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CHEM2097: PROPERTIES OF MOLECULES

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Chemistry

Prerequisites

  • Core Chemistry 1 (CHEM1078) AND EITHER Mathematical and Experimental Tools required in Chemistry (CHEM1111) OR [Single Mathematics A (MATH1561) AND Single Mathematics B (MATH1571)] OR [Calculus I (MATH1061) AND Linear Algebra I (MATH1071)].

Corequisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012) and Practical chemistry 2 Measurement (CHEM2157) or Practical Chemistry 2 Integrated (CHEM2138)

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To advance students' understanding of magnetic resonance, and to introduce students to surface chemistry and electrochemistry.

Content

  • Chemistry, spectroscopy, and applications of liquid and solid surfaces.
  • Electrochemistry: Nernst equation. Electrochemical cells. Electrolytes. Conductivity.
  • Fundamentals of NMR and applications of magnetic resonance.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Explain adsorption of gases onto solid surfaces and apply adsorption isotherms to chemical problems; explain and interpret reaction rates of gases in the presence of solid catalysts.
  • Carry out thermodynamic calculations involving fluid surfaces.
  • Explain how NMR spectra are obtained and understand how the basic principles of NMR relate to the various features of NMR spectra.
  • Explain the fundamentals of electrochemistry and the importance of electrochemical processes that occur in everyday life.
  • Carry out electrochemical calculations to determine the performance of electrochemical devices.

Subject-specific Skills:

Key Skills:

  • Problem-solving, developed through workshop problems.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and to illustrate the application of theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written on-line material, or by information and relevant links on Blackboard Learn Ultra
  • Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature. Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
  • Workshops are where groups of students consider problems and explore common shared difficulties. Problem exercises provide students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.
  • Online quizzes during the lecture courses allow students to monitor their engagement with the material.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures191 per week1 hour19 
Workshops31.5 per term1.5 hours4.5Yes
Formatibe work set, preparation and reading76.5 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written examination2 hours1002 hour written examination

Formative Assessment

Set work in preparation for workshops. On-line quizzes.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

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Current Students: Please contact your department.