Module details
Compulsory modules information
Students gain relevant skills for their project in Semester 1 and 2 taking PGSC003 Introduction to research.
They then undertake a research project PGSC004 in the Summer.
The project will be carried out in an active research group within one of the main research areas of the Department i.e. Energy and Catalysis, Materials Chemistry, Medicinal and Bio-nano Chemistry, Functional Interfaces or Theoretical and Computational Chemistry.
Optional modules information
Over the first two Semesters, students take 90 credits of advanced chemistry modules, choosing a maximum of 30 credits at level 3, subject to timetable constraints.
Optional modules
Lanthanoid and Actinoid Chemistry (CHEM411)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of the module is to give students an overview of the most important aspects of the unique chemistry and spectroscopy of the lanthanide and actinide elements, illustrated with contemporary examples of the applications of their compounds in chemistry and technology. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Students will understand the underlying principles of lanthanoid and actinoid chemistry, and how these differ from those of d-transition metal chemistry (LO2) Students will have an understanding of the most important aspects of spectroscopy of compounds of the lanthanoids (LO3) Students will have an appreciation of how recent research is developing applications for the elements and their compounds (LO4) Students will have appreciation of the strategic importance of the elements e.g. in nuclear power and sustainable energy applications (LO5) Students will be able to read and critically evaluate research papers from the recent literature (S1) Problem solving skills |
Organic and Molecular Electronics (CHEM413)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aims of the module are: |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of the module, students should be able to show: |
Main Group Organic Chemistry (CHEM431)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to broaden and extend the knowledge of modern Organic Chemistry so that students will be able to enter directly into a PhD or embark on a career as a specialist chemist. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of the module students will have achieved a solid foundation in Organic Chemistry. In particular they will have a clear understanding of Main Group Organic Chemistry and Organopalladium Chemistry and be able to give examples of their use in modern synthetic methodology. (S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive abilities and skills, ie abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including problem-solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement. In particular, at master's level, they will gain the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems. |
Asymmetric Synthesis and Synthetic Strategy (CHEM433)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to further broaden and extend the students' knowledge of modern Organic Chemistry, so that they will be able to enter directly into a PhD programme or embark on a career as a specialist chemist. Specifically, students will learn the concepts that enable stereo control in reactions and the fundamental disconnections in organic synthesis. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Ability to understand and design strategies that enable the synthesis of complex organic molecules in a stereocontrolled fashion. (S1) Critical thinking and problem-solving (S2) critical analysis of experimental results |
Advanced Spectroscopy (c Option) (CHEM451)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
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 |
Electrochemistry (c Option) (CHEM453)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to develop the students' knowledge of interfacial electrochemistry. This includes both the understanding of fundamental aspects of electrochemistry, as well as techniques for characterising surfaces under electrochemical conditions. Applications of electrochemistry will also be discussed. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) The students be knowledgeable on what happens when an aqueous medium is in the vicinity of the surface and be able to describe the structure that occurs in an electrochemical cell. They should be able to describe how cyclic voltammetry and potential step methods can be used to analyse and understand electrochemical reactions. They should be able to perform an electrochemical kinetic analysis of simple and multistep reactions as a means of analysing the mechanism. They should be able to analyse and to answer questions on a number of electrochemical reactions such as metal deposition, electroorganic reactions and adsorption. They should be able to describe fuel cell reactions (hydrogen/air and methanol/air) and be able to analyse fuel cell polarisation curves. They should also be aware of modern spectroscopic methods employed for analysing the solid/liquid interface and be able to describe the level of detail which can be obtained through appropriate application of these techniques. (S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive abilities and skills, ie abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including problem-solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement. In particular, at master's level, they will gain the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems. |
