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CHE-30076 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

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

CHE-30076 - Semiconductors and Catalysts: Materials for Sustainability
Coordinator: Peter Matthews Room: LJ0.19 Tel: +44 1782 7 33188
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
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

CHE-30058

Description for 2025/26

In this 15 credit module you will cover solid state and surface chemistry, with an introduction to heterogeneous catalysis. The module builds on material that you have been taught at FHEQ Level 5, and provides an introduction to modern materials chemistry, including the characterisation and design of materials for specific applications.
Materials chemistry can provide the solution to many of the world's energy problems. Semiconductors are the key growth area for the materials world, both academically and industrially. They provide the backbone to electronics in all portable devices and offer the fastest route to decarbonisation through photovoltaics. In this module you will learn the solid state chemistry principles behind these materials and how they are prepared and characterised on both laboratory and industry scales. You will also learn about porous materials and their applications to modern catalysis.

Aims
This module aims to develop the principles of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry introduced at FHEQ Level 5 and covers basic solid state and surface chemistry, together with an introduction to porous materials.

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate systematically and critically the chemical, physical and structural properties of various materials and solid surfaces: 1,2
communicate effectively how defects in solid structures can affect the properties of bulk materials: 1,2
evaluate critically methods for analysis of solid materials and surfaces and apply these principles to solve problems: 1,2
describe and explain the correlation between bonding in solids and their structures, and derive band structures for metals, insulators and semiconductors: 1,2

Study hours

Lectures and Workshops: 24 hours
Guided independent study and revision: 126 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exercise weighted 50%
Analysis and Reporting Exercise
In this exercise you will be presented with a series of experimental data and observations related to an industrial semiconductor or catalysis process. You will evaluate this data and determine how to improve the process. You will present your findings in a report equivalent to ~2500 words.

2: Assignment weighted 50%
Problem Solving Assignment
A series of problem-solving exercises on the topic of semiconductors, 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

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