MODERN METHODS IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - 2022/3
Module code: CHE3067
Module Overview
This module builds on levels 4 and 5 to inform, analyse and stimulate enquiry into Physical Chemistry research in problems of relevance to industry and the environment. It features green chemistry, catalysis, surface science, advanced spectroscopy and photochemistry.
Module provider
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Module Leader
CARTA Daniela (Chst Chm Eng)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 109
Lecture Hours: 28
Tutorial Hours: 3
Guided Learning: 10
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None.
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Green, Environmental and Catalyst Chemistry
The twelve principles of green chemistry; atom economy; kinetics of green chemistry; photocatalysis.
Atmospheric reactions and pollution; air pollution control kinetics; kinetics of consecutive reactions, greenhouse gases.
Surfaces and Surface structure: Low Energy Electron Diffraction, Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy.
Physical absorption. Chemisorption and sticking properties. Thermodynamic parameters. Langmuir isotherm. Lindemann-Hinshelwood and Eley-Rideal mechanisms. Heterogeneous catalysis in process, food, environmental of forensic chemistry. Homogeneous catalysis. Enzymatic catalysis.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy; absorption coefficient; synchrotron radiation applied to structural characterisation of materials.
Photochemistry
Beer-Lambert Law; Frank-Condon principle; fates of photochemically excited molecules; fluorescence; phosphorescence; internal conversion’ intersystem crossing; Jabblonski Diagrams; Quantum yields, fluorescence lifetimes and ‘natural lifetimes’, quenching; Stern-Volmer equation; delayed fluorescence; Fermi’s golden rule and intermolecular processes. Photochemistry and Kinetics.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | COURSEWORK 1 | 10 |
| Coursework | COURSEWORK 2 | 10 |
| Examination Online | ONLINE OPEN BOOK EXAM (4 hours) | 80 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate
• research, analysis and quantitative skills (coursework)
• understanding, analysis and recall (unseen examination)
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
• Two coursework problem sheets (10% each, 20% total)
• Online open book exam (4 hours) 80%
Formative assessment and feedback
Formative assessment and feedback are provided throughout the module in the form of in-class exercises, examples and worked problems. Feedback is instant as model answers (full worked solutions) are given in class. Formative assessment is also evident through the provision of ‘checklists’ at the end of each section of the module that detail the areas covered in that part of the course. Detailed and individualised feedback is given on the marked assignments within the time allowed for marking coursework.
Module aims
- • To apply chemical kinetics in environmental and catalytic chemistry including relevant parts of surface science.
- • To apply advanced spectroscopic techniques to chemically relevant problems.
- • To apply photochemical excitation and decay processes to molecules.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Explain and evaluate the kinetics of physical processes in green, environmental and catalytic chemistry | KC |
| 002 | Explain and evaluate the science of colloids and emulsions in the environment and in industry; | KC |
| 003 | Explain and evaluate the processes involved in photochemistry and the excitation of atoms and molecules by photons. | KC |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: Build on the foundation of Physical Chemistry from Levels 4-5 to be able to apply Physical Chemistry knowledge and reasoning to areas of topical, industrial and societal importance, including current research.
The learning and teaching methods include:
• 28 formal lectures, normally 3 per week
• 3 tutorials
Lectures will include discussion and interaction where appropriate. Course material will be provided on SurreyLearn, including calculational tools.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CHE3067
Other information
None.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Chemistry with Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.