Formulation Engineering (ENGG413)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to provide a multidisciplinary perspective to Formulation Engineering , sitting at the interface of Engineering, Chemistry and Materials Science. This will contribute connecting students in the School of Engineering and Chemistry with the MIF facilities, Unilever and other companies. The contents are oriented towards formulations (suspensions, emulsions and foams) with particular emphasis in processing and applied rheology. This will link with the automated and high-troughput make and measure facilities in the MIF. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) On successful completion of this module students will be able to recall fundamental concepts of complex fluids, formulations and basic rheology. (LO2) Students will be able to identify the behaviour of simple formulations and differentiate the fundamental science involved in colloidal suspensions, surfactants, emulsions, gels and foams. They will also become familiar with a wide range of characterisation techniques. (LO3) Students will be able to apply knowledge in Newtonian and non-Newtonian rheology to everyday formulations. (LO4) Students will gain skills and experience in multi-disciplinary research areas relevant to industry and academia (complex fluids and rheology). They will widen their knowledge into new areas that are complementary to their degrees; and will be able to apply new fundamental concepts in a range of applications from food industry, personal care and paints to drug delivery systems and manufacturing. (LO5) Students will be able to operate a rheometer; carry out flow and oscillatory rheology tests; measure the properties of different formulations; and to analyse experimental results to identify and assess different behaviours. (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) Team (group) working respecting others, co-operating, negotiating / persuading, awareness of interdependence with others (S4) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal |
Inorganic Materials Chemistry (CHEM313)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | This module aims to |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Understand and describe the characteristics of the crystalline solid state (LO2) Be able to perform simple analyses of powder X-ray diffraction data (LO3) Describe the factors affecting the crystal structures formed by ionic compounds (LO4) Understand that solid structures directly influences the physical and functional properties of materials, and describe examples (LO5) Understand the solid-state electronic structure of inorganic materials (LO6) Recognise favourable methods for fabrication, characterisation, and functional property optimisation of specific materials. (LO7) Appreciate the real-world relevance of materials design. (LO8) Understand the microscopic origins of magnetism, and describe the mechanisms which lead to collective magnetic behaviour (LO9) Interpret magnetic data and classify types of inorganic magnetic materials. (LO10) Recognise the uses of magnetic materials. (S1) Problem solving skills |
Further Organic Chemistry (CHEM333)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of the module is to extend second year knowledge of synthetic and physical organic chemistry. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Students should have a good understanding of some modern synthetic reactions. (LO2) Students should be able to deduce mechanisms on the basis of kinetic and other evidence (S1) The ability to recognise the types of reaction taught and apply mechanistic knowledge to predict the outcome of unseen examples |
Medicinal Chemistry of Anti-infectives (CHEM335)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental principles that underpin modern medicinal chemistry of anti-infective drugs; these will include qualitative and advanced quantitative SAR techniques including computer-aided molecular design. The course will build on the principles taught in the introductory medicinal chemistry module CHEM248. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of the module students will have achieved a solid understanding of modern approaches to anti-infective drug design. In particular they should be able to show a clear understanding of: (S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive abilities and skills i.e. abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including problem solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement. In particular they will gain the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems (S2) Communication skills through online team meetings (S3) Organisational skills (S4) IT skills through computational workshops and online exercises |
Introduction to Nanomedicine (CHEM426)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aims of the module are to |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Students should be able to show that they can define and explain colloidal systems and name examples of different colloids. They should demonstrate a detailed understanding of how colloidal stability can be obtained, and explain and utilise the principles behind calculating colloidal stability. (LO2) Students should be able to describe the different types of nanomedicines and discuss the range of advanced synthetic routes used to produce different nanomedicine structures for oral and injectable administration. They should understand the differences between conjugated and non-conjugated delivery systems, including self-assembled nanostructures and be able to explain the advanced methods available for the characterisation of nanomedicines. (LO3) Students will understand the principles behind pharmacokinetics and the importance of these principles to nanomedicine. They will understand the different routes of administration used to deliver nanomedicines and be able to explain how different diseases present different challenges to drug delivery and how nanomedicines can be designed to targets specific diseases. (LO4) Students will be able to examine the state of the art for nanomedicines and discuss the future research directions. (S1) Problem solving skills (S2) Numeracy (S3) Commercial awareness (S4) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal |
Solid State Chemistry and Energy Storage Materials (CHEM442)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 60:40 |
