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 INTRODUCTORY SPECTROSCOPY
Code CHEM170
Coordinator Prof R Raval
Chemistry
R.Raval@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 4 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):
A2 Chemistry or equivalent 

Aims

 

The aim of this module is to introduce modern spectroscopic methods in chemistry. Students will understand
  • the importance of quantum mechanics in understanding atomic structure < /li>
  • the interaction of light with matter
  • atomic and molecular spectroscopy
  • information obtained from different spectroscopic techniques
  • the interpretation of spectroscopic data
  • deduction of molecular structure from spectroscopic data


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students should have achieved the following learning outcomes:

  • An understanding of atomic structure.
  • The fundamental principles behind rotational, vibrational, electronic spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.  
  • Application of spectroscopic techniques to elucidate moecular structure.
  • Be abble to apply this knowledge to real spectroscopic problems.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Tutorial -


Syllabus
1 
 
 
Semester 1 Lectures 1- 8
Atoms and atomic structure
  • Failures of Classical Physics
  • The development of modern atomic theory
  • The uncertainty principle
  • The Schrödinger wave equation
  • Quantum numbers
  • Atomic orbitals
  • Electronic Structure of Atoms
 
Semester 1 Lecture 9-10-
Introduction to spectroscopy
  • Principles of Spectroscopy
  • Boltzmann Populations
  • Spectroscopic techniques
 
 
Semester 1 lectures 11 - 15
Vibrational and rotational spectroscopies
  • Rotating molecules and moments of inertia
  • Rotational spectroscopy: rigid rotor diatomic
  • Rotational Selection Rules  and Determination of bond lengths
  • Vibrations of a diatomic molecule
  • Vibrational Selection rules
  • Vibrational spectroscopy and determination of bond force constants
  • Vibrations of small polyatomics
  • Use of IR spectroscopy as an analytical tool
  • Lecture 15- Revision Lecture
 
 
Semester 2 lecture 1
UV/visible spectroscopy
  • Introduction
  • Absorption of UV–VIS radiation
  • Electronic transitions in the vacuum–UV
  • π–conjugation in organic molecules
  • Compounds that absorb in the visible region
 
 
Semester 2 lecture 2
Mass spectrometry
  • Electron impact mass spectroscopy
  • Isotope abundances
  • Parent ions and fragmentations
  • Case studies (elaborated in the tutorials/workshops).
 
Semester 2 lecture 3
IR spectroscopy
  • Introduction
  • Absorption of IR radiation
  • Regions of the IR spectrum
  • Analysing IR spectra
  • Case studies and examples
 
 
Semester 2 lectures 4 - 7

 NMR spectroscopy

 

  • Nuclear spin states
  • Recording an NMR spectrum
  • Chemical shifts and resonance frequencies
  • An introduction to analysing 13C and 1HNMR spectra
  • Homonuclear and Heteronuclear coupling between nuclei with I = 1/2
 
Seme ster 2 Lectures 8-9
Revision of all semester 2 topics
 
 
Semester 1 workshops 1 - 3
  • Electromagnetic Radiation: Energy, Frequency, Wavelength
  • SI units
  • Wave-particle Duality; Uncertainty
  • Atoms and atomic structure
 
 
Semester 1 workshops 4 - 5
  • Vibrational and Rotational Spectroscopy
 
 
Semester 2 workshops 1-3
  •  UV/visible, IR and Mass spectroscopy
  • Analysis and interpretation of spectra
 
 
Semester 2 workshops 4 - 7
  • NMR Spectroscopy
  • Analysis and interpretation of spectra
 
 
Semester 2 workshops 8 - 9
  • Revision workshops on all techniques

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 30

   30

       60
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 90
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Exam  1.5 hrs  End Semester 2  35  August/September resit period    Assessment 2 
Written Exam  1.5 hrs  End of Semester 1  35  August/September resit period    Assessment 3 Notes (applying to all assessments) workshops This work is not marked anonymously Examination Exam covering Semester 2 material Examination Exam covering Semester 1 material  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework    both  30  none  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  Assessment 1