Module manager: Dr Sean Collins
Email: s.m.collins@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Level 2 in Chemistry or Level 2 in Joint Honours (Science) with Chemistry or equivalent.
| CHEM3282 | Topics in Fundamental and Theoretical Chemistry (20cr) |
| CHEM3283 | Topics in Fundamental Chemistry |
(in part, CHEM3131 Chemical Bonding)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Students will be required to study a compulsory 5-credit topic on theoretical and computational chemistry, and one other from a selection of topics in fundamental chemistry. The compulsory topic (assessed via coursework) will enable students to understand and appreciate aspects of computational and theoretical chemistry, and to perform hand-on ab-initio calculations using computational tools. The optional topics will cover a range of fundamental areas in chemistry and will be assessed by examination. Students will be required to answer unseen problems requiring an appropriate level of physico-chemical understanding.
The module comprises a compulsory 5-credit topic on theoretical and computational chemistry (assessed via coursework), and a selection of topics in fundamental chemistry (of which students must choose one to be examined).
On completion of the compulsory topic, students will be able to:
- describe the general methods used to solve the many electron Schrodinger equations for a molecule;
- apply ab-initio computational methods to solve electronic structure problems for molecules;
The examined topics will require students to demonstrate higher-level understanding of topics in fundamental chemistry, and solve unseen problems of a level appropriate to level 3.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1) appreciate the theoretical underpinning of computational methods and basis sets used when solving the many electron Schrödinger equation;
2) apply computational methods to solve electronic structure problems for molecules;
3) demonstrate higher-level understanding of topics in fundamental chemistry, and solve unseen problems of a level appropriate to level 3.
Compulsory Topic:
Theoretical and computational chemistry: ab initio methods, basis set formulation, computational chemistry.
Optional topics (choose 1):
Spectroscopy: electronic spectroscopy of atoms and molecules, experimental methods, laser spectroscopy
Chemistry of the Actinides and Lanthanides: coordination and stereochemistry, physical properties, chemical separation, radioactivity and reactor fuel technology
Electrochemistry: Fundamentals, electrode kinds, applications, dynamic electrochemistry and the effects of current.
The optional topics may change intermittently and be augmented by alternatives.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Practical (computer based) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15 | ||
| Private study hours | 64 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
79h including 15h online study - quizzes, making notes, additional reading and research.
Students will be provided with online quizzes/tests to test their understanding, and with problem sets for workshops/examples classes for which worked answers will be provided.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Exercise | Computer exercise | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 1.0 Hrs Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
If necessary, this will be replaced by an Online Time-Limited Assessment
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 4/29/2024
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