Aims | • To provide an introduction to diffraction methods for the characterisation of solid state materials. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the application of diffraction methods to the characterisation of key material types in the solid state. (LO2) Students will become familiar with a range of properties displayed by solids, particularly cooperative magnetism, ferroelectricity and multiferroicity, and how these relate to structure and symmetry. (LO3) Student will be able to demonstrate a grasp of the importance of intercalation/insertion chemistry in energy storage applications (batteries). (LO4) Students will develop the ability to relate fundamental concepts of diffraction, characterisation etc. in solid state chemistry to practical applications in energy storage and related materials. (S1) Critical thinking (e.g. compare and contrast different energy storage devices and their advantageous and disadvantageous properties, scientific challenges etc.) (S2) Self-study via reading and understanding suggested review articles (S3) To be able to extract key information from Scientific Literature |
Protein Structure and Dynamics (CHEM452)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 70:30 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to discuss the application of basic physical chemistry concepts for describing protein structure and dynamics and to show how advanced physical chemistry methods are used for investigating these important aspects of proteins. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Ability to discuss the importance of protein structure and dynamics for understanding biological processes. (LO2) Ability to describe the experimental methods that are used to study structure, folding and fast dynamics of proteins. (LO3) Ability to discuss the physical chemistry principles underlying these methods and apply the basic equations needed for the analysis of such data. (LO4) Ability to describe and discuss some of the theoretical methods that are used to predict protein structure and and model protein folding/dynamics. (LO5) Ability to analyse PDB-structure files and create meaningful graphical representations from these files. (S1) Information skills - information accessing (locating relevant information, identifying and evaluating information sources). (S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - critical analysis (S3) Numeracy/computational skills - problem solving |
Solar Energy Conversion (CHEM464)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 70:30 |
Aims | To impart knowledge on the underpinning theory of electronic structure of solids relevant to solar energy conversion and to demonstrate the application of these fundamental concepts in applied solar energy conversion technologies |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Show an ability to describe - and provide evidence for understanding of - the electronic structure of solids in terms of bands. (LO2) Show understanding of electronic structure as a function of reciprocal space (bands) and energy (density of states). (LO3) Show ability to describe the electronic structure of semiconductors and demonstrate how that relates to applications in solar energy conversion (LO4) Show understanding of transport in semiconductors in terms of electrons and holes, and how they are created and destroyed in the process of photoexcitation (LO5) Show ability to describe minimum device requirements for solar photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices and to reproduce the structure and relevant energy diagrams for p-n Si devices and photoanodes and photocathodes. (LO6) Show an ability to discuss the principles and limitations of selected 2nd, 3rd generation PV technologies (LO7) Show an ability to apply equations to calculate carrier properties, cell efficiencies and optical properties. |
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (CHEM474)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | This is an advanced module that aims to introduce the student to modern nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques and their applications in analytical chemistry. The students will be able to understand the basic physical principles of NMR and to decide how to use it to tackle a particular problem of molecules and materials characterisation. In particular, the module will deal with- the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance, including modern methods for the determination of chemical structure and intermolecular interactions in complex organic molecules, polymers and solids. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of the module, successful students should have gained an in-depth understanding of NMR 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) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to discuss the behaviour of nuclear spins and their ensembles in an external magnetic field and the influence of magnetic interaction on the appearance of NMR spectra. (LO3) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to describe the structure of modern NMR spectrometers, explain the concepts of data acquisition and processing and show an understanding of chemical shift, magnetisation, rotating frame of reference, scalar coupling and basic pulse programming. (LO4) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to explain the origins of relaxation, the principles of the determination of T1 and T2 relaxation times, their calculation from NMR data, and the relationship between relaxation and molecular motion. (LO5) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to explain the nuclear Overhauser effect and its use in analysis of complex organic molecules;- (LO6) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to describe the main principles of one- and two dimensional experiments and interpret the spectra recorded for both liquids and solids (LO7) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to explain the differences in acquisition of solution and solid-state NMR spectra and specific methods used for solids (magic angle spinning, cross-polarisation and decoupling);- (LO8) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to describe experiments suitable for the analysis of internuclear connectivities, distances and mobility in organic and inorganic solids. (LO9) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to critically compare different methods of spectroscopy and their suitability to tackle a particular problem in materials characterization (LO10) By the end of the module, successful students should be able to critically evaluate the use of spectroscopy to support scientific conclusions based on literature (S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive ability and skills, ie abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including problem solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement. In particular, at master's level, they will gain the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems. |
