This is a core module for both the MChem Chemistry BSc Chemistry courses. It takes forward the themes of atomic and molecular electronic structure, photochemistry and spectroscopy that were introduced in the previous modules and develops a more rigorous theoretical footing. In addition important concepts of surface chemistry are developed through the study of various surface phenomena such as adsorption, micellisation and heterogeneous catalysis. The inorganic part of the module focuses on ligands with multiple donor atoms and their complexes, with particular reference to bioinorganic chemistry and some application in supramolecular chemistry.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module content will be delivered via lectures and blended learning workbooks. These sources will be supported by workshops to consolidate, enrich and develop the core material. The module will include eight three hour and seven two hour practical sessions including wet and dry labs, in some of which students will work in pairs to promote team work. Practical reports and assignment work will help to develop problem-solving and communication skills. Workshops will be based around problem solving and include formative assessment tasks with peer and self marking as well as formal feedback opportunities form staff. Use of online formative self assessment will also be made periodically through the module to guide and support learning.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 44 one-hour lectures 22 one-hour workshops 38 hours practical | 104 |
| Guided independent study | Recommended reading Formative assessment Summative assessment tasks Exam revision | 196 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Coursework assessment comprises a coursework portfolio for inorganic chemistry and a second for physical chemistry, each being comprised of a written assignment, a practical report and some continuous assessment as outlined below. There will be early (problem-solving) formative workshop assignments in both inorganic and physical chemistry, to provide feedback on students' progress and to highlight any weaknesses. The laboratory experiments will be continuously assessed on the basis of lab book entries, as well as a final summative report.
A tutor-marked summative assignment of physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry will allow students to practice exam style questions and develop expertise and understanding of aspects of the taught material. Some online continuous assessment of inorganic chemistry will also take place.
The formal examination comprises two independent halves. These will assess the students' understanding and problem-solving skills via long and short answer questions. Inorganic and physical chemistry topics will be examined separately.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Critically discuss the role of metal species in biological systems and the validity of the use of model compounds as mimics and pharmaceuticals; | Workshop (formative exercises) Formal Examination |
| 2) Discuss and solve problems related to the synthesis, structure and properties of group 13 – 15 compounds, transition metal organometallic compounds and supramolecular systems | Workshops (online summative exercises), formative and summative coursework or summative Formal Examination |
| 3) Describe, analyse and interpret electronic structure, spectra and photochemistry of atoms and molecules in terms of various theoretical models and ideas in order to deduce and explain their fundamental properties | Opportunity for formative assessment will be provided in workshops and online self assessments. Summative assessment will be through the end of module examination and in a written assignment |
| 4) Apply the techniques and methods studied to routine and non-routine chemical problems, in various situations | Formative assessment will be provided in problem solving workshops and online self assessments. Summative assessment will be through the end of module examination and in a written assignment |
| 5) Design and carry out experiments to measure and subsequently interpret data, using techniques and concepts directly or indirectly related to those developed elsewhere in the module | Practical work will be assessed through the students laboratory notebook and reporting skills via the submission of formal laboratory reports |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Examination paper A (Inorganic Chemistry) | Written Examination | 30% |
| Examination Paper B (Physical Chemistry) | Written Examination | 30% |
| Coursework Portfolio A (Inorganic Chemistry) | Coursework | 20% |
| Coursework Portfolio B (Physical Chemistry) | Coursework | 20% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module. However, in order to gain an accredited BSc Chemistry degree students must attain an aggregate mark of 40% (comprising examination and coursework marks weighted as above) in both the Inorganic Chemistry and the Physical Chemistry halves of the module.
Shriver and Atkins' Inorganic Chemistry, Atkins, Overton, Rourke, Weller, Armstrong, Latest edition, Oxford University Press
Atkins and de Paula, "Atkins' Physical Chemistry", Latest Edition
Recommended Reading:
Hayward, "Quantum Mechanics for Chemists", Wiley-Interscience (2002)
Banwell & McCash "Fundamentals fo Molecular Spectroscopy" McGraw Hill (1994)
Supramolecular Chemistry, J. W. Steed and J. Atwood, latest Edition
Bioinorganic Chemistry: A survey, E-I Ochiai, Academic Press, 2008
Reactions and Characterisations of Solids, S. E. Dann, Wiley-Blackwell, 2003
Lanthanide and Actinide Chemistry, S. Cotton, Latest Edition