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CHEM3411: CHEMICAL PHYSICS 3

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Type	Open
Level	3
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location	Durham
Department	Chemistry

Prerequisites

Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) or Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211).

Aims

To develop the fundamentals of chemistry through in-depth discussion of selected areas likely to be of most interest to students studying at the interface between chemistry and mathematics or physics.

Content

Statistical thermodynamics.
Transition state theory and its applications.
Soft Matter.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Describe the ideas of statistical thermodynamics and develop equations which allow the calculation of heat capacities, standard entropies and equilibrium constants.
Describe the principles of transition state theory, develop equations for rate constants and activation parameters and apply these to chemical reactions.
Appreciate how soft matter differs from liquids and solids.

Subject-specific Skills:

Key Skills:

Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

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.
Student performance will be assessed through examinations. Examinations test students' ability to work under pressure under timed conditions, to prepare for examinations and direct their own programme of revision and learning, and develop key time management skills. The examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Lectures	24	2 per week	1 hour	24
Workshop	3		1.5 hours	4.5	Yes
Preparation and Reading				171.5
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Examination 1	2 hours	100

Formative Assessment

Set work for workshops.

More information

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