Application of Enzymes in Organic Synthesis - Industrial Biotechnology (CHEM486)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 100:0 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the application of enzymes and how to apply them in organic synthesis. Students will gain insight into modern methods of mutagenesis for enzyme optimisation and also cutting edge approaches to designing artificial enzymes and assemblage of cascade pathways for synthesis. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of the module, students should be able to understand how enzymes can be applied in organic synthesis. (LO2) By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of how genes encode enzyme 3Dstructure (LO3) By the end of the module, students should be able to understand factors governing the selection of biocatalyst and biocatalyst type. (LO4) By the end of the module, students should be show an understanding of cofactor requirements and recycling strategies in redox biotransformations. (LO5) By the end of the module, students should show a knowledge of the advantages and limitations in the application of biocatalysts. (LO6) By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of enzyme immobilization methods. (LO7) By the end of the module, students should be able to show an understanding of basic molecular biology and use for mutagenesis and directed evolution methods to improve enzyme activity or selectivity. (LO8) By the end of the module, students should have an appreciation of new approaches for creating artificial enzymes. (LO9) By the end of this module studenst should be able to understand how enzyme reactions can be assembled into multistep cascade synthetic pathways (S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive abilities and skills, ie abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including problem-solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement. In particular, at master's level, they will gain the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems. |
Asymmetric Catalysis for Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (CHEM496)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of the module is to introduce students to the main aspects of asymmetric catalysis and its application in synthetic organic chemistry. Students will gain: |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) An understanding of the importance of asymmetric catalysis in chemical synthesis. (LO2) An understanding of the fundamental principles and mechanisms of asymmetric catalysis. (LO3) A grasp of the various aspects of asymmetric catalysis ranging from metal-catalysed redox reactions through kinetic resolution to oranocatalytic C-C bond formation. (LO4) An understanding of the applications of asymmetric catalysis in fine chemicals and pharmaceutical synthesis. (LO5) An ability to evaluate the experimental evidence for and against a proposed mechanism for an asymmetric catalytic reaction (LO6) An ability to propose a rational synthetic pathway for a specific chiral molecule (LO7) An ability to propose a likely mechanism for a new asymmetric catalytic reaction. (LO8) An opportunity to consider new developments in the field, especially those that feature new concepts and/or underpin new environmentally benign processes. (S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive abilities and skills, ie abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including problem-solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement. In particular, at master's level, they will gain the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems. |
Heterocyclic Chemistry and Drug Synthesis (CHEM338)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of the module is to present the synthesis and reactivity of the most important classes of heterocyclic compounds and to present case studies drawn from major drug classes. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of the module students will have achieved a solid foundation in Organic Chemistry. In particular, they will be expected to be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of |
Advanced Functional Organic Materials (CHEM342)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 90:10 |
Aims | The aims of the module are to: |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Students will obtain an understanding of how functional organic materials are synthesised and structure/property relationships. (LO2) Students will understand how to select appropriate characterisation techniques for organic materials. (LO3) Students will be able outline how to design materials for specific applications. (S1) Problem solving skills (S2) Commercial awareness (S3) Teamwork (S4) Communication skills (S5) Numeracy (application of) manipulation of numbers, general mathematical awareness and its application in practical contexts (e.g. measuring, weighing, estimating and applying formulae) (S6) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions. |
Further Physical Chemistry (mchem) (CHEM354)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to extend a student's knowledge of Physical Chemistry, in particular to demonstrate the relationship between microscopic and macroscopic models for physical chemical phenomena, the quantum mechanical description of chemical bonding and the physical chemistry of electrochemical cells, surfactants and colloids. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of the module, students should be able to show that they |
