Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Advanced Spectroscopy (C OPTION)
Code CHEM451
Coordinator Dr H Arnolds
Chemistry
Heike.Arnolds@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

Aims

This is an advanced module that aims to introduce the student to modern spectroscopic techniques and their applications in materials characterisation. Emphasis is given to three techniques, which are currently most important to chemical research both in industry and academia. The students should be able to understand the basic physical principles of these techniques and to decide which combination of techniques is best employed to tackle a particular problem of materials characterisation.

The module will deal in-depth with

- vibrational spectroscopies (infrared reflection absorption, attenuated total internal reflection and surface enhanced Raman) and their application to the study of molecules at surfaces relevant to materials characterisation, heterogeneous catalysis and nanoscience;

- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and its application to determine the chemical composition of interfaces.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Successful students should have gained an in-depth understanding of a range of advanced spectroscopies and be able to explain the physical principles of these spectroscopies, analyse spectra and be able to discuss their suitability to address certain problems of materials characterisation.

(LO2) Successful students should be able to explain surface vibrational spectroscopy (infrared absorption and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy), interpret spectra and apply selection rules to determine the orientation of molecules at surfaces.

(LO3) Successful students should be able to explain X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, interpret spectra and deduce surface chemical composition based on quantitative and qualitative analysis

(LO4) Successful students should be able to critically compare different methods of spectroscopy and their suitability to tackle a particular problem in materials characterisation

(LO5) Successful students should be able to critically evaluate the use of spectroscopy to support scientific conclusions based on literature

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Numeracy/computational skills - Problem solving

(S3) Information skills - Critical reading


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of 16 asynchronous 50-minute lectures supported by 6 in-person workshops.

A 2 hour Workshop on spectral analysis is used to bridge the gap between assessment-style and real-world problems - the students will use CasaXPS (the standard software for analysing XPS spectra) to analyse a given data set.

There are 3 sets of tutorial style questions that will be set during the Semester and assessed, to count 20% of the final mark. Solutions and common mistakes will be discussed during workshops and general feedback given to the whole class.


Syllabus

 

1. Introduction to surface-sensitive spectroscopy (1 lecture)
2. Infrared spectroscopy (6 lectures)
3. Raman and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (4 lectures)
4. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (5 lectures)


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           16

14

30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 40
TOTAL HOURS 70

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
This exam will be completed remotely. The normal length of this exam is 2 hours. Students will be allowed an additional hour to upload their solutions.  180 minutes    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
3 extended problem sets  estimated time for c    20