CHE-20059 - Physical and Structural Chemistry
Coordinator: Martin Hollamby Tel: +44 1782 7 33532
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Employing a variety of assessment methods, this module introduces students to a range of theoretical models that are able to account for many of the experimentally observed properties of quantum systems, f-block chemistry, electrolyte solutions, enzyme catalysis and inhibition, phases, macromolecular systems and the diffraction of x-rays by crystals.

Aims
This module aims to:
- develop a depth of knowledge and understanding of advanced physical and structural chemistry topics and concepts, including theoretical models that account for many of the experimentally observed phenomena and properties of a wide range of chemical systems.
- develop problem-solving skills through data retrieval, generation, processing, and analysis.
- develop experimental and analytical laboratory skills
- develop scientific writing and oral communication skills

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/che-20059/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

discuss, apply and evaluate theories of electrolyte solutions through problem solving and analysis of experimental data: 1
determine analytes and their associated standard deviations through problem solving and analysis of experimental data: 1
describe and explain the principles of quantum mechanics and the Schodinger equation, and apply these to the predict the behaviour of model atomic and molecular systems: 3
calculate molecular partition functions and selected thermodynamic quantities from physical and spectroscopic data, and interpret their values at the molecular level: 3
discuss and analyse kinetic models of enzyme catalysis and inhibition to predict their defining characteristics and to determine system parameters and the type of inhibition from experimental data: account for the reactivity and properties of the f-block elements and their compounds in terms of modern concepts in chemistry: apply physicochemical principles to describe, illustrate, explain, interpret and deduce selected properties associated with physical equilibria for pure substances, ideal and non-ideal mixtures: 3
discuss, apply and evaluate theoretical models of selected macromolecular systems and aggregates through problem solving and analysis of experimental data: 3
discuss, apply and evaluate theoretical models of x-ray diffraction phenomena through problem-solving and analysis of x-ray diffraction data to determine the elementary structures of crystalline materials: 3
use advanced features of spreadsheets to manipulate, model and analyse experimental data.: 1
describe and explain the bonding in electron deficient compounds and the application of Wade's rules.: 3
interpret nomenclature and describe the properties and methods of synthesis of main group organometallic compounds.: 3

Study hours

Active learning hours:
Lectures, assessment briefings, formative assessments and workshops: 69 hrs
Laboratory work: 33 hrs
Face-to-face interview: 15 min slot
Independent Study:
Coursework preparation: 100 hrs
Other independent study: 95 hrs
Exam: 3 hrs

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Coursework weighted 30%
Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet containing data and analysis for selected semester 1 practicals focussed on electrolyte and analytical chemistry (equivalent to 3000 words effort).

2: Practice Based Assessment weighted 30%
Practical based assessment (Semester 2)
Includes a professional lab report (effort equivalent to 2100 words) presenting the results from the "Enzymes" practical (70%), plus a 15-minute in-person interview and associated proforma (30%) stemming from a practical session focussed on f-block chemistry and X-ray diffraction. The interview will include questions on students' proforma answers, and one or more questions from a seen question bank.

3: Exam weighted 40%
Exam
An in-person, closed book exam of 3 hr duration for 100 marks with a degree of choice.