CHE-20004: Physical Chemistry

To develop, expand upon and connect fundamental principles in physical chemistry to provide a deeper insight into the physical basis and behaviour of chemical systems.
To develop complex data processing and analysis skills.
To develop experimental and analytical laboratory skills
To develop problem solving and scientific writing skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe the electrostatic interactions present in electrolyte solutions and the phenomena these interactions give rise to.
will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 4
Apply and evaluate theories of electrolyte solutions through experiment and problem solving. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4
Describe the principal features of quantum system and explain how quantum mechanics accounts for selected phenomena. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 4
Explain the meanings of the terms in the Schrodinger equation and describe the principal features of its solution for some model atomic and molecular systems.
will be achieved by assessments: 1, 4
Describe and explain the statistical basis of the distribution of molecules amongst molecular energy levels.
will be achieved by assessments: 1, 4
Calculate and interpet translational, rotational and vibrational partition functions and thermodynamic quantiies using theoretcial equations form statistical thermodynamics.
will be achieved by assessments: 1, 4
Analyse the symmetry properties of molecules using group theory to predict and relate molecular structure and spectra. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 4
Write a concise and coherent laboratory report that displays appropriate professional standards of writing, referencing and presentation in chemistry. will be achieved by assessments: 2
Prepare and deliver an effective, professional oral presentation to a specialist audience. will be achieved by assessments: 3

Study hours

Lectures: 20 hours
Class tests: 2 hours
Laboratory practicals and problem classes: 36 hours
Independent study, report and oral presentation preparation: 92 hours

Description of Module Assessment

01: Class Test weighted 20%

In-class tests
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 data analysis/evaluation and compliance with standards of writing, referencing and presentation in chemistry.

03: Oral Presentation weighted 15% (min pass mark of 40)

Oral presentation (~10-15 minutes)
Presentations will be submitted electronically via the VLE for assessment against explicit criteria. Students will receive feedback on their presentations in sufficient time to enable them to act on the feedback prior to delivering the presentation. The delivery of the oral presentation will be assessed against explicit criteria and combined with the initial assessment of the presentation to arrive at an overall mark.

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

2-hour unseen examination
Consists of two equally weighted sections with degree of choice in each: Section A short answer questions (10 marks); Section B long questions (25 marks).

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

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