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CHE-20095 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

CHE-20095 - Material Properties and Nanoscience
Coordinator: Peter Matthews Room: LJ0.19 Tel: +44 1782 7 33188
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module expands your understanding of solid-state chemistry into a study of the physical behaviours of materials and their response to physical, chemical and electronic stimuli, and examines how these behaviours change as materials transition in size from the macroscopic to the nanometre scale. You will gain familiarity with nanomaterial characterisation methods and apply this understanding to interpret, process and critically analyse datasets from spectroscopic and nano-characterisation techniques 

Aims
This module aims to develop the principles of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry introduced at FHEQ Level 4 and covers the physical properties of bulk materials and introduces nanoscience, with an aim of developing students understanding of the relationships between nanoscale structure and bulk properties in a range of materials. Students will gain understanding of the key measurable properties of materials such as magnetism and phase behaviour, their relationship to nanoscale structuring, and will critically evaluate methods for measuring and quantifying these phenomena.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe, interpret and predict physical properties of materials: 1,2
communicate effectively how a material's design can influence its physical properties: 1,2
Critically evaluate, apply and interpret theoretical models for magnetism within materials: 1,2
describe and explain the chemistry of nanomaterials: 1,2
critically evaluate methods for analysing the properties of materials: 1,2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
Interactive Lectures: 24
Workshops: 12
Independent Study, revision and coursework completion: 114

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 50%
Problem Solving Assignment
A series of problem-solving exercises on the topic of material properties and nanoscience, equivalent to ~2500 words. Answers will involve the analysis, interpretation and application of models and concepts, and require the location and extraction of information and experimental data from peer-reviewed sources

2: Project weighted 50%
Analysis Project
You will be presented with a series of experimental and theoretical data related to the properties of a material. You will analyse and interpret this data and use it to develop a solution to a company's specific needs. You will write a report equivalent to ~2,500 words.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025