PHASES, COLLOIDS AND ELECTRONIC TRANSITIONS - 2024/5

Module Overview

This module builds on concepts introduced at level 4 to inform, analyse and stimulate enquiry into Intermediate topics in Physical Chemistry. The student will learn fundamental and applied aspects of phases and equilibria, spectroscopy, surfactants, colloids and emulsions and gain hands-on experience of a range of experimental techniques that reinforce the learning outcomes of the module. 

Module provider

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Module Leader

WATSON David (Chst Chm Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes: 
 
Liquids and Solutions¿ 
Raoults and Henry’s law. 3rd law of thermodynamics. Vapour pressure and ideal dilute solutions. Activity and activity coefficients. Debye-Hückel theory.

Ideal mixing. Miscibility of liquids Colligative properties. Elevation of boiling point. Depression of freezing point. Osmosis. Chemical potential.

Phase diagrams. Separation of liquids by fractional distillation, azeotropes, eutectics. 


 
Surfactant and Interface Chemistry¿ 
Adsorption processes: wetting, spreading, adhesion. Oil recovery. 
Surface-active agents. Surfactants. Gibbs adsorption equation. Surface and interfacial tension. Surfactant behaviour. Liquid crystals. 
Emulsions - types, stability. 
Colloid stability. DVLO theory. Types of colloid. Lyophilic colloid formation. Nucleation and growth. 
Colloids in the environment. Importance of aggregation phenomena. 
 
Hückel theory

Its application to cyclic and linear polyenes. Secular equations and determinant. Delocalisation, bond order, and electronic spectroscopy. 
 
The theory of molecular spectroscopy¿ 
Rotational spectroscopy (microwave spectra). Rotors, moments of inertia, isotope effects, centrifugal distortion, selection rules. 
Vibrational spectroscopy (infrared). Anharmonicity, normal mode vs. local (group) mode. Fine structure in vibrational transitions. 
Raman spectra. Selection rules. Rotational and vibrational transitions. Raman vs. IR. 
Electronic spectra (UV-visible). Electronic energy levels. Electronic transitions and dissociation energies. Franck-Condon principle. Photoelectron spectroscopy and Koopman’s theorem. 
Practical work on a range of topics including: 
IR spectroscopy of various physical states; kinetics of bromination; ternary phase diagrams; UV-Vis spectroscopy. 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

For the laboratory exercises an alternative written assessment can be set. This is based on analysing or explaining experimental data, or detailing experimental techniques.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: 
 

• 
  experimental, analysis and quantitative skills (laboratory exercises) 
  


• 
  understanding, analysis and recall of theoretical information (examination) 
  

 
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: 
 

• 
  Laboratory exercises: Assessment of practical (experimental) skills and the ability to write scientific reports, based on experimental exercises carried out. (LO1, LO4, LO3, LO5, LO6)
  


• 
  Examination (2 hours) 70% 
  

 
Formative assessment and feedback
 
Formative assessment and feedback are provided throughout the module in the form of in-class exercises, examples, tutorials 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 laboratory and tutorial assignments. 
 
Aspects of the laboratory sessions e.g. ability to set-up equipment are formatively assessed in the laboratory, providing immediate feedback. 

Module aims

• Provide an appreciation of the physical properties and thermodynamics of liquids and solutions.
• Provide understanding of the fundamentals of bonding and spectroscopy.
• Provide understanding of emulsions and colloids and their relevance to industry.
• Introduce key experimental skills relevant to the material taught in the module.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The¿learning and teaching strategy¿is designed to:  

 

• 
  Enable students to build on the foundation of Physical Chemistry from Level 4 to apply Physical Chemistry knowledge and reasoning to areas of topical, industrial and societal importance. 
  


• 
  Encourage students to build core skills such as problem solving by applying knowledge to unknown systems. 
  


• 
  Allow students to gain industrially relevant and applicable practical skills while working individually or as part of a small group, along with data analysis and reporting. 
   
   
  

The¿learning and teaching¿methods include: 
 

• 
   30 formal lectures of 1 hr, normally 3 per week, and coursework based on material covered in the lectures 
  


• 
   4 small-group tutorials 
  


• 
   35 hours of practical laboratory experience 
  

 

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. 

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: CHE2040

Other information

The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module allows students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas: 

Employability 

Throughout the course, the student is equipped with knowledge on: 

• A range of skills in thermodynamics including the use of phase separation and fractional distillation in the chemical industry. 

• Analytical skills by performing high resolution infrared spectroscopy experiments. This includes handling of gas cells and in situ generation of high purity gases. 

• Data management through interpretation and analysis of collected spectra. 

• A broad range of surfactants used in industry for formulation. They learn about the fundamentals of making formulations, their stability and characterization – all of which is directly relevant to processes used in Industry. 

The student is equipped with knowledge that is key to the role of a scientist in a wide variety of professions, in terms of mathematical skills, knowledge of physical chemistry and electronic spectroscopy. The laboratory sessions undertaken during the year are designed to develop critical thinking and technical skills that are fundamental for their future career.  

Sustainability 

• Students learn about the application of catalysis and the refining of metals. 

• Students are taught about the need to reformulate as certain chemicals are phased out due to environmental regulations  

Laboratory work forms a significant part of this module, aligning with Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) accreditation of the degree programmes. Lab will be carried out either individually or in some instances in pairs thus enhancing students’ awareness of Health & Safety practices and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of instruments in the lab; these relate both to Employability skills for graduate chemists and their Resourcefulness & Resilience. 

Programmes this module appears in

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 2024/5 academic year.