Molecular Interactions and Supramolecular Assembly
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CHEM4003 | Chemistry | 4 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- CHEM4003
- School
- Chemistry
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The module will provide a fundamental understanding of the nature of intermolecular forces, across a wide cross-section of subject areas, in particular with respect to their application from biology through to designed supramolecular chemical systems and materials. The module will present a firm theoretical foundation in the nature and thermodynamics of intermolecular forces, including solvation effects, template effects and co-operativity, as well as kinetic factors at play in theses phenomena. This will be illustrated with examples of molecular organisation, assembly and recognition in biological and supramolecular systems in solution and at interfaces. In addition to appreciating the rich chemistry underlying self-assembling systems, students will gain an insight into fundamental quantitative aspects of a variety of physical phenomena that impact on the properties of materials, stability of assemblies, effects of solvation and solubility, complex assemblies and ligand interactions in biology.
Target Students
MSci Chemistry OR MSci Medicinal and Biological Chemistry OR MSci Chemistry and Molecular Physics ORMSci Biochemistry and Biological ChemistryOR Natural Sciences AND Level 4 students.
Classes
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 12 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): 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.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
Understand fundamental aspects of the nature of intermolecular forces, in particular hydrogen bonding, aromatic interactions and ion-dipole interactions across a wide cross-section of chemical systemsfrom biology through to supramolecular self-assembling systems and functional materials. The module will present a firm theoretical foundation in the nature and thermodynamics of (strong and weak non-covalent) intermolecular forces illustrated with examples of molecular organisation, assembly and recognition in biological and supramolecular systems. The topography and topology of molecules and their influence on assembly will be known. The concept of templates and their various guises in Chemistry will be understood, and their use in solution and at interfaces will be appreciated. In addition to being introduced to the rich chemistry underlying self-assembling systems, students will gain an insight into fundamental quantitative aspects of a variety of physical phenomena that impact on the properties of materials and important interactions in biology. Students will also be introduced to the range of experimental techniques used to study supramolecular systems and what information can be obtained from each technique.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
1. Understand the thermodynamic basis for molecular interactions in solution and the nature and contribution of solvophobic effects and entropic considerations in molecular organisations.
2. The fundamentals of molecular self-organisation, from the concepts of order and information to the programming of molecular assemblies in solution and at interfaces.
Intellectual Skills:
1. Application of the above to deal with problems from the relevant areas of chemistry.
Professional/Practical Skills:
1. Ability to interpret experimental data.
Transferable/Key Skills:
1. Problem Solving, written communication skills.