Module manager: To be confirmed
Email: To be confirmed
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Completion of level 2 of a Chemistry programme such as that at Leeds, or equivalent
| CHEM2331 | Molecules, Energy, Quanta and Change |
| CHEM3330 | Topics in Physical, Theoretical and Environmental Chemistry |
CHEM3291, CHEM3292, CHEM3281, CHEM3282, CHEM3283, CHEM3136, CHEM3185 (in part)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
On completion of this module, students should be able to ...
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
Be able make the links between the macroscopic and microscopic (quantum) worlds via the use of statistical thermodynamics and apply that knowledge through transition state theory.
Explain and rationalise the fundamentals of one or more specialisms (spectroscopy, atmospheric sciences, soft matter) within the chemical sciences and apply these to the solution of a range of theoretical and applied problems.
Statistical thermodynamics: Thermodynamic properties and the partition function.
Reaction kinetics and dynamics: Potential energy surfaces, transition state theory, chemical lasers, reaction trajectories.
Select 2 topics from the list below:
Computational and theoretical chemistry: ab-initio electronic structure, basis sets, and DFT calculations
Soft matter and Colloids: mechanisms and thermodynamics of self-assembly, structure, properties and applications of colloids.
Electronic spectroscopy of atoms and molecules: theory, experimental methods, applications to biophysical studies.
Atmospheric chemistry: structure of and issues in the Earth's present atmosphere.
Other research-led topics as appropriate.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 66 | 1 | 66 |
| Practical | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 228 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 72 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team