Catalysis (CHEM368)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 70:30 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to give students a broad, interdisciplinary, background in catalysis across the traditional divides within chemistry. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of the module, students should: |
Biological Energy Conversion Processes (CHEM382)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | • To discuss how fundamental energy conversion in nature occurs by storage of energy in the form of concentration gradients across membranes. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Students will be able to show a comprehension of energy conversion processes found in nature (LO2) Students will be able to describe the important points relating to chemical processes in photosynthesis respiration, ATP synthesis, the Calvin cycle, the citrate cycle and fermentation (LO3) Student will be able to describe the significance of concentration gradients across membranes in biological systems. (LO4) Students will be able to discuss the mechanisms behind active transport, nerve signalling, the K/Na pump, muscle contraction and molecular motors |
Biorenewable Chemicals From Biomass (CHEM384)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | • To provide the students with basic knowledge of the chemistry of biomass and its applications. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) The students should be able to demonstrate understanding of: (LO2) The students should be able to (LO3) The students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main systhetic routes to derive chemicals from biomass (LO4) The students should be able to demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the main biorefinity models (LO5) The students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the sustainability issues associated with the use of biomass (LO6) The students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the main technologies, companies, industries, challenges and trends in the emerging bioeconomy (LO7) The students should be able to identify and critically evaluate routes and opportunities to desired chemicals from biomass, taking into account pathways for commercialisation (LO8) Students should be able to identify the potential applications of bioderived chemicals (S1) skills in the evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of chemical information and data (S2) the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts,concepts, principles and theories relating to renewable chemicals and biomass transformations (S3) skills in communicating scientific material and arguments (S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Media analysis (S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis (S6) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking (S7) Information skills - Information accessing:[Locating relevant information] [Identifying and evaluating information sources] (S8) Skills in using technology - Information accessing (S9) Commercial awareness - Relevant understanding of organisations |
Further Analytical Chemistry (CHEM386)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 70:30 |
Aims | Main goal: to provide the students with a knowledge of the principles of structural elucidation and application of various spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical techniques for identification and structural characterization of small molecules. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Apply the principles of structural elucidation for identification and characterization of organic compounds (LO2) Demonstrate awareness of the theoretical concepts and application of NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry (MS), chromatography (GC/HPLC), and hyphenated techniques GC/HPLC-MS in the context of structural elucidation in synthetic chemistry and catalysis (LO3) Devise an appropriate method or a multi-technique approach in order to establish the structure of organic compounds and/or confirm their authenticity (LO4) Improve their confidence in scientific communication and presentation of data to subsequently enhance their employability skills (S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive ability and skills, relating to intellectual tasks, including problem solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement (S2) Students will improve their confidence in scientific communication and develop presentation skills of analytical data |
Chem358 Chemistry At Surfaces (CHEM358)
Level | 3 |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | To introduce the basics of surface structure description |
Learning Outcomes | (BH2) Be able to make atomistic models of the low index surfaces of common materials (L6-2) Be able to make atomistic models of the low index surfaces of common materials (LO1) Demonstrate understanding of the different processes occurring at surfaces (LO2) Be able to describe the structure of surfaces and how this relates to the techniques used to determine this (LO3) Show understanding of the electronic structure of surfaces and how this influences surface chemistry (LO4) Apply knowledge of surface science techniques to nanotechnology and heterogeneous catalysis (LO5) Be able to discuss how surface electronic structure relates to and differs from bulk electronic structure (LO6) Show understanding of the processes involved in adsorption and desorption of atoms and molecules (LO7) Be able to discuss the kinetics of surface processes (LO8) Demonstrate knowledge of factors affecting surface reactivity and the importance for heterogeneous catalysis |
Applied Organic Chemistry: Synthesis of Natural Products in Industry (CHEM436)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | This module aims to demonstrate the application of organic chemistry for the industrial synthesis of key organic building blocks (petrochemicals), biosynthesis and industrial synthesis of important classes of natural compounds. It will also highlight the history of discovery and applications of an array of notable natural products. |
