2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM5606M Advanced Topics in Chemistry (20 Credit)

20 Credits Class Size: 120

Module manager: Dr Stefan Auer
Email: s.auer@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of Level 3 programme in Natural Sciences

Mutually Exclusive

CHEM5600M Advanced Topics in Chemistry 60 Credit
CHEM5601M Advanced Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 60 Credit
CHEM5604M Advanced Topics in Chemistry (40 Credit)
CHEM5605M Advanced Topics in Chemistry (30 Credit)
CHEM5608M Advanced Topics in Chemistry (15 Credits)
CHEM5616M Advanced Topics in Chemistry
CHEM5617M Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Coursework)
CHEM5618M Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Examined S1)
CHEM5619M Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Examined S2)
CHEM5622M Advanced Topics (10 Credits)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

On completion of the module, students will have an advanced level understanding of a wide range of chemistry to the most advanced level. They will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and recall of multiple areas simultaneously and be able to explain and solve unseen problems of an advanced nature.

Ultimately the module will prepare them for postgraduate research either in academia or industry by providing the students with the core basis of advanced knowledge they will require. Through the continual assessment aspects of the module they will receive training in transferrable skills that will aid their future career.

Learning outcomes

The students will have a broad understanding of core areas of advanced chemistry and be able to solve unseen problem-led questions in these areas.

They will also be able to access the primary literature and use their knowledge to make a critical evaluation of this information.

Syllabus

The module will consist of 2 blocks, one assessed by exam and one by continuous assessment. Either Block 1 or Block 2 (examined blocks) must be completed, with Block 3.

Block 1 (first semester) will consist of 6 topics and you will be required to answer unseen exam questions on 3 topics. The exact topic areas vary year by year to reflect research developments, but a representative list is:
- Characterising structures and mechanisms in Inorganic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry Strategy
- Advanced Methods in Organic Synthesis
- Chemical Biology Tools
- The Combustion Chemistry of Biofuels
- Molecular Dynamics

Block 2 (second semester) will consist of 6 topics and you will be required to answer unseen exam questions on 3 topics. The exact topic areas vary year by year to reflect research developments, but a representative list is:
- Metals in Biology
- Artificial Molecular Switches, Motors and Machines
- Planetary Atmospheres
- Chemistry, Climate Change and Air Pollution: Atmospheric Measurements, Modelling and Policy
- Natural Product Biosynthesis / Biocatalysis
- Physical Organic Process Chemistry

For Block 3 (both semesters) there is a requirement to submit work corresponding to 1 topic. This block will be assessed by a portfolio of work (coursework). The exact topic areas vary year by year to reflect research developments, but a representative list is:
- Nanomaterials
- Energy Transduction – powering the Earth, life and society
- Sustainability
- Structural Control in Modern Materials
- Planning Organic Syntheses
- Statistical Thermodynamics
- Case Studies in Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Synthesis
- Metals in Medicine
- Computer-Aided Drug Design
- Advanced Medicinal Chemistry

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Workshop 16 1 16
Lectures 16 1 16
Independent online learning hours 24
Private study hours 144
Total Contact hours 32
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Private study

Students will be presented with a wide range of advanced material and will be expected to spend considerable time consolidating this knowledge.

Additionally, they will be provided with practice problems that form the basis of the workshops for each topic.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative exercises for workshops, and regularly-spaced online quizzes.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Assignment Coursework 1 25
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 25

Element 3 of the course will account for 25% of the final mark. Each topic will involve one or more of the following types of coursework; Essay or Dissertation, Literature Review, Verbal Presentation, Computer Exercise, Tutorial Performance. A student’s portfolio will depend upon the individual topics that students select for assessment.

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Open Book exam 2.0 Hrs 15 Mins 37.5
Open Book exam 2.0 Hrs 15 Mins 37.5
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 75

Students can take either exam 1 or exam 2. Examined with all other Advanced Topics modules (CHEM56XXM). Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.

Reading List

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 4/29/2024

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