CH3P1: Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry I

Module Provider:

School of Chemistry

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

H (Honours)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn

Module Convenor:

Prof MGB Drew

Pre-requisites:

CH2P1

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
The overall aim of the module is to introduce the student to advanced topics in physical chemistry relating to colloids and nanostructure, electrolytes and computer modelling.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should understand what computational techniques are available to study chemical problems, how they can be used and how accurate they are likely to be. Students should be able to account for the solvation of ions and the non?ideality of electrolyte solutions in respect of kinetic and transport properties. Students should understand the nature of nanostructures; their preparation of properties.

Additional outcomes:
Students will improve their IT skills.

Outline content:
J M Elliott (8) Colloids and Nanostructures
Lyophobic colloids, colloid stability (DVLO theory), preparation methods. Lyophilic colloids, CMC, phase behaviour. Preparation of nanostructured materials.
M G B Drew (8) Computer Modelling
Principles of Computer Modelling and Computational Chemistry to study structure and physical properties in the gas, liquid and solid state. (Molecules, extended solids, both covalent and ionic, including intercalation compounds).
J M Elliott (4) Electrolytes and Electrode Kinetics
Electrolysis, overpotential, three electrode set?up, Butler?Volmer equation, Tafel equation, limiting current, rotating ring disc electrode.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Twenty one-hour lectures backed up with three tutorials and two workshops.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Students will attend tutorials on the material covered in this module. Attendance is compulsory and contributes to the assessment of this module. A tutorial comprises both written work and oral contribution. Non-attendance at tutorials will result in a mark of zero being awarded for the tutorial.
Relative percentage of coursework : Tutorials 5%
Penalties for late submission
Tutorial work which is submitted late will receive no credit unless there are extenuating circumstances and the relevant form is completed.
For students on chemistry-based degree courses any unexplained absence from more than two tutorials in chemistry in any term will automatically incur a formal warning from the School Director of Teaching and Learning.
Examinations
One one-hour paper taken during the Part 3 examination period.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% .
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination will take place in the September following final examinations, for the examinable component only, when a student has failed the programme overall.