Module manager: Orde Munro
Email: O.Munro@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Completion of level 1 of a Chemistry programme similar to that at Leeds
CHEM2131 & CHEM2231
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module has two components. One is concerned with chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, illustrated using societally important applications, for example atmospheric chemistry and combustion. The other component covers quantum mechanics and molecular bonding. Starting from the postulates of quantum mechanics and building from simple models to atoms, to molecules, students will learn how and why chemical bonding occurs. The module builds on concepts of energy storage, states of matter and chemical change from level 1.
On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate and understanding of the principles of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy to solve chemical problems.
- Apply mathematical skills to solve problems in thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Explain and rationalise the fundamentals of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy, and apply these to the solution of a range of theoretical and applied problems.
2. Explain quantum mechanical models of atomic and molecular orbitals and how these account for molecular structure.
3. Perform more complex algebraic manipulations and calculations, including applications of polar spherical coordinates. Demonstrate competence using partial derivatives to find solutions to differential equations involving more than one variable.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines.
b. Use the principles of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy to solve unseen problems.
c. Mathematical problem-solving within the context of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy.
1) Thermodynamics: states of matter
2) Thermodynamics of chemical reactions
3) Kinetics: collision theory and basics of transition state theory, kinetics of complex processes
4) Quantum mechanics: Schrodinger equation and particle-in-a-box, application to translational, rotational and vibrational motion
5) Quantum mechanical picture of bonding: H2+ and H2, linear combination of atomic orbitals
6) Molecular symmetry and group theory
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 44 | 1 | 44 |
| Seminar | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Private study hours | 152 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 48 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
There will be the opportunity for students to submit written work prior to four tutorials. The tutor will mark and return the feedback.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team