CHY8428 : Energy and Materials
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Dr Eimer Tuite
- Lecturer: Dr Elizabeth Gibson, Dr Ben Horrocks, Dr Fabio Cucinotta
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To introduce modern advances in applied physical chemistry by reference to four selected topics.
To describe the basic principles and practical aspects involved in each topic through lectures and workshops.
To develop deeper understanding of the topics and their relation to contemporary research issues through guided study.
To link the topics to interdisciplinary research in fields of strategic global importance; e.g. energy, climate change, molecular medicine.
Outline Of Syllabus
Supramolecular Photochemistry - Dr Fabio Cucinotta
1. Lessons from nature: photosynthesis.
2. Design of artificial photosystems.
3. Assembling hybrid structures.
4. Photophysical measurements and techniques.
5. Supramolecular opto-electronics.
6. Review of course and preparation for assignment.
Solar Cells - Dr Libby Gibson
1. Light absorption
2. Solar cell devices
3. Dye sensitized solar cells
4. Improving the efficiency
5. The third generation: tandem cells and quantum dots
6. Review of course and preparation for assignment.
Electrochemistry - Dr Ben Horrocks
1. Electrochemical cells, instrumentation and interfaces
2. Mass transfer and electrode kinetics
3. Steady state voltammetry;
4. Transient methods;
5. Electrochemical mechanisms and Probe microscopy
6. Review of course and preparation for assignment.
Biophysical Chemistry - Dr Eimer Tuite
1. Introduction to biopolymers and molecular recognition
2. Thermodynamics and kinetics
3. Optical spectroscopy
4. Polarized spectroscopy
5. Hydrodynamic techniques
6. Review of course and preparation for assignment.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 21:00 | 21:00 | researching the topics and preparation for the assignment and presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | background reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | in-course assignment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | presentation of topics |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Students acquire knowledge and understanding of the specific topics through attendance at lectures and additional reading on the topics.
Students will gain deeper insight into the topics through researching the literature for in-course assessment.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 15 | 1 | M | 50 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 50 | ~4 problem solving exercises |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Each student will give a presentation on an individually-assigned research topic based on a contemporary paper related to one of the lecture courses. Students will summarise and critically assess the research approach and results of their paper. Students will gain a deep understanding of the topic and will be assessed on their ability to assimilate and transfer knowledge through presentation.
Students will complete problem solving exercises on the material that has been presented in each of the lecture courses.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CHY8428's Timetable