CHE-20002: Spectroscopic Methods

1. To develop, expand upon and connect fundamental principles of spectroscopic techniques and their application to organic and inorganic molecules.
2. To develop complex problem solving skills through data retrieval, generation and analysis.
3. To develop experimental and analytical laboratory skills

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe and explain the theoretical principles behind spectroscopic techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; x-ray diffraction; mass spectrometry; and molecular, rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy and the reasons for the observed phenomena. will be achieved by assessments: 1,4
Explain the principles of the application of mass spectrometry to determine the structure of organic molecules.
will be achieved by assessments: 1,3,4
Predict and interpret detailed features (chemical shift, coupling patterns, integration, and abundance) of spin-1/2 NMR spectra in organic and inorganic molecules. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
Describe and apply the use of crystallography and x-ray diffraction to determine the structure of crystalline solids.
will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,4
Analyse high resolution vibrational, rotational and electronic spectra of small linear molecules to determine selected molecular parameters. will be achieved by assessments: 1,3,4
Apply theoretical principles to interpret vibrational spectra of molecules and molecular ions in terms of molecular structure.
will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
Analyse and interpret spectral data obtained from various techniques (mass spectrometry; X-ray Diffraction; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, IR, UV-visible, Raman and Fluorescence spectroscopies; elemental analysis) to determine molecular structures. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
Communicate the results and interpretation of a practical investigation in a word processed formal laboratory report that complies with scientific writing conventions and standards. will be achieved by assessments: 2
Locate, analyse and apply information from literature, chemical databases, and scientific journal articles. will be achieved by assessments: 2,3

Study hours

Lectures: 22 hours
Class Tests: 2 hours
Laboratory practicals, problem classes and data handling work: 36 hours
Independent study, preparation of course work: 90 hours

Description of Module Assessment

01: Class Test weighted 20%

In-class Tests
Short class tests (~2 hours in total spread across the semester) employing a variety of questions styles, seen and unseen.

02: Laboratory Report weighted 15% (min pass mark of 40)

1000 word laboratory report
Word-processed laboratory report (1000 words) based on one of the laboratory practicals and assessed for scientific content/insight, quality of spectral data and interpretation, standard of presentation, referencing and scientific writing, use of appropriate data sources, and incorporation of appropriate spectral data in electronic form.

03: Laboratory Assessment weighted 15% (min pass mark of 40)

Generation and interpretation of a variety of spectroscopic data and submission of proforma
Students will carry out analysis of spectral data and complete proforma reports describing results.

04: Unseen Exam weighted 50% (min pass mark of 35)

2-hours unseen examination
The paper is split into two sections with a degree of choice in each section: Part A short answer questions, Part B long answer questions.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.