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 Functional Organic Materials
Code CHEM241
Coordinator Dr TO McDonald
Chemistry
Thomas.Mcdonald@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

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

CHEM130 CHEM130 Introductory Organic Chemistry 

Aims

The aims of this module are to:
• Provide students with an understanding of how synthetic polymers are synthesised and characterised.
• Enable students to understand the relationship between the structure and properties of organic materials.
• Develop knowledge on some important characterisation techniques used for organic materials.
• Give the students an insight into some of the organic materials research ongoing at the University of Liverpool.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students should be able to; name common monomers and polymers, describe different synthetic routes to produce polymers and discuss basic characterisation of synthetic polymers.

(LO2) Students will be able to understand how to characterise organic crystalline and porous materials.

(LO3) Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of how functional organic materials are synthesised, and show an understanding of the relationship between the structure and properties of a material.

(LO4) Students will be able to outline how to design materials for specific applications.

(S1) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S2) Numeracy (application of) manipulation of numbers, general mathematical awareness and its application in practical contexts (e.g. measuring, weighing, estimating and applying formulae)

(S3) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal

(S4) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the essentials facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to functional organic materials

(S5) The ability to recognise and analyse problems and plan strategies for their solution


Teaching and Learning Strategies

32 lectures (divided into 64 standalone video recordings) covering the core content of the module, supported by three in-person workshops and two items of problem-based coursework.

In addition to the lectures, students will be required to undertake independent reading of the resources specified on the reading list.


Syllabus

 

* Polymer synthesis
* Polymer characterisation
* Synthesis of functional organic materials
* the use of scattering techniques to characterise organic materials
* the relationship between structure and properties in organic materials
* Designing organic materials for specific applications
The majority of content in this syllabus will be new to 2nd year chemistry students and will be building on understanding gained in CHEM130 and CHEM152.


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           32

6

38
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 112
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
One exam with problem-based questions. This exam will be completed remotely. The normal length of this exam is 3 hours. Students will be allowed an additional hour to upload their solutions.  240 minutes    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
two problem-based items of coursework. Standard UoL penalties apply for late submission.  Each assignment will    20