Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To enhance understanding of various analytical techniques and introduce additional modern, advanced, experimental probes. To build on knowledge gained in materials analysis from stage 1 and 2. To provide students with detailed knowledge of the theory and practice of modern chemical analysis, in particular in the areas of powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction and advanced Mass Spectrometry and to introduce new techniques such as magnetic probes and X-ray spectroscopic methods.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to X-ray spectroscopic methods
The course will introduce the basic theory and use of the X-ray absorption (XAS) and emission (XES) spectroscopic techniques to investigate electronic states within materials.

Introduction to advanced magnetism studies
Basics of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron spin resonance (ESR) will be delivered, along with exposure to SQUID magnetometry.

X-ray diffraction methods
Diffraction theory will be introduced and the application to crystalline materials. Material will introduce the implicit relationships between Fourier Transformations and diffraction patterns. Single crystal diffraction techniques will be explained in detail with various structure solution mechanisms explored. Differences between diffraction and spectroscopic methods will be highlighted. And the differences in use of powder and single crystal techniques

Mass Spectrometry
Fundamentals of the technique’s theory will be introduced along with the standard EI instrumentation. Details of how structure fragmentation patterns may be interpreted from the various applications. Soft ionisation methods will be introduced: CI, FAB, MALDI-TOF, MS-MS and the application of MS to a wide variety of chemical entities.

Optical spectroscopy
Revision of earlier theory in IR and UV spectroscopies and an introduction to Raman spectroscopy

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of the various techniques described in the syllabus and the application of the theory to the characterisation of materials via interpretation of data in unseen problem solving

Intended Skill Outcomes

Subject specific or professional skills, able to:
• make deductions about crystal structure contents and possible symmetry from unit cell and related data
• calculate the cubic unit cell parameter from an observed powder diffraction pattern
• interpret mass spectra in terms of structure
• interpret basic EPR and ESR data
• understand the uses of X-ray spectroscopy techniques and determine the presence of species based on spectra

Cognitive or intellectual skills
• solve a range of problems in inorganic and organic chemistry by using several analytical techniques

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The important principles of structural chemistry will be covered in the lectures. This will be supported in workshops that will allow students to tackle an array of different problems associated with the lecture material and help prepare for the assessment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination will assess the level of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module. The examination will present students with questions from a selection of topics learnt throughout the module content.

Formative assessment aids students' understanding of their progress during the module.

** Students studying from abroad may request to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the format of the paper may differ from that shown in the MOF. These students should contact the school to discuss this **

General Notes

N/A