conductors, Insulators. Characterization: X-ray spectroscopies, photoelectric effect. Semi-conductors: intrinsic, extrinsic, optical properties, photoconductivity, junctions, devices, LEDs, solar cells.
Target Students
MSci Hons Chemistry with a Year in Industry OR MSci Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with an Assessed Year in Industry AND for Level 3 students.BSc Hons Chemistry with Industry or Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Apprentices.
Classes
This module contains: 40 hours of e-learning material and self-directed study; 2 hours of vidcons; 6 hours for coursework. The lecture material is self-directed online study, with points throughout the year at which certain topics should be completed. This is to meet with timetabled vidcons which will be online via Microsoft Teams while at employer sites.
Assessment
- 33% Coursework 1: Assessed Problem Sheet - Electronic submission of answers to problem-based piece of coursework. Second re-assessment: If a further re-assessment is allowed by satisfying the conditions of Undergraduate Course Regulation 19, the form of the further re-assessment for this module will be 100% coursework.
- 34% Coursework 2: Assessed Problem Sheet - Electronic submission of answers to problem based piece of coursework
- 33% Coursework 3: Assessed Problem Sheet - Electronic submission of answers to problem based piece of coursework.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To provide a fundamental understanding of molecular structure and the requirements for reactivity and how these can be determined using modern electronic structure theory. To extend knowledge of solid-state chemistry, in particular to describe models for the electronic structure of solids, and to demonstrate the relationship between structure and magnetic, electric and optical properties of solids.Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Understand a range of models for the electronic structure of materials and how the electronic structure of solids impacts on useful properties.
2. Use these models to explain electrical and optical phenomena, as well as the operation of devices such as solar cells and LEDs.
3. Understand the information contained in a simple potential energy contour plot.
4. Appreciate the need for collisional or photo activation in unimolecular reactions.
5. Describe the limitations in simple collision theory and how they lead to a more sophisticated understanding of reactivity.
6. Describe and understand different electronic structure methods including Huckel theory, Hartree-Fock theory and density functional theory.
7. Understand the electron correlation problem.
8. Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of different electronic structure methods.
9. Understand how theoretical methods can be used to model chemical reactions and spectroscopy.
Elements of the following knowledge, skills and behaviours will be built upon in this module:
- K1 The underlying scientific principles, principal theories, concepts and terminology of laboratory based experimentation, including laboratory techniques relevant to the specialist discipline.
- K2 The ways in which advanced science and technology is developed, established techniques of scientific enquiry and research methodologies.
- K3 The theoretical basis for application of the science relevant to one specialist discipline including how to apply this during experimental design and implementation of research programmes.
- B26 Manages time effectively, being able to plan and complete work to schedule.