This is a core module for Chemistry degree courses. The module discusses the electrochemistry of ionic solutions including both strong and weak electrolytes; cell electrochemistry and the associated applications to chemical thermodynamics; phase equilibria and colligative properties; transition state theory of chemical reactions; complex reaction mechanisms and their kinetic analysis; an introduction to statistical thermodynamics and partition function; and the quantum mechanics and theory underlying both rotational (microwave) and vibrational (Infra-red and Raman) spectroscopies, including rigid rotor and centrifugal distortion models and both simple harmonic and anharmonic vibration models and their interactions.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Two concurrent lecture series of 24 lectures each will be used to deiver core material and to provide guidance for further study. These will be supported by workshops mainly intended to illustrate and practice the current lecture material and to allow opportunities for further discussion of the subject areas, including both formative and summative feedback on progress. The workshops will also be used to develop appropriate problem-solving skills with a strong emphasis on algebraic and numerical analysis and practising exam-style problems.
The practical classes will complement the taught material and will include both laboratory-based and computational investigations. They will provide guidance and experience of following written experimental procedures and developing investigative skills, as well as developing their skills in recording relevant events and data (via laboratory notebooks) and presenting more detailed reports. Analysis of the investigations will include empirical analysis, comparison with published data and predictive analysis (ie. comparison with theoretically-calculated values).
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 44 one-hour lectures 26 one-hour workshops 12 three-hour practical sessions | 106 |
| Guided independent study | Recommended reading Formative assessment tasks Summative assessment tasks Exam revision | 194 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The portfolio of laboratory reports (worth 10% of the overall module mark) consists of ten summatively assessed practical experiments and investigations, which will be recorded in situ using an online postlab reporting tool (accessible via the VLE ie. Canvas). Students will have the opportunity before the first summative assessment to carry out a formatively assessed laboratory based practical. For all practical experiments and investigations, feedback will be instantaneous for the main section of the postlab script, which will be used by individual students to record specific protocols, measured data and to carry out outline analysis of results. Further sections of the online postlab script will enable more advanced reporting including including comparison of results with data published in the scientific literature and will also be summatively assessed at regular intervals.
Workshop classes will provide formative assessment in the form of worked problems and occasional short (including MCQ) tests. Three staggered assignments (each worth 10% of the module mark) comprising the portfolio of assessments (thus worth 30% of the overall module mark) will be summatively assessed and will be designed to prepare students for the final examination, which will be of three hours duration and include a wide choice of questions.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Demonstrate their knowledge of the principles of phase equilibrium and be able to analyse the behaviour of one- and two-component systems. | Formative assessment in workshop class problems and short tests. Summative assessment in assignment and final examination. |
| 2) Discuss the properties of electrolyte solutions and other non-ideal systems. | Formative assessment in workshop class problems and short tests. Summative assessment in assignment and final examination. |
| 3) Analyse the behaviour of complex reaction mechanisms and chemical equilibrium via a combination of traditional and statistical thermodynamic approaches. | Formative assessment in workshop class problems and short tests. Summative assessment in assignment and final examination. |
| 4) Analyse and predict the rotational and vibrational spectroscopic properties of small molecules. | Formative assessment in workshop class problems and short tests. Summative assessment in laboratory reporting and final examination. |
| 5) Demonstrate the correct use of laboratory equipment appropriate to the above, and the reporting of experimental procedures and recording and analysis of results obtained. | Both initial formative and summative assessment through laboratory reporting. |
| 6) Demonstrate appropriate level 5 skills in written communication and presentation, numeracy, data collection and analysis including graphical and predictive analysis. | Formative assessment in workshop classes and in-class laboratory reporting. Summative assessment in laborating reporting, assignments and final examination. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio of assignments | Coursework | 30% |
| Portfolio of laboratory reports | Coursework | 10% |
| Written exam | Written exam | 60% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Laidler, Meiser and Sanctuary, "Physical Chemistry", current edition, Houghton Mifflin OR
Atkins and de Paula, "Elements of Physical Chemistry", 5th Edition, Freeman / OUP (2009)
Atkins and de Paula, "Atkins' Physical Chemistry", 9th Ed OUP, (2010)
Pilling and Seakins, "Reaction Kinetics", current edition, OUP
Hayward, "Quantum Mechanics for Chemists", RSC (2002)
Banwell and McCash, "Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy", current edition, McGraw-Hill