2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM3272 Chemistry and Applications of Materials

20 Credits Class Size: 30

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Pre-requisite qualifications

Completion of level 2 of a Materials Science programme similar to that at Leeds, or equivalent.

Pre-requisites

CHEM2372 Fundamental Chemistry for Materials Science

Mutually Exclusive

CHEM3212 Big Data, Big Science
CHEM3311 Extended Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
CHEM3312 Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry

Module replaces

CHEM3211, CHEM3291/92 (in part)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

To enable students to explore how to handle large datasets to extract key scientific, and apply this to different scientific questions. This will entail understanding how large datasets cab be useful and development of python programming skills. Furthermore, on completion of this module students will also be able to recognise, recall and explain structures, properties and bonding of a range of different classes of solid-state materials; and structure-property relationships in such materials and how these can be utilised in applications.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to ...

Extract data from large datasets and learn the structures, properties and bonding for a range of different classes of solid-state materials.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

1. Extract key scientific information from large datasets

2. Describe and discuss confidently, accurately and in detail, using appropriate terminology, a range of topics in inorganic materials chemistry.  Apply these to systematically solve complex problems across these areas. (C3)

Skills outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

1. Extract key scientific information from large datasets

2. Describe and discuss confidently, accurately and in detail, using appropriate terminology, a range of topics in inorganic materials chemistry.  Apply these to systematically solve complex problems across these areas. (C3)

Syllabus

Aggregating multisheet data using indirect functions

Fundamental python programming concepts

Pattern matching and data mining using python

Materials Structure and Bonding: crystal structure, nanostructure, defect structure, bonding types, electronic band structure.

Materials Properties: conductivity, mechanical properties, magnetism, properties of nanomaterials.

Materials Applications: energy storage, fuel cells, photovoltaics, magnets, biosensing, bioimaging

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 22 1 22
Practical 11 2 22
Private study hours 156
Total Contact hours 44
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Private study

156

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Programming Project 50
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 50

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S2) 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins 50
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 50

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 12/05/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team