Learning Outcomes | (L7-1) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of important classes of natural compounds and their main applications in medicine, agriculture, food and perfume industry (L7-2) Ability to show understanding of key factors underpinning sustainable industrial organic synthesis (L7-3) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of main industrial pathways for the generation of basic organic building blocks from natural resources (petroleum and natural gas) (L7-4) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of important biosyntheses and industrial syntheses of a range of natural compounds (L7-5) Ability to apply knowledge of organic chemistry and catalysis to understanding of important industrial organic transformations |
Supramolecular Chemistry (CHEM446)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 80:20 |
Aims | Supramolecular chemistry deals with the interactions between molecules and has become one of the fundamental areas of chemical research. The aims of the module are to introduce and develop the students’ knowledge of the chemistry of molecular assemblies and intermolecular bonds, or "chemistry beyond the molecule". The module will introduce the concepts of non-covalent chemistry, host-guest chemistry, molecular recognition, self-assembly and self-organisation. The module also aims to develop the students' knowledge of how to characterise supramolecular complexes. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of this module the students will be knowledgeable of non-covalent bonding such as hydrogen-bonding, ion-ion interactions, ion-dipole interactions, van der Waals forces, pi-pi stacking interactions, solvatophobic forces etc. with respect to supramolecular chemistry. able to describe, understand and rationalise a range of supramolecular assemblies (LO2) Students will be able to show understanding of the underlying principles of complementarity, preorganisation, and cooperative interactions with respect to supramolecular chemistry, and be able to rationalise the characteristics of binding in a given supramolecular complex with respect to these three key concepts. (LO3) Students will be able to describe, show understanding of and rationalise a range of supramolecular assemblies, including their formation, their behaviour, and their applications in the context of supramolecular chemistry. (LO4) Students will be able to explain the principles of solvent effects on supramolecular complexes, why and how solvents affect the strength of supramolecular interactions, and design potential supramolecular hosts taking these principles into account. (LO5) Students will be able to evaluate which characterisation method is suitable for a given supramolecular complex (including NMR, ITC, MS, UV/Vis titration), and explain what the data show for each method. (LO6) Students will be able to comment critically on and synthesise a summary of the key messages from a recent research paper describing applications for supramolecular complexes. |
Nano Energy Materials (CHEM482)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 70:30 |
Aims | The aims of the module are: |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Ability to describe the desirable material properties in metals, polymers, inorganic salts, semiconductors and carbons for energy harvesting and storage. (LO2) Ability to discuss the advantages of nanomaterials in energy generation, thermal and hydrogen energy storage systems making logical conclusions. (LO3) Ability to demonstrate the application of nanomaterials in the diverse energy systems. (LO4) Ability to show understanding of different chemical processes in thermal and electrical energy storage (LO5) Ability to discuss principles and limitations of nanomaterials in renewable energy storage. |
Molecular Modelling, Chemical Databases and Employability for MSc Students (CHEM473)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:99 |
Aims | • To introduce students to further molecular modelling techniques, so that they can apply molecular modelling software in studies of a variety of chemical systems. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of this module, successful students will: (LO2) By the end of the chemical database section of the module, a successful student will have gained: (LO3) By the end of the employability section of the module, a successful student will have constructed a personalised action plan of their own employability priorities and engaged with a new activity to address their priority. (S1) Students will develop their chemistry-related cognitive abilities and skills, ie abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including problem-solving as required by the Chemistry subject benchmark statement. In particular, they will gain the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems. (S2) Communication skills (S3) Lifelong learning skills (S4) Organisational skills (S5) IT skills |
Advanced Key Skills for MSc Students (CHEM495)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | This module aims to develop essential skills that MSc students will need for both the duration of the programme and beyond, whether this be further education opportunities (ie., PhD) or employment in a wide range of chemical and non-chemical based sectors. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) By the end of the molecular modelling section of the module, a successful student will have gained: (LO2) By the end of the employability section of the module, students will be able to (LO3) By the end of the module, students should be able to use scientific databases effectively for literature and citation searches and to find relevant information from on-line chemical databases regarding chemical reactions, structures and properties. They should be able to apply the database skills in writing a report drawing from scientific literature. (S1) Communication skills (S2) Lifelong learning skills (S3) Organisational skills (S4) IT skills (S5) Commercial awareness |