CHE-20065 - Physical and Structural Chemistry (Combined Honours)
Coordinator: Martin Hollamby Tel: +44 1782 7 33532
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of FHEQ level 4 Chemistry or equivalent.

Barred Combinations

CHE-20081

Description for 2023/24

This module introduces a range of theoretical models that can account for many of the experimentally observed properties of quantum systems, f-block chemistry, electron deficient compounds, main group organometallics, electrolyte solutions 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-20065/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

discuss, apply and evaluate theories of electrolyte solutions through problem solving and analysis of experimental data: 1
calculate molecular partition functions and selected thermodynamic quantities from physical and spectroscopic data, and interpret their values at the molecular level: 3
account for the reactivity and properties of the f-block elements and their compounds in terms of modern concepts in chemistry: 2
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: 2,3
use advanced features of spreadsheets to manipulate, model and analyse experimental data: 1
describe and explain the principles of quantum mechanics and the Schrodinger equation, and apply these to the predict the behaviour of model atomic and molecular systems: 3
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 and workshops: 39 hrs
Laboratory work: 17 hrs
Independent Study:
Coursework preparation: 52 hrs
Other independent study: 39 hrs
Exam: 3 hrs

School Rules

Successful completion of FHEQ level 4 Chemistry or equivalent.

Description of Module Assessment

1: Coursework weighted 40%
Spreadsheet
Spreadsheet containing data and analysis for selected semester 1 practicals focussed on electrolyte chemistry (equivalent to 2000 words effort).

2: Oral Exam weighted 15%
Face-to-face interview
15-minute in-person interview and associated proforma 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 45%
Exam
An in-person, closed book exam of 3 hr duration for 100 marks with a degree of choice.